초록 ▼

An energy harvester capable of providing motion from fluid flow includes a Magnus rotor defined by a cylinder driven by a motor causing the cylinder to rotate so that lift is created by the fluid flowing past the cylinder. A channel or system may be provided to direct the fluid flow to the cylinder.

An energy harvester capable of providing motion from fluid flow includes a Magnus rotor defined by a cylinder driven by a motor causing the cylinder to rotate so that lift is created by the fluid flowing past the cylinder. A channel or system may be provided to direct the fluid flow to the cylinder. The rotating cylinder configuration is integrated into a mechanical device which is designed to transfer the lift into a mechanical motion to drive a generator. The mechanical motion due to the created lift is reversed by using a stalling mechanism and counter balanced mechanism. This creates a bidirectional motion which can be captured and used to drive a generator. The device can be utilized in either air or hydraulic environments. A modification of the energy harvester can be configured to utilize the electricity generate to produce hydrogen for use in fuel cells or for combustion.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An energy harvester, comprising:a fluid flow path defined by an inflow fluid channel, an outflow fluid channel, and a chamber disposed between said inflow fluid channel and said outflow channel;a Magnus rotor transversely mounted in said chamber and being movable in said fluid

What is claimed is: 1. An energy harvester, comprising:a fluid flow path defined by an inflow fluid channel, an outflow fluid channel, and a chamber disposed between said inflow fluid channel and said outflow channel;a Magnus rotor transversely mounted in said chamber and being movable in said fluid flow path between a first position and a second position, said Magnus rotor being rotationally driven by a motor;at least one counter balancing system cooperatively associated with said Magnus rotor;a means for producing an electrical current from a movement of said Magnus rotor in said fluid flow path, said means for producing said electrical current comprising,a rack movable in response to movement of said Magnus rotor, andat least one pinion gear drivable by a movement of said rack, said pinion gear being operably connected to an electrical generator,wherein driving of said pinion gear operably connected to said electrical generator produces said electrical current;a battery for charging by said electrical current produced from said means for producing said electrical current; andmeans for connecting said battery to an electrical grid.