System and devices including valves coupled to electric devices and methods of making, using, and operating the same
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including a compressor having a piston and a valve assembly. In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a check valve having a valve member, a magnet coupled to the valve member, and an electrical conductor near the magnet. The check valve may be configured to change state in response to a change in fluid pressure. The compressor may also have an electric device coupled to the electrical conductor.
1. A compressor, comprising:
a piston; and
a valve assembly, comprising:
a check valve comprising a valve member, wherein the check valve is configured to change state in response to a change in fluid pressure;
a magnet coupled to the valve member;
an impact bushing, wherein the impact bushing is configured to dampen an impact of the valve member; and
an electrical conductor near the magnet, wherein the electrical conductor is imbedded within the impact bushing and configured to convert a time-varying magnetic field into a current as the magnet moves past at least a portion of the electrical conductor.
2. The compressor of claim 1 , wherein the valve member comprises a poppet head.
3. The compressor of claim 1 , wherein the check valve comprises a cage that receives the valve member, the magnet, and the electrical conductor.
4. The compressor of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the conductor is disposed around at least a portion of the magnet.
5. The compressor of claim 4 , wherein the conductor comprises a coil disposed about at least a portion of a path of travel of the magnet.
6. The compressor of claim 1 , comprising electric device coupled to the electrical conductor.
7. The compressor of claim 6 , wherein the electric device comprises an electrical energy storage device and a rectifier.
8. The compressor of claim 1 , comprising: a driver with an output coupled to the electrical conductor; and a controller coupled to an input of the driver.
9. The compressor of claim 1 , wherein the magnet comprises a permanent magnet.
10. The compressor of claim 1 , wherein the electrical conductor comprises a coil, and wherein the coil is configured to allow the magnet to move axially around or through the coil.
11. The compressor of claim 1 , wherein the valve assembly is a poppet valve assembly.
12. The compressor of claim 1 , comprising a controller or monitoring circuitry configured to receive the current generated in the electrical conductor.