Gerotor apparatus for a quasi-isothermal brayton cycle engine
According to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes a first gerotor, a second gerotor, and a synchronizing system operable to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor. The synchronizing system includes a cam plate coupled to the first gerotor, wherein the cam plate includes a plurality of cams, and an alignment plate coupled to the second gerotor. The alignment plate includes at least one alignment member, wherein the plurality of cams and the at least one alignment member interact to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor.
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This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/538,747, entitled “QUASI-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE ENGINE,” filed Jan. 23, 2004.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a gerotor apparatus that functions as a compressor or expander. The gerotor apparatus may be applied generally to Brayton cycle engines and, more particularly, to a quasi-isothermal Brayton cycle engine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONFor mobile applications, such as an automobile or truck, it is generally desirable to use a heat engine that has the following characteristics: internal combustion to reduce the need for heat exchangers; complete expansion for improved efficiency; isothermal compression and expansion; high power density; high-temperature expansion for high efficiency; ability to efficiently “throttle” the engine for part-load conditions; high turn-down ratio (i.e., the ability to operate at widely ranging speeds and torques); low pollution; uses standard components with which the automotive industry is familiar; multifuel capability; and regenerative braking.
There are currently several types of heat engines, each with their own characteristics and cycles. These heat engines include the Otto Cycle engine, the Diesel Cycle engine, the Rankine Cycle engine, the Stirling Cycle engine, the Erickson Cycle engine, the Carnot Cycle engine, and the Brayton Cycle engine. A brief description of each engine is provided below.
The Otto Cycle engine is an inexpensive, internal combustion, low-compression engine with a fairly low efficiency. This engine is widely used to power automobiles.
The Diesel Cycle engine is a moderately expensive, internal combustion, high-compression engine with a high efficiency that is widely used to power trucks and trains.
The Rankine Cycle engine is an external combustion engine that is generally used in electric power plants. Water is the most common working fluid.
The Erickson Cycle engine uses isothermal compression and expansion with constant-pressure heat transfer. It may be implemented as either an external or internal combustion cycle. In practice, a perfect Erickson cycle is difficult to achieve because isothermal expansion and compression are not readily attained in large, industrial equipment.
The Carnot Cycle engine uses isothermal compression and expansion and adiabatic compression and expansion. The Carnot Cycle may be implemented as either an external or internal combustion cycle. It features low power density, mechanical complexity, and difficult-to-achieve constant-temperature compressor and expander.
The Stirling Cycle engine uses isothermal compression and expansion with constant-volume heat transfer. It is almost always implemented as an external combustion cycle. It has a higher power density than the Carnot cycle, but it is difficult to perform the heat exchange, and it is difficult to achieve constant-temperature compression and expansion.
The Stirling, Erickson, and Carnot cycles are as efficient as nature allows because heat is delivered at a uniformly high temperature, Thot, during the isothermal expansion, and rejected at a uniformly low temperature, Tcold, during the isothermal compression. The maximum efficiency, ηmax, of these three cycles is:
This efficiency is attainable only if the engine is “reversible,” meaning that the engine is frictionless, and that there are no temperature or pressure gradients. In practice, real engines have “irreversibilities,” or losses, associated with friction and temperature/pressure gradients.
The Brayton Cycle engine is an internal combustion engine that is generally implemented with turbines and is generally used to power aircraft and some electric power plants. The Brayton cycle features very high power density, normally does not use a heat exchanger, and has a lower efficiency than the other cycles. When a regenerator is added to the Brayton cycle, however, the cycle efficiency increases. Traditionally, the Brayton cycle is implemented using axial-flow, multi-stage compressors and expanders. These devices are generally suitable for aviation in which aircraft operate at fairly constant speeds; they are generally not suitable for most transportation applications, such as automobiles, buses, trucks, and trains, which must operate over widely varying speeds.
The Otto cycle, the Diesel cycle, the Brayton cycle, and the Rankine cycle all have efficiencies less than the maximum because they do not use isothermal compression and expansion steps. Further, the Otto and Diesel cycle engines lose efficiency because they do not completely expand high-pressure gases, and simply throttle the waste gases to the atmosphere.
Reducing the size and complexity, as well as the cost, of Brayton cycle engines is important. In addition, improving the efficiency of Brayton cycle engines and/or their components is important. Manufacturers of Brayton cycle engines are continually searching for better and more economical ways of producing Brayton cycle engines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes a first gerotor, a second gerotor, and a synchronizing system operable to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor. The synchronizing system includes a cam plate coupled to the first gerotor, wherein the cam plate includes a plurality of cams, and an alignment plate coupled to the second gerotor. The alignment plate includes at least one alignment member, wherein the plurality of cams and the at least one alignment member interact to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor.
Embodiments of the invention provide a number of technical advantages. Embodiments of the invention may include all, some, or none of these advantages. One technical advantage is a more compact and lightweight Brayton cycle engine having simpler gas flow paths, less loads on bearings, and lower power consumption. Some embodiments have fewer parts then previous Brayton cycle engines. Another advantage is that the present invention introduces a simpler method for regulating leakage from gaps. An additional advantage is that the oil path is completely separated from the high-pressure gas preventing heat transfer from the gas to the oil, or entrainment of oil into the gas. A further advantage is that precision alignment between the inner and outer gerotors may be achieved through a single part (e.g., a rigid shaft). A still further advantage is that drive mechanisms disclosed herein have small backlash and low wear.
Other technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
For a more complete understanding of the invention, and for further features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Embodiments of the invention may provide a number of technical advantages, such as a more compact and lightweight design of a gerotor compressor or expander having simpler gas flow paths, less loads on bearings, and lower power consumption. In addition, some embodiments of the invention introduce a simpler method for regulating leakage from gaps, provide for precision alignment between the inner and outer gerotors, and introduce drive mechanisms that have small backlash and low wear. These technical advantages may be facilitated by all, some, or none of the embodiments described below. In addition, in some embodiments, the technology described herein may be utilized in conjunction with the technology described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/359,487, which is herein incorporated by reference.
Housing 12a includes a valve plate 40a that includes one or more fluid inlets 42a and one or more fluid outlets 44a. Fluid inlets 42a generally allow fluids, such as gasses, liquids, or liquid-gas mixtures, to enter outer gerotor chamber 30a. Likewise, fluid outlets 44a generally allow fluids within outer gerotor chamber 30a to exit from outer gerotor chamber 30a. Fluid inlets 42a and fluid outlets 44a may have any suitable shape and size. In some embodiments, such as embodiments in which apparatus 10a is used for communicating compressible fluids, such as gasses or liquid-gas mixtures, the total area of the one or more fluid inlets 42a is different than the total area of the one or more fluid outlets 44a. In embodiments in which apparatus 10a is a compressor, the total area of fluid inlets 42a may be greater than the total area of fluid outlets 44a. Conversely, in embodiments in which apparatus 10a is an expander, the total area of fluid inlets 42a may be less than the total area of fluid outlets 44a.
As shown in
In this embodiment, synchronizing system 18a includes a cam plate 22a including one or more cams 24a interacting with an alignment plate 26a including one or more alignment members 28a. Cam plate 22a is rigidly coupled to inner gerotor 16a, and alignment plate 26a is rigidly coupled to outer gerotor 14a via first shaft 50a. In alternative embodiments, cam plate 22a may be coupled to outer gerotor 14a and alignment plate 26a may be coupled to inner gerotor 16a. Cam plate 22a and alignment plate 26a cooperate to synchronize the relative motion of outer gerotor 14a and inner gerotor 16a. During operation of gerotor apparatus 10a, alignment members 28a ride against the surfaces of cams 24a, which synchronizes the relative motion of outer gerotor 14a and inner gerotor 16a. Alignment members 28a may include pegs or any other suitable members that may interact with cams 24a. Synchronizing system 18a may include a lubricant 60a operable to reduce friction between cams 24a and alignment members 28a. Synchronizing system 18a is discussed in greater detail below with reference to
As discussed above, synchronizing system 18a may be partially or substantially housed within synchronizing system housing 20a. In this embodiment, synchronizing system housing 20a is coupled to first axis 50a and second axis 54a and, because first axis 50a and second axis 54a are offset from each other, synchronizing system housing 20a is restricted from rotating relative to housing 12a. Synchronizing system housing 20a may be operable to restrict lubricant 60a from flowing into the portions of outer gerotor chamber 30a though which fluids are communicated during the operation of gerotor apparatus 10a. Such portions of outer gerotor chamber 30a are indicated in
In the embodiment shown in
However, unlike gerotor apparatus 10a, synchronizing system 18b of gerotor apparatus 10b is partially or substantially enclosed by a dam 90b and a plug 92b. Dam 90b may comprise a cylindrical member rigidly coupled to, or integral with, inner gerotor 16b, and plug 92b may also comprise a cylindrical member. Plug 92b may be coupled to dam 90b and shaft 50b, such as by one or more bearings, such that plug 92b forms a seal between inner gerotor 16b and shaft 50b. In the embodiment shown in
Synchronizing system 18c is partially enclosed by a dam 90c. Dam 90c may comprise a cylindrical member rigidly coupled to, or integral with, inner gerotor 16c proximate a first end 110c of inner gerotor 16c. In this embodiment, dam 90c does not completely seal synchronizing system 18c from portions of outer gerotor chamber 30c though which fluids are communicated during the operation of gerotor apparatus 10c, indicated in
Outer gerotor 14e includes an inner surface 130e extending around the inner perimeter of outer gerotor 14e and at least partially defining outer gerotor chamber 30e. Inner gerotor 16e includes an outer surface 132e extending around the outer perimeter of inner gerotor 16e. As inner gerotor 16e and outer gerotor 14e rotate relative to each other, at least portions of outer surface 132e of inner gerotor 16e contacts at least portions of inner surface 130e of outer gerotor 14e, which synchronizes the rotation of inner gerotor 16e and outer gerotor 14e. Thus, as shown in
In order to reduce friction and wear between inner gerotor 16e and outer gerotor 14e, at least a portion of (a) outer surface 132e of inner gerotor 16e and/or (b) inner surface 130e of outer gerotor 14e is formed from one or more relatively low-friction materials 134e, which portions may be referred to as low-friction regions 140e. Such low-friction materials 134e may include, for example, a polymer (phenolics, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, acetyl, polyimide, polysulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene), graphite, or oil-impregnated sintered bronze. In some embodiments, such as embodiments in which water is provided as a lubricant between outer surface 132e of inner gerotor 16e and inner surface 130e of outer gerotor 14e, low-friction materials 134e may comprise VESCONITE.
Low-friction regions 140e may include portions (or all) of inner gerotor 16e and/or outer gerotor 14e, or low-friction implants coupled to, or integral with, inner gerotor 16e and/or outer gerotor 14e. Depending on the particular embodiment, such low-friction regions 140e may extend around the inner perimeter of outer gerotor 14e and/or the outer perimeter of inner gerotor 16e, or may be located only at particular locations around the inner perimeter of outer gerotor 14e and/or the outer perimeter of inner gerotor 16e, such as proximate the tips of inner gerotor 16e and/or outer gerotor 14e as discussed below with respect to
In some embodiments, low-friction regions 140e of inner gerotor 16e and/or outer gerotor 14e may sufficiently reduce friction and wear such that gerotor apparatus 10e may be run dry, or without lubrication. However, in some embodiments, a lubricant 60e is provided to further reduce friction and wear between inner gerotor 16e and outer gerotor 14e. As shown in
Lubricant 60e, as well as any other lubricant discussed here, may include any one or more suitable substances suitable to provide lubrication between multiple surfaces, such as oils, graphite, grease, water, or any other suitable lubricants.
View B of
In the embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
Gerotor apparatus 10f may be designed as either a compressor or an expander, depending on the embodiment or intended application. A compressible fluid 192f, such as a gas or gas-liquid mixture, may be run through system 190f, including through first chamber portion 202f, gerotor apparatus 10f, and second chamber portion 204f. In embodiments in which gerotor apparatus 10f is a compressor, compressible fluid 192f may flow through first chamber portion 202f at a first pressure, become compressed within gerotor apparatus 10f, and flow through second chamber portion 204f at a second pressure higher than the first pressure. Conversely, in embodiments in which gerotor apparatus 10f is an expander, the compressible fluid 192f may flow through first chamber portion 202f at a first pressure, expand within gerotor apparatus 10f, and flow through second chamber portion 204f at a second pressure lower than the first pressure. In some embodiments, chamber 200f is a vacuum chamber. In some embodiments, system 190f may be a portion of an air conditioning system. In a particular embodiment, system 190f is part of a water-based air conditioning system.
Like gerotor apparatus 10e shown in
Housing 12f includes a fluid outlet plate 40f and a fluid inlet plate 41f. Fluid inlet plate 41f includes at least one inlet opening 214f (see
In this particular embodiment, gerotor apparatus 10f is a self-synchronizing gerotor apparatus 10f similar to gerotor apparatus 10e shown in
In the second embodiment, C2, outlet valve plate 40f includes an outlet opening 224f, as well as one or more check valves 230f, allowing fluids to exit fluid flow passageways 32f into second chamber portion 204f. Providing one or more check valves 230f allows various types of fluids 192f to be run through gerotor apparatus 10f, such as gasses, liquids (e.g., water), and gas-liquid mixtures. The area of outlet opening 224f may be smaller than the total area of inlet opening(s) 214f formed in inlet valve plate 41f (see
Like gerotor apparatus 10e shown in
Similarly, gerotor apparatus 10g′ includes an outer gerotor 14g′ disposed within housing 12g, an outer gerotor chamber 30g′ at least partially defined by outer gerotor 14g′, and an inner gerotor 16g′ at least partially disposed within outer gerotor chamber 30g′. Outer gerotor 14g′ may be rigidly coupled to, or integral with, outer gerotor 14g of gerotor apparatus 10g. In alternative embodiments, inner gerotor 16g′ may be rigidly coupled to, or integral with, inner gerotor 16g of gerotor apparatus 10g. Outer gerotor 14g′ and inner gerotor 16g′ are rotatably coupled to shaft 100g rigidly coupled to housing 12g. In particular, outer gerotor 14g′ is rotatably coupled to first portion 102g of shaft 100g, and inner gerotor 16g′ is rotatably coupled to a third portion 105g of shaft 100g having a third axis about which inner gerotor 16g′ rotates, the third axis being offset from the first axis. The third axis about which inner gerotor 16g′ rotates may be co-axial with the second axis about which inner gerotor 16g rotates.
Housing 12g includes a first valve plate 40g proximate first face 252g of apparatus 250g and operable to control the flow of fluids through first gerotor apparatus 10g, and a second valve plate 40g′ proximate second face 254g of apparatus 250g and operable to control the flow of fluids through second gerotor apparatus 10g′. First valve plate 40g includes at least one fluid inlet 42g allowing fluids to enter fluid flow passageways 32g of gerotor apparatus 10g, and at least one fluid outlet 44g allowing fluids to exit fluid flow passageways 32g of gerotor apparatus 10g. Similarly, second valve plate 40g′ includes at least one fluid inlet 42g′ allowing fluids to enter fluid flow passageways 32g′ of gerotor apparatus 10g′, and at least one fluid outlet 44g′ allowing fluids to exit fluid flow passageways 32g′ of gerotor apparatus 10g′. Having fluid inlets 42g and 42g′ and fluid outlets 44g and 44g′ at each face 252g and 254g of apparatus 250g doubles the porting area into and out of dual gerotor apparatus 250g, which may provide more efficient fluid flow and/or reduce or minimize porting losses as compared to an apparatus with a single gerotor apparatus 10.
In the embodiment shown in
As shown in
However, unlike dual gerotor apparatus 250g shown in
Thus, embodiments in which dual gerotor apparatus 250h includes a motor 260h and gerotor apparatuses 10h and 10h′ are compressors, motor 260h may not only power the compressors, but also power rotating shaft 270h, which power may be used for other purposes, such as to power auxiliary devices. For example, where dual gerotor apparatus 250h is used in a water-based air conditioner, rotating shaft 270h may be used to power one or more pumps.
Compressor outer gerotor 14j may be rigidly coupled to, or integral with, expander outer gerotor 14j′. Similarly, compressor inner gerotor 16j may be rigidly coupled to, or integral with, expander inner gerotor 16j′. Compressor and expander outer gerotors 14j and 14j′ and compressor and expander inner gerotors 16j and 16j′ may be rotatably coupled to a single shaft 100j rigidly coupled to housing 12j. In the embodiment shown in
Compressor gerotor apparatus 10j and/or expander gerotor apparatus 10j′ may be self-synchronizing, such as described above regarding the various gerotor apparatuses shown in
Low-friction regions 140j of compressor inner gerotor 16j and/or compressor outer gerotor 14j may extend a slight distance beyond the outer surface 132j of compressor inner gerotor 16j and/or inner surface 130j of compressor outer gerotor 14j to provide a narrow gap 144j between remaining, higher-friction regions 142j of compressor inner gerotor 16j and compressor outer gerotor 14j such that only the low-friction regions 140j contact each other. The narrow gap 144j may similarly exist between expander inner gerotor 16j′ and expander outer gerotor 14j′ (which may include only higher-friction regions 142j) such that expander inner gerotor 16j′ and expander outer gerotor 14j′ do not touch each other (or touch each other only slightly or occasionally), thus reducing or eliminating friction and wear between expander inner gerotor 16j′ and expander outer gerotor 14j′. In addition, as shown in
In alternative embodiments, expander inner gerotor 16j′ and expander outer gerotor 14j′ may also include low-friction regions 140j to provide further synchronization or mechanical support. In general, none, portions, or all of each of compressor inner gerotor 16j, compressor outer gerotor 14j, expander inner gerotor 16j′ and/or expander outer gerotor 14j′ may include low-friction regions 140j. In addition, in some alternative embodiments, compressor gerotor apparatus 10j and/or expander gerotor apparatus 10j′ may include a synchronizing system 18j, such as shown in
As shown in
Compressor outer gerotor 14k may be rigidly coupled to, or integral with, expander outer gerotor 14k′. Similarly, compressor inner gerotor 16k may be rigidly coupled to, or integral with, expander inner gerotor 16k′. Compressor and expander inner gerotors 16k and 16k′ may be rigidly coupled to a shaft 100k that is rotatably coupled to the inside of a cylindrical portion 330k of housing 12k by one or more bearings. Compressor and expander outer gerotors 14k and 14k′ may be rotatably coupled to an inner perimeter of housing 12k by one or more bearings.
Unlike side-breathing engine system 300j shown in
Compressor gerotor apparatus 10k and/or expander gerotor apparatus 10k′ of engine system 300k shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In this embodiment, compressor inner gerotor 16m is rigidly coupled to, or integral with, expander inner gerotor 16m′. In particular, compressor and expander inner gerotors 16m and 16m′ are rigidly coupled to a shaft 100m that is rotatably coupled to the inside of a cylindrical portion 330m of housing 12m by one or more bearings. In addition, compressor outer gerotor 14m is rigidly coupled to, or integral with, expander outer gerotor 14m′. In particular, compressor and expander outer gerotors 14m and 14m′ are rigidly coupled to, or integral with, a cylindrical outer gerotor support member 334m having an outer diameter, indicated as D1, that is smaller than the outer diameter of the compressor and expander outer gerotors 14m and 14m′, indicated as D2. In some embodiments, D1 is less than ½ of D2. In particular embodiments, D1 is less than ⅓ of D2. Outer gerotor support member 334m is rotatably coupled to one or more extension members 336m of housing 12m by one or more ring-shaped bearings 340m. As shown in
Like face-breathing engine system 300k shown in
Compressor gerotor apparatus 10m and/or expander gerotor apparatus 10m′ of engine system 300m shown in
In operation, torque generated by system 300m is transmitted from outer gerotors 14m and 14m′ to inner gerotors 16m and 16m′, and then to the rotating output shaft 100m, which shaft power may be used to power any suitable device or devices. As with various other engine systems 300 shown and described herein, in some embodiments, the same mechanical arrangement of engine system 300m could be used in a reverse-Brayton cycle heat pump in which power is input to shaft 100m.
Like engine system 300m shown in
Like face-breathing engine system 300m shown in
Unlike engine system 300m shown in
Like engine system 300 shown in
As discussed above, unlike engine system 300m shown in
First, in the embodiment shown in
Thus, power generated by engine system 300o is withdrawn from first gear 274o mounted to outer gerotors 14o and 14o′ and transferred to drive shaft 270o. One advantage of this embodiment is that torque is transmitted directly from outer gerotors 14o and 14o′ to drive shaft 270o without involving inner gerotors 16o or 16o′, thereby reducing friction and wear at the low-friction regions 140o of compressor outer gerotor 14o and/or inner gerotor 16o, such as low-friction regions 140o at each tip 160o of compressor inner gerotor 16o and proximate the inner perimeter of compressor outer gerotor 14o. At a steady rotational speed, there is negligible torque transmitted through the low-friction regions 140o at tips 160o of compressor inner gerotor 16o and proximate the inner perimeter of compressor outer gerotor 14o because there is little net torque acting on inner gerotors 16o or 16o′. The pressure forces acting on inner gerotors 16o or 16o′ that would cause inner gerotors 16o and 16o′ to rotate clockwise are substantially counterbalanced by the pressure forces acting to rotate inner gerotors 16o and 16o′ counterclockwise. In essence, inner gerotors 16o and 16o′ act as an idler.
It should be noted that lubrication channels are omitted to simplify
Second, in the embodiment shown in
Thus, power generated by engine system 300p is withdrawn from first coupler 360p mounted to outer gerotors 14p and 14p′ and transferred to drive shaft 270p. As discussed above, one advantage of such embodiment is that torque is transmitted directly from outer gerotors 14p and 14p′ to drive shaft 270p without involving inner gerotors 16p or 16p′, thereby reducing friction and wear at the low-friction regions 140p of compressor outer gerotor 14p and/or inner gerotor 16p. Also, at a steady rotational speed, there is negligible torque transmitted through the low-friction regions 140p at tips 160p, as inner gerotors 16p and 16p′ essentially act as an idler.
Again, it should be noted that lubrication channels are omitted to simplify
Third, in the embodiment shown in
Again, it should be noted that lubrication channels are omitted to simplify
Like engine system 300q shown in
In addition, like face-breathing engine system 300q shown in
As discussed above, engine system 300r includes a motor 260r or a generator 264r integrated with the engine. As shown in
In embodiments including a generator 264r, generator 264r may be powered by the rotation of outer gerotors 14r and 14r′. Thus, rotation of outer gerotors 14r and 14r′ may supply output power to both generator 264r and drive shaft 270r, which output power may be used for any suitable purpose. Motor 260r/generator 264r may comprise any suitable type of motor or generator, such as a permanent magnet motor or generator, a switched reluctance motor (SRM) or generator, or an inductance motor or generator, for example.
Like engine system 300r shown in
As discussed above, engine system 300s includes an integrated motor 260s or generator 264s, which may be coupled to, or integrated with, housing 12s. In embodiments including a motor 260s, motor 260s may drive engine system 300s by driving rigidly coupled, or integrated, outer gerotors 14s and 14s′, which may in turn drive inner gerotors 16s and 16s′. For example, motor 260s may drive one or more magnetic elements 262s coupled to, or integrated with, an outer perimeter surface 370s of outer gerotor 14s (or, in an alternative embodiment, an outer perimeter surface of outer gerotor 14s′). For example, during starting, all of the power generated by motor 260s may be used by engine system 300s. Once the engine has started, there is no way to take energy out of the system. Again, in the case of an electric motor, the compressor/expander system is best viewed as a reverse Brayton cycle heat pump. In embodiments including a generator 264s, all of the engine power output generated by the rotation of outer gerotors 14s and 14s′ may be used by generator 264s to make electricity. Motor 260s/generator 264s may comprise any suitable type of motor or generator, such as a permanent magnet motor or generator, a switched reluctance motor (SRM) or generator, or an inductance motor or generator, for example.
Like engine system 300j, engine system 300t includes a housing 12t, a compressor gerotor apparatus 10t and an expander gerotor apparatus 10t′. Compressor gerotor apparatus 10t includes a compressor outer gerotor 14t disposed within housing 12t, a compressor outer gerotor chamber 30t at least partially defined by compressor outer gerotor 14t, and a compressor inner gerotor 16t at least partially disposed within compressor outer gerotor chamber 30t. Similarly, expander gerotor apparatus 10t′ includes an expander outer gerotor 14t′ disposed within housing 12t, an expander outer gerotor chamber 30t′ at least partially defined by expander outer gerotor 14t′, and an expander inner gerotor 16t′ at least partially disposed within expander outer gerotor chamber 30t′.
Compressor outer gerotor 14t may be rigidly coupled to, or integral with, expander outer gerotor 14t′. Similarly, compressor inner gerotor 16t may be rigidly coupled to, or integral with, expander inner gerotor 16t′. Compressor and expander outer gerotors 14t and 14t′ and compressor and expander inner gerotors 16t and 16t′ may be rotatably coupled to a single shaft 100t rigidly coupled to housing 12t. In the embodiment shown in
Compressor gerotor apparatus 10t and/or expander gerotor apparatus 10t′ may be self-synchronizing, such as described above regarding the various gerotor apparatuses shown in
Engine system 300t shown in
As discussed above, engine system 300t includes a motor 260t or a generator 264t integrated with the engine. As shown in
In embodiments including a generator 264t, generator 264t may be powered by the rotation of outer gerotors 14t and 14t′. Thus, rotation of outer gerotors 14t and 14t′ may supply output power to both generator 264t and drive shaft 270t, which output power may be used for any suitable purpose. Motor 260t/generator 264t may comprise any suitable type of motor or generator, such as a permanent magnet motor or generator, a switched reluctance motor (SRM) or generator, or an inductance motor or generator, for example.
Like engine system 300t, compressor-expander system 300u includes a housing 12u, a compressor gerotor apparatus 10u and an expander gerotor apparatus 10u′. Compressor gerotor apparatus 10u includes a compressor outer gerotor 14u disposed within housing 12u, a compressor outer gerotor chamber 30u at least partially defined by compressor outer gerotor 14u, and a compressor inner gerotor 16u at least partially disposed within compressor outer gerotor chamber 30u. Similarly, expander gerotor apparatus 10u′ includes an expander outer gerotor 14u′ disposed within housing 12u, an expander outer gerotor chamber 30u′ at least partially defined by expander outer gerotor 14u′, and an expander inner gerotor 16u′ at least partially disposed within expander outer gerotor chamber 30u′.
Compressor and expander outer gerotors 14u and 14u′ are rotatably coupled to first portions 102u of shaft 100u having a first axis about which outer gerotors 14u and 14u′ rotate, and compressor and expander inner gerotors 16u and 16u′ are rotatably coupled to a second portion 104u of shaft 100u having a second axis about which inner gerotors 16u and 16u′ rotate, the second axis being offset from the first axis. Compressor gerotor apparatus 10u and/or expander gerotor apparatus 10u′ may be self-synchronizing, such as described above regarding the various gerotor apparatuses shown in
As discussed above, compressor-expander system 300u includes a motor 260u or a generator 264u integrated with the engine. As shown in
In embodiments or situations in which fuel is supplied to compressor-expander system 300u to rotate outer gerotors 14u and 14u′, motor 260u/generator 264u functions as an electric generator 264u to produce electricity. In such situations, compressor-expander system 300u may function as an engine. Motor 260u/generator 264u may comprise any suitable type of motor or generator, such as a permanent magnet motor or generator, a switched reluctance motor (SRM) or generator, or an inductance motor or generator, for example.
Like gerotor apparatus 10e shown in
Housing 12v includes a valve plate 40v including one or more fluid inlets 42v and one or more fluid outlets 44v. Fluid inlets 42v generally allow fluids, such as gasses, liquids, or liquid-gas mixtures, to enter outer gerotor chamber 30v. Likewise, fluid outlets 44v generally allow fluids within outer gerotor chamber 30v to exit from outer gerotor chamber 30v. Gerotor apparatus 10v may be self-synchronized by one or more low-friction regions 140v, such as described above regarding the various gerotor apparatuses shown in
As discussed above, gerotor apparatus 10v includes a sealing system 400v to reduce leakage of fluid traveling through outer gerotor chamber 30v. For example, sealing system 400v may reduce leakage of gas between rotating gerotors 14v and 16v and housing 12v. As shown in the enlarged view of sealing system 400v in
As outer gerotor 14x begins to rotate relative to the stationary housing 12x, seal cutters 434x abrade one or more ring-shaped seal tracks, or grooves, 440x into the abradable, spring-loaded sealing member 436x, thus forming a labyrinthian seal extending around the circumference of outer gerotor 14x and housing 12x, such as shown in view (c). Although
Gerotor apparatus 10y includes a housing 12y, an outer gerotor 14y disposed within housing 12y, an outer gerotor chamber 30y at least partially defined by outer gerotor 14y, and an inner gerotor 16y at least partially disposed within outer gerotor chamber 30y. Outer gerotor 14y is rigidly coupled to a first shaft 50y, which is rotatably coupled to housing 12y by one or more ring-shaped bearings 52y, and inner gerotor 16y is rotatably coupled to a second shaft 54y by one or more ring-shaped bearings 56y, which shaft 54y is rigidly coupled to, or integral with, housing 12y. Outer gerotor 14y rotates about a first axis and inner gerotor 16y rotates about a second axis offset from the first axis. In situations in which gerotor apparatus 10y functions as a pump, power is delivered to gerotor apparatus 10y through first shaft 50y. In situations in which gerotor apparatus 10y functions as an expander, power is output to first shaft 50y.
Housing 12y includes a valve plate 40y that includes one or more fluid inlets 42y and one or more fluid outlets 44y. Fluid inlets 42y generally allow fluids to enter outer gerotor chamber 30y. Likewise, fluid outlets 44y and check valves 230y (if present) generally allow fluids to exit outer gerotor chamber 30y. Fluid inlets 42y and fluid outlets 44y may have any suitable shape and size. Where apparatus 10y is used as a liquid pump, such as a water pump for example, the total area of fluid inlets 42y may be approximately equal to the total area of fluid outlets 44y. Where apparatus 10y functions as an expander, the total area of fluid inlets 42y may be smaller than the total area of fluid outlets 44y. Where apparatus 10y functions as a compressor, the total area of fluid inlets 42y may be greater than the total area of fluid outlets 44y. In some embodiments, valve plate 40y may also include one or more check valves 230y generally operable to allow fluids to exit from outer gerotor chamber 30y, as discussed below regarding
Gerotor apparatus 10y may be self-synchronizing, such as described above regarding the various gerotor apparatuses shown in
As discussed above, low-friction regions 140y may be formed from a polymer (phenolics, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, acetyl, polyimide, polysulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene), graphite, or oil-impregnated sintered bronze, for example. In embodiments in which the fluid flowing through outer gerotor chamber 30y is water (e.g., where gerotor apparatus functions as a water pump), low-friction regions 140y may be formed from VESCONITE.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In embodiment (b), outlet valve plate 40y includes a fluid inlet 42y allowing fluids to enter outer gerotor chamber 30y, a fluid outlet 44y allowing fluids to exit outer gerotor chamber 30y, and one or more check valves 230y also allowing fluids to exit outer gerotor chamber 30y. In this embodiment, the area of fluid inlet 42y may be substantially identical to the total area of fluid outlet 44y and check valves 230y. This embodiment is suitable for a pump that is pressurizing a mixture of liquid and gas. As the liquid/gas mixture is compressed within outer gerotor chamber 30y, the appropriate check valves open to discharge the liquid/gas mixture. For example, if the fluid flowing through and exiting outer gerotor chamber 30y consists only of liquid, all check valves 230y open. If the fluid flowing through and exiting outer gerotor chamber 30y contains an intermediate content of gas, a portion of check valves 230y may open. Check valves 230y may open and/or close slowly. This is particularly useful for applications that operate at relatively low pressures, such as water-based air conditioning. At low pressure, there is insufficient force available to rapidly move the mass of check valves 230y.
Gerotor apparatus 10z includes a housing 12z, an outer gerotor 14z disposed within housing 12z, an outer gerotor chamber 30z at least partially defined by outer gerotor 14z, and an inner gerotor 16z at least partially disposed within outer gerotor chamber 30z. Outer gerotor 14z and inner gerotor 16z are rotatably coupled to a single shaft 100z rigidly coupled to housing 12z. In particular, outer gerotor 14z is rotatably coupled to a first portion 102z of shaft 100z having a first axis about which outer gerotor 14z rotates, and inner gerotor 16z is rotatably coupled to a second portion 104z of shaft 100z having a second axis about which inner gerotor 16z rotates, the second axis being offset from the first axis.
Housing 12z includes a valve plate 40z that includes one or more fluid inlets 42z, one or more fluid outlets 44z and/or one or more check valves 230z. Fluid inlets 42z generally allow fluids to enter outer gerotor chamber 30z, and fluid outlets 44z and/or check valves 230z generally allow fluids within outer gerotor chamber 30z to exit from outer gerotor chamber 30z, such as described above regarding valve plate 40y shown in
Gerotor apparatus 10z may be self-synchronizing, such as described above regarding gerotor apparatus 10y shown in
As discussed above, gerotor apparatus 10z includes an integrated motor 260z or generator 264z. As shown in
As shown in
Each of gerotor apparatuses 10A and 10A′ may be substantially similar to gerotor apparatus 10z shown in
Outer gerotor 14A′ may be rigidly coupled to, or integral with, outer gerotor 14A of gerotor apparatus 10A. Outer gerotors 14A and 14A′ and inner gerotors 16A and 16A′ are rotatably coupled to a single shaft 1 OOA rigidly coupled to housing 12A. In particular, outer gerotors 14A and 14A′ are rotatably coupled to first portions 102A of shaft 100A having a first axis, and inner gerotors 16A and 16A′ are rotatably coupled to a second portion 104A of shaft 100A having a second axis offset from the first axis. Housing 12A includes a first valve plate 40A proximate first face 252A of apparatus 250A operable to control the flow of fluids through first gerotor apparatus 10A, and a second valve plate 40A′ proximate second face 254A of apparatus 250A operable to control the flow of fluids through second gerotor apparatus 10A′, such as described above with reference to
As discussed above, gerotor apparatus 10A includes an integrated motor 260A or generator 264A. Motor 260A or generator 264A may or may not be coupled to, or integrated with, housing 12A. In embodiments including a motor 260A, motor 260A may drive gerotor apparatus 10A by driving outer gerotors 14A and 14A′, which may in turn drive inner gerotors 16A and 16A′. For example, motor 260A may drive one or more magnetic elements 262A coupled to, or integrated with, outer gerotors 14A and 14A′. In embodiments including a generator 260A, rotation of outer gerotors 14A and 14A′ may provide power to generator 260A to produce electricity. Motor 260A or generator 264A may comprise any suitable type of motor or generator, such as a permanent magnet motor or generator, a switched reluctance motor (SRM) or generator, or an inductance motor or generator, for example.
As shown in
Each of gerotor apparatuses 10B and 10B′ may be substantially similar to gerotor apparatus 10z shown in
Inner gerotors 16B and 16B′ are rotatably coupled to a pair of shaft portions 102B and 104B sharing a first axis such that inner gerotors 16B and 16B′ rotate around the first axis. Outer gerotor 14B′ may be rigidly coupled to, or integral with, outer gerotor 14B of gerotor apparatus 10B. Outer gerotors 14B and 14B′ are rotatably coupled to an interior perimeter surface 450B of housing 12B and rotate around a second axis offset from the first axis. In particular, outer perimeter surfaces 452B of outer gerotors 14B and 14B′ rotate within, and at least partially in contact with, interior perimeter surface 450B of housing 12B. Thus, at least portions of outer perimeter surfaces 452B of outer gerotors 14B and 14B′ may be low-friction regions 140B in order to reduce friction and wear between outer perimeter surfaces 452B of outer gerotors 14B and 14B′ and interior perimeter surface 450B of housing 12B. In addition, outer gerotors 14B and 14B′ may be self-synchronized with inner gerotors 16B and 16B′, such as described above regarding gerotor apparatus 10z shown in
Housing 12B includes a first valve plate 40B proximate first face 252B of apparatus 250B operable to control the flow of fluids through first gerotor apparatus 10B, and a second valve plate 40B′ proximate second face 254B of apparatus 250B operable to control the flow of fluids through second gerotor apparatus 10B, such as described above with reference to
As discussed above, gerotor apparatus 10B includes an integrated motor 260B or generator 264B. Motor 260B or generator 264B may or may not be coupled to, or integrated with, housing 12B. In embodiments including a motor 260B, motor 260B may drive gerotor apparatus 10B by driving outer gerotors 14B and 14B′, which may in turn drive inner gerotors 16B and 16B′. For example, motor 260B may drive one or more magnetic elements 262B coupled to, or integrated with, outer gerotors 14B and 14B′. In this embodiment, one or more magnetic elements 262B are coupled to, or integrated with, outer gerotors 14B and 14B′. Magnetic elements 262B may be formed from a low-friction material 134B in order to reduce friction and wear between surfaces of magnetic elements 262B and inner gerotors 16B and 16B′.
In embodiments including a generator 260B, rotation of outer gerotors 14B and 14B′ may provide power to generator 260B to produce electricity. Motor 260B or generator 264B may comprise any suitable type of motor or generator, such as a permanent magnet motor or generator, a switched reluctance motor (SRM) or generator, or an inductance motor or generator, for example.
As shown in
Gerotor apparatuses 10C and 10C′ may be substantially similar to gerotor apparatuses 10B and 10B′ shown in
Inner gerotors 16C and 16C′ are rotatably coupled to a pair of shaft portions 102C and 104C sharing a first axis such that inner gerotors 16C and 16C′ rotate around the first axis. Outer gerotor 14C′ may be rigidly coupled to, or integral with, outer gerotor 14C of gerotor apparatus 10C. Outer gerotors 14C and 14C′ are rotatably coupled to housing 12C by one or more ring-shaped bearings 52C and rotate around a second axis offset from the first axis.
In some embodiments, outer gerotors 14C and 14C′ may be self-synchronized with inner gerotors 16C and 16C′, such as described above regarding gerotor apparatus 10z shown in
As discussed above, gerotor apparatus 10C includes an integrated motor 260C or generator 264C. Motor 260C or generator 264C may or may not be coupled to, or integrated with, housing 12C. In embodiments including a motor 260C, motor 260C may drive gerotor apparatus 10C by driving outer gerotors 14C and 14C′, which may in turn drive inner gerotors 16C and 16C′. For example, motor 260C may drive one or more magnetic elements 262C coupled to, or integrated with, outer gerotors 14C and 14C′. In this embodiment, one or more magnetic elements 262C are coupled to, or integrated with, outer gerotors 14C and 14C′. In embodiments including a generator 260C, rotation of outer gerotors 14C and 14C′ may provide power to generator 260C to produce electricity. Motor 260C or generator 264C may comprise any suitable type of motor or generator, such as a permanent magnet motor or generator, a switched reluctance motor (SRM) or generator, or an inductance motor or generator, for example.
As shown in
Gerotor apparatuses 10D/10E and 10D′/10E′ may be substantially similar to gerotor apparatuses 10B and 10B′ shown in
Dual gerotor apparatuses 250D/250E are powered by a rotatable shaft 270D/270E coupled to outer gerotors 14D/14E and 14D′/14E′ of dual gerotor apparatuses 250D/250E, such as described above with reference to
Compressor outer gerotor 14F may be rigidly coupled to, or integral with, expander outer gerotor 14F′. Similarly, compressor inner gerotor 16F may be rigidly coupled to, or integral with, expander inner gerotor 16F′. Compressor and expander inner gerotors 16F and 16F′ may be rigidly coupled to a cylindrical member 278F, which may be rotatably coupled by one or more ring-shaped bearings 52F to a shaft 50F rigidly coupled to housing 12F. Compressor and expander outer gerotors 14F and 14F′ may be rigidly coupled to a cylindrical member 279F, which may be rotatably coupled to cylindrical portion 330F of housing 12F by one or more ring-shaped bearings 56F.
Engine system 300F breathes through a first face 252F and second face 254F of system 300F. Housing 12F includes compressor valve portions 40F proximate first face 252F of system 300F and operable to control the flow of fluids through compressor gerotor apparatus 10F, and an expander valve plate 40F′ proximate second face 254F of system 300F operable to control the flow of fluids through expander gerotor apparatus 10F′. Compressor valve portions 40F define at least one compressor fluid inlet 42F allowing fluids to enter compressor outer gerotor chamber 30F, and at least one compressor fluid outlet 44F allowing fluids to exit compressor outer gerotor chamber 30F. Housing 12F may include compressor outlet channeling portions 460F and 462F that define fluid passageways 464F and 466F to carry fluids (e.g., compressed gasses) away from compressor outer gerotor chamber 30F, as indicated by arrow 470F. Expander valve plate 40F′ defines at least one expander fluid inlet 42F′ allowing fluids to enter expander outer gerotor chamber 30F′, and at least one expander fluid outlet 44F′ allowing fluids to exit expander outer gerotor chamber 30F′.
Compressor gerotor apparatus 10F and/or expander gerotor apparatus 10F′ of engine system 300F shown in
Engine system 300F may power a rotatable shaft 270F coupled to outer gerotors 14F and 14F′, such as described above with reference to
In this embodiment, all of the bearings included in engine system 300F, including bearings 52F, 56F, and 474F, are located near compressor gerotor apparatus 10F or distanced away from expander gerotor apparatus 10F′. This may be advantageous because compressor gerotor apparatus 10F is generally cooler than expander gerotor apparatus 10F′, thus protecting bearings 52F, 56F, and 474F from thermal effects.
View S is a cross-sectional view of expander valve plate 40F′, which includes an expander fluid inlet 42F′ allowing fluids to enter expander outer gerotor chamber 30F′, and an expander fluid outlet 44F′ allowing fluids to exit expander outer gerotor chamber 30F′.
View T is a cross-sectional view of expander gerotor apparatus 10F′, showing expander outer gerotor 14F′, expander inner gerotor 16F′, and expander outer gerotor chamber 30F′.
View U is a cross-sectional view taken through a portion 480F of housing 12F, and showing shaft 50F and cylindrical member 278F rigidly coupled to inner gerotors 16F and 16F′.
View V is a cross-sectional view of compressor gerotor apparatus 10F, showing compressor outer gerotor 14F, compressor inner gerotor 16F, and compressor outer gerotor chamber 30F. Compressor inner gerotor 16F includes low-friction regions 140F at each tip 160F, and compressor outer gerotor 14F includes low-friction regions 140F proximate compressor outer gerotor chamber 30F.
View W is a cross-sectional view taken through outer channeling portion 460F of housing 12F, which view indicates compressor fluid inlet 42F and compressor fluid outlet 44F. As shown in view W, the cross-sectional area of compressor fluid inlet 42F is greater than the cross-sectional area and compressor fluid outlet 44F.
View X is a cross-sectional view taken through outer channeling portion 460F of housing 12F, as well as through passageway 464F formed by outer channeling portion 460F. View X indicates compressor fluid inlet 42F, compressor fluid outlet 44F, and passageway 464F. As discussed above, compressor fluid outlet 44F and passageway 464F are operable to carry compressed fluids (e.g., high-pressurized gasses) away from compressor apparatus 10F.
View Y is a cross-sectional view of a spoked-hub member 490F coupling outer gerotors 14F and 14F′ to cylindrical member 279F (see also
View Z is a cross-sectional view taken through housing 12F, indicating compressor fluid inlet 42F, cylindrical member 279F, channeling portion 462F of housing 12F, fluid passageway 466F, first gear 274F and second gear 276F of coupling system 272F, and rotatable drive shaft 270F.
Synchronizing system 18G is coupled to, or integrated with, inner gerotor 16G and outer gerotor 14G. Synchronizing system 18G includes an alignment guide, or track, 500G formed in outer gerotor 14G, and one or more sockets 502G formed in a synchronization disc 503G rigidly coupled to, or integrated with, inner gerotor 16G. Sockets 502G may be located outside the outer perimeter of inner gerotor 16G. One or more spherical balls 504G are socket-mounted within sockets 502G such that they may travel (e.g., roll) along alignment track 500G, which synchronizes the relative rotation of inner gerotor 16G and outer gerotor 14G. If balls 504G are well lubricated, they may rotate, rather than slide, within sockets 502G and alignment track 500G, thus reducing friction and wear. Because balls 504G are constantly being accelerated and decelerated as they move along alignment track 500G, sliding may be reduced and rotation encouraged by making balls 504G as light as reasonably possible. Thus, in some embodiments, balls 504G are ceramic or hollow-metal spheres.
In other embodiments, instead of balls 504G, synchronizing system 18G may include a number of alignment members (such as knobs, rollers or pegs, for example) rigidly coupled to inner gerotor 16G. Like balls 504G, such alignment members may travel within alignment track 500G formed in outer gerotor 14G in order to synchronize the relative rotation of inner gerotor 16G and outer gerotor 14G. In addition, in other embodiments, sockets 502G may be formed in outer gerotor 14G and alignment track 500G may be formed in synchronization disc 503G rigidly coupled to, or integrated with, inner gerotor 16G.
In some embodiments, the shape of alignment track 500G may be defined as described with respect to one or more of FIGS. 88-91 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/359,487, which is herein incorporated by reference, as discussed above. Alignment track 500G may include a number of tips 506G corresponding to the number of tips 162G defined by outer gerotor chamber 30G. Thus, in this embodiment, alignment track 500G includes six tips 506G corresponding with the six tips 162G of outer gerotor chamber 30G. Synchronizing system 18G may include a number of balls 504G corresponding to the number of tips 160G defined by inner gerotor 16G. Thus, in this embodiment, synchronizing system 18G includes five balls 504G corresponding with the five tips 160G of inner gerotor 16G.
Synchronizing system 18H is coupled to, or integrated with, inner gerotor 16H and outer gerotor 14H. Synchronizing system 18H includes an outer gerotor alignment guide, or track, 500H formed in outer gerotor 14F, and one or more sockets 502H formed within inner gerotor 16F itself. One or more spherical balls 504H are socket-mounted within sockets 502H such that they may travel (e.g., roll) along alignment track 500H, which synchronizes the relative rotation of inner gerotor 16H and outer gerotor 14H. If balls 504H are well lubricated, they may rotate, rather than slide, within sockets 502H and alignment track 500H, thus reducing friction and wear. Because balls 504H are constantly being accelerated and decelerated as they move along alignment track 500H, sliding may be reduced and rotation encouraged by making balls 504H as light as reasonably possible. Thus, in some embodiments, balls 504H are ceramic or hollow-metal spheres.
In other embodiments, synchronizing system 18H may include a number of alignment members (such as knobs, rollers or pegs, for example) rigidly coupled to inner gerotor 16H instead of balls 504H. Like balls 504H, such alignment members may travel within alignment track 500H formed in outer gerotor 14H in order to synchronize the relative rotation of inner gerotor 16H and outer gerotor 14H. In addition, in other embodiments, sockets 502H may be formed in outer gerotor 14H and alignment track 500H may be formed in inner gerotor 16H.
In some embodiments, the shape of alignment track 500H may be defined as described at least with respect to one or more of FIGS. 88-91 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/359,487, which is herein incorporated by reference, as discussed above. Alignment track 500H may include a number of tips 506H corresponding to the number of tips 162H defined by outer gerotor chamber 30H. Thus, in this embodiment, alignment track 500H includes six tips 506H corresponding with the six tips 162H of outer gerotor chamber 30H. Synchronizing system 18H may include a number of balls 504H corresponding to the number of tips 160H defined by inner gerotor 16H. Thus, in this embodiment, synchronizing system 18H includes five balls 504H corresponding with the five tips 160H of inner gerotor 16H.
Generally, the inner and outer gerotors described above have been based upon a hypocycloid or an epicycloid. These geometric shapes are determined by rolling a small circle inside or outside a large circle. The diameter of the larger circle is an integer number times the diameter of the small circle.
DL=aDs (a=integer)
For the hypocycloid and epicycloid, the reference point is located on the outside diameter of the smaller circle
r=Ds
The reference point traces the hypocycloid shape when the small circle is rotated inside the larger circle and it traces the epicycloid shape when the small circle is rotated outside the larger circle.
The hypocycloid and epicycloid are special cases of the general cases of hypotrochoids and epitrochoids, respectively. In the general cases, the reference point is located at an arbitrary radius. In one embodiment, for processing fluid, the reference point is at a radius within the smaller circle:
r≦Ds
The hypotrochoids and epitrochoids (and the special cases of hypocycloids and epicycloids) have relatively sharp tips, which may be mechanically fragile. To strengthen the tips, an offset may be added, as shown in the following example:
For an inner gerotor of defined geometry (e.g., hypocycloid, epicycloid, hypotrochoid, epitrochoid) the outer conjugate is the geometry of the outer gerotor. Conceptually, the outer conjugate may be determined by imagining the inner gerotor is mated with a tray of sand. The inner gerotor and tray of sand each spin about their respective centers. The relative spinning rate is determined by the relative number of inner and outer teeth. The outer conjugate is the shape of the remaining sand that is not pushed away. In some cases, the outer conjugate is a well-defined shape with a name (e.g., hypocycloid, epicycloid, hypotrochoid, epitrochoid); in other cases, the outer conjugate does not have a name.
For an outer gerotor of defined geometry (e.g., hypocycloid, epicycloid, hypotrochoid, epitrochoid) the inner conjugate is the geometry of the inner gerotor. Conceptually, the inner conjugate may be determined by imagining the outer gerotor is mated with a tray of sand. The outer gerotor and tray of sand each spin about their respective centers. The relative spinning rate is determined by the relative number of inner and outer teeth. The inner conjugate is the shape of the remaining sand that is not pushed away. In some cases, the inner conjugate is a well-defined shape with a name (e.g., hypocycloid, epicycloid, hypotrochoid, epitrochoid); in other cases, the inner conjugate does not have a name.
The following table shows the combinations of geometries of inner and outer gerotors:
The following articles, which are herein incorporated by reference, provide detailed methods for defining the geometry of hypocycloids, epicycloids, hypotrochoids, epitrochoids, and conjugates with and without offsets:
- Jaroslaw Stryczek, Hydraulic Machines with Cycloidal Gearing, Archiwum Budowy Maszyn (Archive of Mechanical Engineering), Vol. 43, No. 1, pp. 29-72 (1996).
- J. B. Shung and G. R. Pennock, Geometry for Trochoidal-Type Machines with Conjugate Envelopes, Mechanisms and Machine Theory, Vol. 29, No. 1, pp. 25-42 (1994).
As illustrated best in
Inner gerotor 816a is disposed within inner chamber 830a and is rotatably coupled to a first end 815a of housing 812a via any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, inner gerotor 816a is rotatably coupled to an exit pipe 817a via bearings 803. As illustrated best in
Referring mainly to
As best illustrated by
Gerotor apparatus 810a also includes a synchronization system 818a that synchronizes the motion of inner gerotor 816a and outer gerotor 814a. In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in
In operation of this embodiment, gas enters through side port 820h on outer gerotor 814h and exits through an outlet port 854 formed in outer gerotor 814h. Although outlet port 854 may be formed in any suitable location, in the illustrated embodiment, outlet port 854 is located on the opposite side of the tip separates inlet port 820h from outlet port 854. The motion of inner gerotor 816h and outer gerotor 814h may be synchronized in any suitable manner, such as with a synchronization system 818h as illustrated in
Referring to
Referring to
View FF shows an upper portion 921 of outer expander gerotor 914a′ that couples to heat sink 918a. Rather than a continuous connection, upper portion 921 is segmented in order to intermittently couple to heat sink 918a to minimize the cross-sectional area for heat transfer between the hot outer expander gerotor 914a′ and heat sink 918a. At the center of View FF is a spinning disk 922 having a plurality of secondary passageways 923 formed therein that suck cool air in via a primary passageway 924 of a center shaft 925 in the expander section 907a via centrifugal force. The spinning disk 922 directs the air toward outer expander gerotor 914a′ during operation of engine system 900a. View GG (
View HH shows outer expander gerotor 914a′ and inner expander gerotor 916a′. In the illustrated embodiment, both outer expander gerotor 914a′ and inner expander gerotor 916a′ are formed from a ceramic; however, other suitable materials are also contemplated by the present invention. Inner expander gerotor 916a′ couples to center shaft 925 in a discontinuous manner, such as with splines, thereby minimizing heat transfer from inner expander gerotor 916a′ to center shaft 925. In addition to small holes 928 of outer expander gerotor 914a′, inner expander gerotor 916a′ also includes small holes 929 through which cool air flows, allowing temperature regulation of inner expander gerotor 916a′ and outer expander gerotor 914a′. As described above, the cool air is bled from compressor section 911a via hole 906. After the cool air flows through the gerotors and heat sink 918a, it becomes warm. It may be discharged into the ambient air or, if warm enough, it may be used to preheat the compressed air prior to the combustor. Referring to
The shut-down procedure for engine system 900a involves reducing the temperature of the combustor while simultaneously flowing cool air through the inner and outer gerotors of expander section 907a. As the temperature is reduced, the engine efficiency is reduced, so it may be necessary to remove or reduce the load on the engine. Once the inner and outer gerotors of expander section 907a are sufficiently cool, then the engine stops.
View D (
Referring to
Referring now to
To allow the ceramic to operate at high temperatures, but prevent damage to the metal components, medium pressure gas may be tapped from compressor section 911b and blown through holes 940 and 941 in inner expander gerotor 916b′ and outer expander gerotor 914b′, respectively (see
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Below are control schemes that may be implemented for the Brayton cycle engine:
1. Maintain a constant compression ratio, vary combustor temperature. However, this may not be very efficient. At partial load, heat is not being delivered at the maximum temperature allowed by the materials. For a heat engine to be efficient, it may be necessary for the temperature at which heat is added to be as high as possible.
2. Maintain constant compression ratio and maximum combustor temperature. This engine operates at constant torque. Power output may be varied by adjusting engine speed. Increasing the torque requirement of the load slows the engine and decreasing the torque requirement of the load speeds the engine.
3. Vary compression ratio and combustor temperature. At each compression ratio, there is an optimal combustor temperature that prevents over-expansion or under-expansion of the gas exiting the expander.
4. Maintain constant compression ratio and combustor temperature, and throttle the inlet air to the compressor. Adding a restrictor to the inlet of the compressor restricts air flow, as is done in Otto cycle engines. This may be used to regulate power output; however, it is not very efficient because of irreversibilities associated with the pressure drop across the throttle.
For those control schemes above that vary compression ratio, the discharge port of the compressor and inlet port to the expander may need a mechanism that varies the area. Some such mechanisms were described above or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/359,487. If the device has dead volume, and the compression ratio is varied, both inlet and outlet ports of both the compressor and expander should be varied for optimal performance.
Although embodiments of the invention and their advantages are described in detail, a person skilled in the art could make various alterations, additions, and omissions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a first gerotor;
- a second gerotor; and
- a synchronizing system operable to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor, the synchronizing system including: a cam plate coupled to the first gerotor, the cam plate including a plurality of cams; and an alignment plate coupled to the second gerotor, the alignment plate including at least one alignment member; wherein the plurality of cams and the at least one alignment member interact to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor.
2. (canceled)
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17. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- an outer gerotor defining an outer gerotor chamber and rotatable about a first axis;
- an inner gerotor disposed at least partially within the outer gerotor chamber and rotatable about a second axis offset from the first axis;
- a synchronizing system housing disposed at least partially within the inner gerotor, the synchronizing system housing not rotatable about either the first or second axis; and
- a synchronizing system substantially disposed within the synchronizing system housing, the synchronizing system operable to synchronize a rotation of the outer gerotor with a rotation of the inner gerotor.
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- an outer gerotor rotatable about a first axis;
- an inner gerotor disposed at least partially within the outer gerotor and rotatable about a second axis offset from the first axis, the inner gerotor including a lubricant channel and a lubricant channel opening formed in an outer surface of the inner gerotor;
- wherein the lubricant channel is operable to transport a fluid lubricant through the lubricant channel opening to provide lubrication between the outer surface of the inner gerotor and an inner surface of the outer gerotor during rotation of the inner gerotor relative to the outer gerotor.
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
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31. (canceled)
32. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a first face;
- a second face generally opposite the first face;
- an outer gerotor at least partially defining an the outer gerotor chamber;
- an inner gerotor disposed at least partially within the outer gerotor chamber;
- a fluid inlet port formed in the first face of the gerotor apparatus, the fluid inlet port allowing fluid to enter the outer gerotor chamber; and
- a fluid outlet port formed in the second face of the gerotor apparatus, the fluid outlet port allowing fluid to exit the outer gerotor chamber.
33. (canceled)
34. (canceled)
35. (canceled)
36. (canceled)
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38. An apparatus, comprising:
- a vacuum chamber including a first portion and a second portion;
- a gerotor disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the vacuum chamber, the gerotor including: a first face interfacing with the first portion of the vacuum chamber; a second face generally opposite the first face and interfacing with the second portion of the vacuum chamber; an outer gerotor at least partially defining an the outer gerotor chamber; an inner gerotor disposed at least partially within the outer gerotor chamber; a fluid inlet port formed in the first face of the gerotor apparatus, the fluid inlet port allowing fluid to enter the outer gerotor chamber; and a fluid outlet port formed in the second face of the gerotor apparatus, the fluid outlet port allowing fluid to exit the outer gerotor chamber.
39. (canceled)
40. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a first face;
- a second face generally opposite the first face;
- a first outer gerotor at least partially defining a first outer gerotor chamber;
- a second outer gerotor rigidly coupled to the first outer gerotor and at least partially defining a second outer gerotor chamber;
- a first inner gerotor disposed at least partially within the first outer gerotor chamber;
- a second inner gerotor disposed at least partially within the second outer gerotor chamber;
- a first fluid inlet port and a first fluid outlet port proximate the first face, the first fluid inlet port allowing fluid to enter the first outer gerotor chamber, and the first fluid outlet port allowing fluid to exit the first outer gerotor chamber;
- a second fluid inlet port and a second fluid outlet port proximate the second face, the second fluid inlet port allowing fluid to enter the second outer gerotor chamber, and the second fluid outlet port allowing fluid to exit the second outer gerotor chamber; and
- a rotatable shaft coupled to the rigidly coupled first and second outer gerotors by one or more gears such that rotation of the rigidly coupled first and second outer gerotors causes rotation of the shaft.
41. (canceled)
42. (canceled)
43. (canceled)
44. (canceled)
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53. An engine system, comprising:
- an expander comprising: an inner expander gerotor; and an outer expander gerotor; and
- a compressor comprising: an inner compressor gerotor; and an outer compressor gerotor;
- the inner compressor gerotor including an outer surface adjacent the outer compressor gerotor;
- the outer compressor gerotor including an inner surface adjacent the inner compressor gerotor;
- at least a portion of at least one of the outer surface of the inner compressor gerotor and the inner surface of the outer compressor gerotor is formed from a low-friction material; and
- a rotatable shaft coupled to the rigidly coupled first and second outer gerotors by one or more gears such that rotation of the rigidly coupled first and second outer gerotors causes rotation of the shaft.
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77. An engine system, comprising:
- a housing;
- an expander comprising: an inner expander gerotor; and an outer expander gerotor having a diameter; and
- a compressor comprising: an inner compressor gerotor; and an outer compressor gerotor having a diameter;
- an outer gerotor support rigidly coupled to the outer expander gerotor and the outer compressor gerotor and rotatably coupled to the housing, the outer gerotor support having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer expander gerotor and the diameter of the outer compressor gerotor.
78. (canceled)
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80. A system, comprising:
- a housing;
- an expander comprising: an outer expander gerotor at least partially defining an outer expander gerotor chamber; and an inner expander gerotor at least partially disposed within the outer expander gerotor chamber; and
- a compressor comprising: an outer compressor gerotor at least partially defining an outer compressor gerotor chamber; and an inner compressor gerotor at least partially disposed within the outer compressor gerotor chamber;
- wherein the system is operable to produce power from energy in the form of compressed gas exiting the outer compressor gerotor chamber.
81. (canceled)
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85. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a housing;
- a rotatable outer gerotor disposed at least partially within the housing, the outer gerotor at least partially defining an outer gerotor chamber;
- a rotatable inner gerotor disposed at least partially within the outer gerotor chamber; and
- a seal formed between the housing and the outer gerotor, the seal operable to restrict the passage of fluid between the outer gerotor chamber and a region outside the outer gerotor chamber.
86. (canceled)
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92. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a housing;
- a rotatable outer gerotor disposed at least partially within the housing, the outer gerotor at least partially defining an outer gerotor chamber; and
- a rotatable inner gerotor disposed at least partially within the outer gerotor chamber;
- the inner gerotor including an outer surface adjacent the outer gerotor;
- the outer gerotor including an inner surface adjacent the inner gerotor;
- wherein at least a portion of at least one of the outer surface of the inner gerotor and the inner surface of the outer gerotor is formed from a low-friction material; and
- wherein the outer gerotor and inner gerotor are operable to cooperate to pump a liquid through the outer gerotor chamber.
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120. An engine system, comprising:
- a housing;
- an expander comprising: an outer expander gerotor defining an outer expander gerotor chamber and disposed at least partially within the housing; an inner expander gerotor disposed at least partially within the outer expander gerotor; and
- a compressor comprising: an outer compressor gerotor defining an outer compressor gerotor chamber and disposed at least partially within the housing, the outer compressor gerotor rigidly coupled to the outer expander gerotor; and an inner compressor gerotor disposed at least partially within the outer compressor gerotor and rigidly coupled to the inner expander gerotor; and
- wherein the outer compressor gerotor and outer expander gerotor are rotatably coupled to the housing by one or more bearings; and
- wherein the inner compressor gerotor and inner expander gerotor are rotatably coupled to the housing by one or more bearings located proximate the inner compressor gerotor.
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128. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a rotatable outer gerotor;
- an alignment guide associated with the outer gerotor;
- a rotatable inner gerotor disposed at least partially within the outer gerotor;
- one or more sockets associated with the inner gerotor; and
- one or more alignment members mounted within the one or more sockets and traveling along the alignment guide to synchronize a rotation of the outer gerotor with a rotation of the inner gerotor.
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133. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a rotatable outer gerotor;
- one or more sockets associated with the outer gerotor;
- a rotatable inner gerotor disposed at least partially within the outer gerotor;
- an alignment guide associated with the inner gerotor; and
- one or more alignment members mounted within the one or more sockets and traveling along the alignment guide to synchronize a rotation of the outer gerotor with a rotation of the inner gerotor.
134. (canceled)
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138. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a housing having a plurality of openings formed in a sidewall of the housing;
- an outer gerotor disposed within the housing and rotatable with respect to the housing, the outer gerotor having an inlet port and an inner chamber;
- an inner gerotor disposed within the inner chamber and rotatably coupled to a first end of the housing;
- an exit pipe rigidly coupled to the first end of the housing; and
- the inner gerotor having a plurality of tips, each tip having a passageway in fluid communication with the exit pipe.
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157. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a housing having a plurality of openings formed in a sidewall of the housing;
- an outer gerotor disposed within the housing and rotatable with respect to the housing, the outer gerotor having an inlet port and an inner chamber;
- an inner gerotor disposed within the inner chamber and rotatably coupled to a first end of the housing;
- an exit pipe rigidly coupled to the first end of the housing;
- the inner gerotor having a pair of tips, each tip having a passageway in fluid communication with the exit pipe; and
- the exit pipe including a projecting portion operable to block the passageway of a respective tip at predetermined positions of the inner and outer gerotors.
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163. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a housing having a plurality of openings formed in a sidewall of the housing;
- an outer gerotor disposed within the housing and rotatable with respect to the housing, the outer gerotor having an inlet port and an inner chamber;
- an inner gerotor disposed within the inner chamber and rotatably coupled to a first end of the housing;
- an exit pipe rigidly coupled to the first end of the housing;
- the inner gerotor having a plurality of tips, each tip having a passageway in fluid communication with the exit pipe; and
- a plurality of check valves associated with respective ones of the passageways.
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169. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a housing having a plurality of openings formed in a sidewall of the housing;
- an outer gerotor disposed within the housing and rotatable with respect to the housing, the outer gerotor having an inlet port and an inner chamber;
- an inner gerotor disposed within the inner chamber and rotatably coupled to a first end of the housing;
- an exit pipe rigidly coupled to the first end of the housing;
- the inner gerotor having a pair of tips, each tip having a passageway in fluid communication with the exit pipe;
- a plurality of check valves associated with respective ones of the passageways; and
- a synchronizing system operable to control the rotation of the inner gerotor relative to the outer gerotor, the synchronizing system comprising an alignment member aligned with an alignment guide.
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177. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a housing having an intake port formed therein and an exhaust port formed in a first endwall of the housing;
- an outer gerotor rotatably coupled within the housing, the outer gerotor having an inlet port, an inner chamber, and an outlet port formed in a faceplate of the outer gerotor;
- an inner gerotor disposed within the inner chamber and rotatably coupled to a first end of the housing; and
- wherein the outlet port of the outer gerotor aligns with the exhaust port of the housing intermittently during rotation of the outer gerotor.
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189. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a stationary outer gerotor having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port formed in a sidewall of the outer gerotor and an inner chamber;
- a first shaft rotatably coupled to the outer gerotor;
- a disk coupled to the first shaft;
- a second shaft coupled to the disk and offset from the axis of rotation of the first shaft; and
- an inner gerotor disposed within the inner chamber and rotatably coupled to the second shaft such that the inner gerotor rotates and orbits within the inner chamber during operation of the apparatus.
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197. An engine system, comprising:
- a compressor section comprising: an inner compressor gerotor; and an outer compressor gerotor;
- an expander section comprising: an outer expander gerotor formed from a ceramic disposed within the housing and rigidly coupled to the outer compressor gerotor; and an inner expander gerotor formed from a ceramic rigidly coupled to the inner compressor gerotor and disposed within the outer expander gerotor;
- a rotatable hollow shaft coupled to the inner expander gerotor, the hollow shaft having a primary passageway;
- a disk coupled to the hollow shaft and having a plurality of secondary passageways in fluid communication with the primary passageway of the hollow shaft such that air drawn in through the primary and secondary passageways via centrifugal force during operation of the engine system directs the air toward the outer expander gerotor.
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210. An engine system, comprising:
- a compressor section comprising: an inner compressor gerotor; and an outer compressor gerotor;
- an expander section comprising: a perforated housing; a heat sink disposed within the housing and rigidly coupled to the outer compressor gerotor; an outer expander gerotor formed from a ceramic, an upper portion of the outer expander gerotor being segmented and rigidly coupled to the heat sink; and an inner expander gerotor formed from a ceramic rigidly coupled to the inner compressor gerotor and disposed within the outer expander gerotor.
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220. The system of claim 210, wherein:
- the inner compressor gerotor including an outer surface adjacent the outer compressor gerotor;
- the outer compressor gerotor including an inner surface adjacent the inner compressor gerotor; and
- at least a portion of at least one of the outer surface of the inner compressor gerotor and the inner surface of the outer compressor gerotor is formed from a low-friction material.
221. (canceled)
222. An engine system, comprising:
- a compressor section comprising: an inner compressor gerotor; and an outer compressor gerotor;
- an expander section comprising: a perforated housing; a spring cup disposed within the housing and rigidly coupled to the outer compressor gerotor, the spring cup having a plurality of longitudinal fingers each with a radial protrusion disposed at an end thereof; a heat sink coupled to an outside of the spring cup; an outer expander gerotor formed from a ceramic, an lower portion of the outer expander gerotor having a circumferential groove configured to engage the radial protrusions of the spring cup; and an inner expander gerotor formed from a ceramic rigidly coupled to the inner compressor gerotor and disposed within the outer expander gerotor.
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231. A tip-breathing gerotor, comprising:
- a plurality of openings circumferentially spaced around a wall of the gerotor; and
- means for providing support to the wall.
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235. A face-breathing gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a housing having an upper valve plate and a lower valve plate;
- an outer gerotor disposed within the housing and rotatable with respect to the housing, the outer gerotor having a plurality of slots formed in upper and lower ends thereof; and
- an inner gerotor disposed within the outer gerotor and rotatably coupled to a rigid shaft coupled to a first end of the housing.
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240. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- an outer gerotor having a plurality of outer gerotor tips;
- an inner gerotor disposed within the outer gerotor and having a plurality of inner gerotor tips; and
- wherein a portion of each of the outer gerotor tips is removed to allow for thermal expansion of the inner gerotor.
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246. A gerotor apparatus, comprising:
- a housing having a lower valve plate;
- an outer gerotor disposed within the housing and rotatable with respect to the housing, the outer gerotor having a plurality of slots formed in a lower end thereof;
- an inner gerotor disposed within the outer gerotor and rotatably coupled to a rigid shaft coupled to a first end of the housing; and
- a synchronizing system operable to control the rotation of the inner gerotor relative to the outer gerotor.
247. (canceled)
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249. A method for obtaining a power boost in a Brayton cycle engine, comprising:
- providing a compressor, a heat exchanger, a combustor, and an expander in order in series;
- delivering liquid water to the combustor; and
- delivering extra fuel to the combustor to cause the liquid water to vaporize.
250. (canceled)
251. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein:
- the first fluid inlet port and the first fluid outlet port are formed in the first face; and
- the second fluid inlet port and the second fluid outlet port are formed in the second face.
252. The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising:
- a first lubricant channel formed in the first inner gerotor and operable to transport a lubricant to provide lubrication between the first inner gerotor and the first outer gerotor; and
- a second lubricant channel formed in the second inner gerotor and operable to transport a lubricant to provide lubrication between the second inner gerotor and the second outer gerotor.
253. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein:
- the first inner gerotor and the first outer gerotor comprise a first compressor; and
- the second inner gerotor and the second outer gerotor comprise a second compressor.
254. The apparatus of claim 253, further comprising an electric motor operable to rotate the rigidly coupled first and second outer gerotors.
255. The apparatus of claim 254, wherein the electric motor comprises one of a magnetic motor, a switched reluctance motor, or an induction motor.
256. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein:
- the first inner gerotor and the first outer gerotor comprise a first expander; and
- the second inner gerotor and the second outer gerotor comprise a second expander.
257. The apparatus of claim 256, further comprising an electric generator operable to be powered by rotation of the rigidly coupled first and second outer gerotors.
258. The apparatus of claim 257, wherein the electric generator comprises one of a magnetic generator, a switched reluctance generator, or an induction generator.
259. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein:
- the first inner gerotor and the first outer gerotor comprise an expander; and
- the second inner gerotor and the second outer gerotor comprise a compressor.
260. The apparatus of claim 259, wherein:
- the second inner gerotor includes an outer surface adjacent the second outer gerotor;
- the outer compressor gerotor including an inner surface adjacent the inner compressor gerotor; and
- at least a portion of at least one of the outer surface of the inner compressor gerotor and the inner surface of the outer compressor gerotor is formed from a low-friction material.
261. The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising:
- an electric motor operable to rotate the rigidly coupled first and second outer gerotors.
262. The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising:
- an electric generator operable to be powered by rotation of the rigidly coupled first and second outer gerotors.
263. The system of claim 53, wherein the low-friction material comprises one of a polymer, graphite, and oil-impregnated sintered bronze.
264. The system of claim 53, wherein the low-friction material comprises VESCONITE.
265. The system of claim 53, further comprising a lubricant channel formed in the inner compressor gerotor and operable to transport a lubricant to provide lubrication between the inner compressor gerotor and the outer compressor gerotor.
266. The system of claim 53, wherein:
- the inner expander gerotor is rigidly coupled to the inner compressor gerotor; and
- the outer expander gerotor is rigidly coupled to the outer compressor gerotor.
267. The system of claim 53, wherein:
- the inner compressor gerotor includes a plurality of tips; and
- the tips of the inner compressor gerotor are formed from a low-friction material.
268. The system of claim 53, wherein:
- the outer compressor gerotor has an inner surface adjacent the inner compressor gerotor; and
- at least a portion of the outer compressor gerotor including the inner surface of the outer compressor gerotor is formed from a low-friction material.
269. The system of claim 53, wherein:
- the outer gerotor includes an outer gerotor chamber and an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter comprising a first opening coupled to the outer gerotor chamber;
- in a first position of the outer gerotor, a volume of fluid may enter the outer gerotor chamber through the first opening in the outer perimeter; and
- in a second position of the outer gerotor, at least a portion of the volume of fluid may exit the outer gerotor chamber through the first opening in the outer perimeter.
270. The system of claim 53, wherein:
- at least a portion of the inner compressor gerotor including at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner compressor gerotor is formed from a low-friction material; and
- at least a portion of the outer compressor gerotor including at least a portion of the inner surface of the outer compressor gerotor is formed from a low-friction material.
271. The system of claim 53, wherein:
- the inner expander gerotor and the inner compressor gerotor are rigidly coupled to the rotatable shaft;
- the apparatus further includes a housing; and
- the outer expander gerotor and the outer compressor gerotor are rigidly coupled to each other and rotatably coupled to the housing.
272. The system of claim 271, wherein:
- rotation of the inner expander gerotor and the inner compressor gerotor is synchronized with rotation of the outer expander gerotor and the outer compressor gerotor; and
- rotation of the inner expander gerotor and the inner compressor gerotor in connection with rotation of the outer expander gerotor and the outer compressor gerotor causes transmission of torque from the outer expander gerotor and the outer compressor gerotor to the shaft.
273. The system of claim 53, wherein the rotatable shaft is coupled to the rotatable outer expander gerotor and outer compressor gerotor by a coupling device.
274. The system of claim 273, wherein the coupling device comprises one or more gears.
275. The system of claim 273, wherein the coupling device comprises one of a belt and a chain.
276. The system of claim 273, wherein:
- the outer expander gerotor and outer compressor gerotor rotate around a first axis; and
- the rotatable shaft rotates around a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis.
277. The system of claim 53, further comprising an electric motor operable to rotate at least one of (a) the outer expander gerotor and outer compressor gerotor and (b) the inner expander gerotor and inner compressor gerotor.
278. The system of claim 277, wherein the electric motor is coupled to, and operable to rotate, the outer expander gerotor and outer compressor gerotor.
279. The system of claim 278, wherein the electric motor operable to rotate the rotatable shaft.
280. The system of claim 277, wherein the electric motor is one of a permanent magnet motor, a switched reluctance motor, and an induction motor.
281. The system of claim 277, wherein the electric motor includes one or more magnetic elements coupled around an outer perimeter surface of the outer compressor gerotor.
282. The system of claim 53, further comprising an electric generator operable to be powered by rotation of at least one of (a) the outer expander gerotor and outer compressor gerotor and (b) the inner expander gerotor and inner compressor gerotor.
283. The system of claim 282, wherein the electric generator is coupled to, and operable to be powered by rotation of, the outer expander gerotor and outer compressor gerotor.
284. The system of claim 282, wherein the electric generator is one of a permanent magnet generator, a switched reluctance generator, and an induction generator.
285. The system of claim 282, wherein rotation of the outer expander gerotor and outer compressor gerotor and generates a first portion of power operable to power the electric generator and a second portion of power operable to rotate the rotatable shaft.
286. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the outer gerotor support is rotatably coupled to the housing by one or more bearings having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer expander gerotor and the diameter of the outer compressor gerotor.
287. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein:
- the inner compressor gerotor includes an outer surface adjacent the outer compressor gerotor;
- the outer compressor gerotor includes an inner surface adjacent the inner compressor gerotor; and
- at least a portion of at least one of the outer surface of the inner compressor gerotor and the inner surface of the outer compressor gerotor is formed from a low-friction material.
288. The system of claim 80, wherein:
- the outer expander gerotor chamber has a volume; and
- the outer compressor gerotor chamber has a volume larger than the volume of the outer expander gerotor chamber.
289. The system of claim 80, further comprising an outer gerotor support rigidly coupled to the outer expander gerotor and the outer compressor gerotor and rotatably coupled to the housing, the outer gerotor support having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the outer expander gerotor and a diameter of the outer compressor gerotor.
290. The system of claim 80, wherein the outer gerotor support is rotatably coupled to the housing by one or more bearings having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the outer expander gerotor and a diameter of the outer compressor gerotor.
291. The system of claim 80, wherein:
- the inner compressor gerotor includes an outer surface adjacent the outer compressor gerotor;
- the outer compressor gerotor includes an inner surface adjacent the inner compressor gerotor; and
- at least a portion of at least one of the outer surface of the inner compressor gerotor and the inner surface of the outer compressor gerotor is formed from a low-friction material.
292. The system of claim 210, further comprising a plurality of fins coupled to the heat sink.
293. The system of claim 210, wherein the heat sink is a heat pipe.
294. The system of claim 210, further comprising a hollow cylinder coupled to the heat sink, the hollow cylinder containing a phase change material therein.
295. The system of claim 210, further comprising a rotatable hollow shaft coupled to the inner expander gerotor, the hollow shaft having a primary passageway; and
- a disk coupled to the hollow shaft and having a plurality of secondary passageways in fluid communication with the primary passageway of the hollow shaft such that air drawn in through the primary and secondary passageways via centrifugal force during operation of the engine system directs the air toward the outer expander gerotor.
296. The system of claim 210, wherein the outer expander gerotor includes a plurality of cooling passageways running longitudinally therethrough.
297. The system of claim 210, wherein the inner expander gerotor includes a plurality of cooling passageways running longitudinally therethrough and the system further comprising a conduit configured to direct bleed air from the compressor section to the cooling passageways of the inner expander gerotor.
298. The system of claim 210, wherein the inner expander gerotor is intermittently coupled to the rotatable hollow shaft.
299. The system of claim 210, further comprising a rotatable shaft coupled to the rotatable outer compressor gerotor and outer expander gerotor by a coupling device such that rotation of the outer expander gerotor and outer compressor gerotor causes rotation of the shaft.
300. The system of claim 299, wherein the coupling device comprises one or more gears.
301. The system of claim 220, wherein the low-friction material comprises one of a polymer, graphite, oil-impregnated sintered bronze, and VESCONITE.
302. The system of claim 222, further comprising a plurality of fins coupled to the heat sink.
303. The system of claim 222, wherein the heat sink is a heat pipe.
304. The system of claim 222, further comprising a hollow cylinder coupled to the heat sink, the hollow cylinder containing a phase change material therein.
305. The system of claim 222, wherein the outer expander gerotor includes a plurality of cooling passageways running longitudinally therethrough.
306. The system of claim 222, wherein the inner expander gerotor includes a plurality of cooling passageways running longitudinally therethrough and the system further comprising a conduit configured to direct bleed air from the compressor section to the cooling passageways of the inner expander gerotor.
307. The apparatus of claim 246, wherein the apparatus comprises a compressor or an expander.
308. The apparatus of claim 246, wherein the outer gerotor tips comprise cylinders.
309. The method of claim 249, further comprising coupling the compressor and the expander with a rigid shaft.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 21, 2005
Publication Date: Jan 7, 2010
Applicants: ,
Inventors: Mark T. Holtzapple (College Station, TX), George A. Rabroker (College Station, TX), Michael K. Ross (Bryan, TX)
Application Number: 11/041,011
International Classification: F01C 1/10 (20060101);