Double-fed induction linear oscillating alternator
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
InventorRodger W. Dyson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A double-fed oscillating linear alternator is provided that includes two concentric Halbach type arrays, one stationary and one movable, that do not require magnets or iron laminations to create a strong magnetic field between the two arrays where the movable array oscillates in a linear motion with respect to the stationary array. The two arrays are manufactured from magnet-less and iron-less conductive material using additive manufacturing techniques.
Claims19
An oscillating linear alternator comprising:
- a stationary circular electromagnetic array;
- and
- a movable circular electromagnetic array including monolithic coils surrounding at least a portion of the stationary circular electromagnetic array, wherein:
- the movable circular electromagnetic array is energized with electrical power from a power source, thereby creating a first magnetic field in the movable circular electromagnetic array, wherein the power source is separate from the stationary circular electromagnetic array,
- a mechanical external mover moves the movable circular electromagnetic array in an oscillating linear motion with respect to the stationary circular electromagnetic array thereby inducing a second magnetic field in the stationary circular electromagnetic array, wherein the oscillating linear motion is along a common central axis of the stationary and movable circular electromagnetic arrays, and
- neither the stationary circular electromagnetic array nor the movable circular electromagnetic array includes or has a permanent magnet attached thereto.
A double-fed oscillating linear alternator comprising:
- a stationary assembly including a stationary circular electromagnetic array;
- and
- a movable assembly including a movable circular electromagnetic array including monolithic coils disposed surrounding at least a portion of the stationary circular electromagnetic array,
- wherein, during operation, the movable assembly oscillates in a linear motion with respect to the stationary assembly, wherein the linear motion is along a common central axis of the stationary and movable circular electromagnetic arrays, wherein
- a first magnetic field generated by the movable circular electromagnetic array is directed towards the stationary circular electromagnetic array and a second magnetic field generated by the stationary circular electromagnetic array is directed towards the movable circular electromagnetic array, and
- the first magnetic field is generated via supplying electrical power to the monolithic coils from a storage device that is electrically coupled to both the stationary circular electromagnetic array and the movable circular electromagnetic array, and
- the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field reside in a gap between the stationary circular electromagnetic array and the movable circular electromagnetic array thereby substantially doubling a magnetic field strength in the gap, and
- neither the stationary circular electromagnetic array nor the movable circular electromagnetic array includes or has a permanent magnet attached thereto.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.