Force activated, piezoelectric, electricity generation, storage, conditioning and supply apparatus and methods

• US 6,737,789 B2
• Filed: 12/02/2002
• Issued: 05/18/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Piezo Energy Technologies LLC
• Original Assignee: Kelvin G. Lynn, Leon J. Radziemski
• Inventors: Lynn, Kelvin G., Radziemski, Leon J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mullins, Burton S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Aguirrechea, J.
• Application Number:
  US10/308,358
• Publication Number:
  US 20030137221A1
• Time in Patent Office: 533 Days
• Field of Search: 310/319, 310/339
• US Class Current: 310/339
• CPC Class Codes: H02N 2/181 Circuits; Control arrangements or methods
• CPC Class Codes: H10N 30/8548 Lead based oxides

Abstract

A force activated electrical power generator is provided using piezoelectric elements of preferred lead-magnesium-niobate lead titanate (PMN-PT). The circuitry is in preferred versions completely passive generating all power needed. Some circuitry limits voltage across the elements and provides a return charge channel to prevent depolarization. Transformers can be used to increase the output voltage and efficiency. Rectifiers are shown to rectify the output to a single polarity. Filtering, regulation and other conditioning components are also shown. The output from the generator and circuitry can store the electrical charge, such as in a capacitor and/or battery.

Claims

1. A force driven source of electrical power, comprising:

at least one piezoelectric element comprising lead-magnesium-niobate lead titanate (PMN-PT) configured to generate an electrical charge responsive to an applied stress; and

circuitry coupled to said at least one piezoelectric element configured to;

limit voltage of generated electrical charge therefrom;

rectify electrical charge therefrom;

regulate voltage of electrical charge therefrom;

store regulated electrical charge.

2. A force driven source of electrical power in accordance with claim 1 wherein the circuitry is further configured to transform voltage of electrical charge from said at least one piezoelectric element.

3. A force-driven electrical power system, comprising:

a plurality of piezoelectric elements comprising lead-magnesium-niobate lead titanate (PMN-PT), each such elements configured to generate an electrical charge responsive to an applied stress which simultaneously forces at least two of said piezoelectric elements;

circuitry coupled to each of the PMN-PT elements configured to;

limit voltage of generated electrical charge therefrom;

rectify electrical charge therefrom;

sum rectified electrical charges therefrom;

regulate voltage of electrical charge therefrom.

4. A force driven electrical power system in accordance with claim 3 wherein the circuitry is further configured to transform voltage of electrical charge from said piezoelectric elements.

5. A method for producing electrical power, comprising:

providing at least one piezoelectric element comprising lead-magnesium-niobate lead titanate (PMN-PT);

providing circuitry coupled to said at least one piezoelectric element;

applying force to said at least one piezoelectric element;

generating electrical charge responsive to said applying force;

limiting voltage across the at least one piezoelectric elements using the circuitry;

transforming voltage of the electrical charge generated by the at least one piezoelectric element using the circuitry;

rectifying electrical charge from the at least one piezoelectric element using the circuitry;

regulating voltage of the electrical charge from the at least one piezoelectric element using the circuitry; and

storing regulated electrical charge using the circuitry.

6. A method for producing electrical power, comprising:

providing a plurality of piezoelectric elements comprising lead-magnesium-niobate lead titanate (PMN-PT);

providing circuitry coupled to said plurality of piezoelectric elements;

applying a force to said plurality of piezoelectric elements so that force is applied simultaneously through at least two said plurality of piezoelectric elements;

generating electrical charge responsive to said applying a force;

limiting voltage across the plurality of piezoelectric elements using the circuitry;

transforming voltage of charge generated by the plurality of piezoelectric elements using the circuitry;

rectifying electrical charge from the plurality of piezoelectric elements using the circuitry;

summing rectified electrical charge using the circuitry;

regulating voltage of summed electrical charge using the circuitry; and

storing regulated electrical charge using the circuitry.

7. A method in accordance with claim 6 and further comprising electrically coupling a battery to the circuitry to deliver at least some stored electrical charge in the battery to a load.