Gravitational torque amplifier apparatus and method

A gravitational torque amplifier for improving rotational efficiency, comprising:

• a hub operatively attached to a shaft that rotates about a rotational axis;
• spokes operatively attached to and extending outwardly from the hub, the spokes being orthogonal to the rotational axis;
• a liquid transfer system comprising at least two liquid transfer modules, each operatively attached to at least one of the spokes such to be diametrically opposed with respect to the rotational axis, each of the liquid transfer modules comprising:
• a first tank located on the at least one of the spokes positioned radially outward with respect to the rotational axis, the first tank comprising a first tank inlet that discharges into the first tank, a first pump operatively attached to a first tank outlet, and a first float switch to selectively enable the first pump,
• a second tank located on the at least one of the spokes positioned radially inward with respect to the rotational axis comprising a second tank inlet that discharges into the second tank, a second pump operatively attached to a second tank outlet, and a second float switch to selectively enable the second pump,
• a first liquid conduit connecting the first tank outlet to the second tank inlet and permitting a liquid to flow from the first tank to the second tank via selective activation of the first pump, and
• a second liquid conduit connecting the second tank outlet to the first tank inlet and permitting the liquid to flow from the second tank to the first tank via selective activation of the second pump;
• wherein a buoyancy of the first float switch and the second float switch is greater than a centrifugal force of the liquid transfer system;
• wherein pumping the liquid from the first tank to the second tank increases radial inward motion to decrease a dynamic moment of inertia;
• and
• wherein pumping the liquid from the second tank to the first tank increases radial outward motion to increase the dynamic moment of inertia.

A method of amplifying gravitational torque to improve rotational efficiency, comprising:

• (a) rotating a hub attached to a shaft about a rotational axis, the hub comprising spokes operatively attached to and extending outwardly from the hub, the spokes being orthogonal to the rotational axis;
• (b) orienting a liquid transfer system comprising at least two liquid transfer modules, each operatively attached to at least one of the spokes to initiate movement of a liquid between a distal location and a proximal location relative to the rotational axis, each of the liquid transfer modules comprising:
• a first tank located on the at least one of the spokes positioned radially outward with respect to the rotational axis, the first tank comprising a first tank inlet that discharges into the first tank, a first pump operatively attached to a first tank outlet, and a first float switch to selectively enable the first pump,
• a second tank located on the at least one of the spokes positioned radially inward with respect to the rotational axis comprising a second tank inlet that discharges into the second tank, a second pump operatively attached to a second tank outlet, and a second float switch to selectively enable the second pump,
• a first liquid conduit connecting the first tank outlet to the second tank inlet and permitting a liquid to flow from the first tank to the second tank via selective activation of the first pump, and
• a second liquid conduit connecting the second tank outlet to the first tank inlet and permitting the liquid to flow from the second tank to the first tank via selective activation of the second pump;
• (c) selectively decreasing a dynamic moment of inertia by pumping the liquid from the first tank to the second tank to increase radial inward motion upon activation of the first float switch;
• and
• (d) selectively increasing the dynamic moment of inertia by pumping the liquid from the second tank to the first tank to increase radial outward motion upon activation of the second float switch;
• wherein the liquid transfer system rotates about a direction of travel about the rotational axis;
• and
• wherein each of the spokes are spaced about the hub such to have substantially equal angular distance therebetween.