Control system for machine electric generator

A system for controlling a machine to drive a power generator which comprises:

• a power generator;
• a module, wherein the module is engaged with the power generator to generate power during a first portion of a predetermined duty cycle for the module;
• a bi-level tank for holding a liquid, wherein the bi-level tank includes a transfer tank connected in fluid communication with a return tank, wherein the transfer tank has a lower level liquid surface, Llo , with a covered entry port into the transfer tank, and the return tank has an open upper level liquid surface, Lhi, with a submerged exit port located between the transfer tank and the return tank, wherein the bi-level tank receives the module for transit therethrough during a second portion of the predetermined duty cycle;
• a valve mechanism for opening the entry port to receive a module only when the exit port is closed and for opening the exit port to recycle the module only when the entry port is closed;
• a launch pad for dropping the module at a predetermined time in the duty cycle;
• a second generator, wherein the second generator is aligned along a power path between a launch point on the launch pad, and the entry port of the transfer tank to generate electric power by its engagement with the module as the module falls by gravity from the launch point through a distance Hdrop for engagement with the second generator and thereafter for entry into the transfer tank for return by buoyancy of the module to the launch pad via the return tank, wherein the time the module is dropped from the launch pad is coordinated within a duty cycle by the control unit;
• a plurality of position/velocity sensors, wherein at least one position/velocity sensor is positioned at the launch point, at least one position/velocity sensor is located on the power path, and a plurality of position/velocity sensors are positioned in the bi-level tank;
• and
• a control unit connected to the plurality of position/velocity sensors or controlling predetermined velocities of the module during the duty cycle.

A system for controlling a machine to drive a power generator which comprises:

• a power generator;
• a module, wherein the module is engaged with the power generator to generate power during a first portion of a predetermined duty cycle for the module;
• a bi-level tank for holding a liquid, wherein the bi-level tank includes a transfer tank connected in fluid communication with a return tank, wherein the transfer tank has a lower level liquid surface, Llo, with a covered entry port into the transfer tank, and the return tank has an open upper level liquid surface, Lhi, with a submerged exit port located between the transfer tank and the return tank, wherein the bi-level tank receives the module for transit therethrough during a second portion of the predetermined duty cycle;
• a valve mechanism for opening the entry port to receive a module only when the exit port is closed, and for opening the exit port to recycle the module only when the entry port is closed;
• a launch pad for dropping the module at a predetermined time in the duty cycle;
• a second generator, wherein the second generator is aligned along a power path between a launch point on the launch pad and the entry port of the transfer tank to generate electric power by its engagement with the module as the module falls by gravity from the launch point through a distance Hdrop for engagement with the second generator and thereafter for entry into the transfer tank for return by buoyancy of the module to the launch pad via the return tank, wherein the time the module is dropped from the launch pad is coordinated by the control unit;
• a plurality of hydrodynamic sensors, wherein at least one hydrodynamic sensor records fluid pressure in the transfer tank when the entry port is open and the exit port is closed, at least one hydrodynamic sensor records fluid pressure in the transfer tank when the entry port is closed and the exit port is open, and at least one hydrodynamic sensor records fluid pressure in the transfer tank to monitor variations in the lower level liquid surface Llo;
• and
• a control unit connected to the plurality of hydrodynamic sensors for maintaining the Lhi and Llo liquid surface levels at respectively different levels during an operation of the system.