APPARATUS FOR CLOSED-LOOP MECHANICAL ENERGY HARVESTING

摘要

A closed-loop apparatus for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy utilizes a closed-loop channel including sections of different cross-section (including a first group of sections having a constrained cross-section and a second group sections having an enlarged cross-section). An energy- producing configuration (such as coils and/or electrodes) is formed to surround at least a portion of the channel. A closed-loop chain of energy-producing elements is positioned in channel such that when the chain moves along the channel, the mechanical motion generates electrical energy. The chain is formed to include a set of expandable assemblies that change in dimension as they pass through the different cross-section areas of the channel. An inert liquid is injected into the channel at one or more locations by a mechanical force, resulting in the creation of a pressure-induced force differential that initiates and maintains the movement of the chain with respect to the channel.