794results about "Energy harvesting concepts" patented technology

A chromogenic window panel assembly, and a chromogenic skylight each includes an outer panel and a chromogenic member having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic light pipe includes a light harvesting member and a chromogenic member having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic vehicle sunroof, a chromogenic aircraft window assembly, and a chromogenic window assembly each includes a panel having a particular panel contour corresponding to a surface contour and a chromogenic panel having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic block includes two panels and a chromogenic panel having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal.

A chromogenic window panel assembly, and a chromogenic skylight each includes an outer panel and a chromogenic member having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic light pipe includes a light harvesting member and a chromogenic member having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic vehicle sunroof, a chromogenic aircraft window assembly, and a chromogenic window assembly each includes a panel having a particular panel contour corresponding to a surface contour and a chromogenic panel having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic block includes two panels and a chromogenic panel having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal.

A wind energy capturing device for moving vehicles including a wind turbine powered electrical power generator for installation on the roof of a moving vehicle such as a truck cab or tractor. The invention takes advantage of the powerful wind force generated by the vehicle moving on the road at moderate to high speed impinging against the wind deflector mounted on the truck cab or tractor. This otherwise “wasted” wind energy is captured and directed to the face area of the rotor blade, rotating the turbine, which, in turn, drives the generator to generate electricity. The electrical energy may be stored in a battery system and used to drive the motors of an electric vehicle or hybrid-electric vehicle.

A power system for an electric vehicle, the power system comprising at least one power generating device selected from a group consisting of a solar panel, a wind turbine capable of producing electrical power, an auxiliary generator driven by an internal combustion engine, and a generator for producing electrical power mechanically connected to, and driven by the rotational force of an axle of a vehicle. The power system being further comprised of a charging device, a battery control device, at least one battery, a motor control device, an electric drive motor electrically connected to the motor control device, and a driver interface connected to the motor control device. The electric drive motor may be used to generate power through regenerative braking. The wind turbine may be raised outside the body of a vehicle while the vehicle is not in motion. The solar panel may be disposed outside the vehicle while remaining electrically connected to the charging device.

A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having an engine and an electric motor and generator sub-system, which establish mechanical and electric power flow paths. Multiple-ratio gearing in a power flow path for forward drive enhances vehicle traction torque for heavy-duty vehicle applications. Reverse drive performance is enhanced by torque multiplying gearing in a reverse drive power delivery path.

A charge controller for charging a battery of a plug-in vehicle with a plurality of electric power sources includes: a driving route estimation element; an estimated electric power consumption amount calculator; a weather information obtaining element; a sunshine information obtaining element; a solar photovoltaic generation electric power amount calculator; an electric power shortage amount calculator for calculating an electric power shortage amount when the solar photovoltaic generation electric power amount is smaller than an estimated electric power consumption amount; a charge schedule preparation element for preparing a charge schedule, which represents a first charge time for charging the battery with a solar photovoltaic generation system and a second charge time for charging the battery by the electric power shortage amount with another electric power source; and a charge control element for controlling to charge the battery according to the charge schedule.

A protective wind energy conversion chamber provides a protected multiple turbine mechanism axially aligned to convert kinetic energy of a moving fluid (e.g., wind) into rotational mechanical power by the reaction of the moving fluid with the turbine. The conversion chamber may either be configured as a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) or horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT). The conversion chamber repositions an intake windward to collect and concentrate the wind prior to converting the wind into energy via the axially aligned multi-turbine mechanism. The remaining wind is released via a leeward-facing exhaust. Completely enclosed by the protective wind energy conversion chamber, the axially aligned multi-turbine mechanism avoids interference by birds and other outside objects.

A system and method for controlling a damping system. The system has at least two dampers for damping between sprung and unsprung masses in the compression and rebound directions. Sensors generate signals based on position and other parameters of motion representative of the displacement between the sprung and unsprung masses. The process determines the appropriate compression and rebound forces to be applied at the wheels. A regulator responds to at least one of the independent compression and rebound control signals for adjusting, respectively, at least one of compression and rebound resisting forces of the dampers between the masses. Compliance for the dampers is emulated with software to produce the desired compliance forces. The distributed controller includes a processor that is responsive to signals representative of the position signals for forming the compression and rebound control signals for the regulator as a function of motion between the masses or a motion of a vehicle in which the dampers are located. The system has the capability of locking the suspension when parked.

A vehicle equipped to provide to a docking facility at a home or business structure, electric power derived from solar collectors formed on the surface of the vehicle, and the docking facility for receiving such power. Also provided is a system for providing to the public electric power grid such power received from a plurality of vehicles, and for compensating the owners. Corresponding methods of operation are also provided.

A wireless electric field power transmission system comprises: a transmitter comprising a transmitter antenna, the transmitter antenna comprising at least two conductors defining a volume therebetween; and at least one receiver, wherein the transmitter antenna transfers power wirelessly via electric field coupling when the at least one receiver is within the volume.

A tubular housing includes at least one fixed helical vane formed onto the inner surfaces of the tubular housing in a spiral and adapted to direct fluid into a spiraled flow and focus fluid onto a fan blade assembly associated with an alternator system and located within the tubular housing before a system exhaust. A generator cone can be mounted near the center and front of the fan blade assembly facing fluid passing through the tubular housing. As fluid passes over the generator cone it experiences compression between the generator cone and housing resulting in increased pressure and velocity of the fluid, thereby increasing rotational speed of the generator blades and generator as the compressed, spiraled fluid passes through the blades and exits the tubular housing. The system can be used for fixed or mobile applications in water, wind and manually induced air flow.

A vehicle-mounted generator is powered by relative wind produced by the combination of ambient wind and motion of the vehicle, or by movement of water when mounted on the hull of a water-borne vehicle. A rigid cylindrical housing forms an enclosed interior chamber. Wind asymmetrically enters the chamber through an inlet located on one side of a central longitudinal drive shaft, and exits through an outlet located at the top of the housing. A spiraling parabolic deck forms a floor of the interior chamber, and spirals around the central longitudinal shaft from the bottom of the housing to the outlet at the top. A turbine mounted on the drive shaft within the outlet converts energy of the exiting wind to mechanical energy. An electrical generator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy for recharging a battery or powering an electric motor.

Wind operated electrical generating apparatus includes a housing designed to be attached to the front of a vehicle and formed to extend substantially the length of the front of the vehicle for intercepting air flow produced by movement of the vehicle. The housing is further formed with an opening designed to direct intercepted air flow into a channel. A turbine is rotatably mounted within the housing in the channel for rotation of the turbine with air flow in the channel and an electrical generator is attached to the turbine for rotation with the turbine. The housing can be attached to the front bumper of a vehicle or be attached in lieu of the front bumper.

Disclosed is a vehicle using wind force. An object of the present invention is to provide a wind force power system driven by wind is provided within a hood panel of the vehicle, whereby the vehicle continuously charge a battery with electricity while being stopped or driving. The vehicle using wind force includes a wind force power system, the Power system comprising a ventilator that is rotated by the wind flowing along the roof panel in the rear of the vehicle, a shaft connected to the ventilator, a rotary gear connected to the shaft, a follower gear engaged with the rotary gear, and an electric generator for generating electricity as the follower gear rotates, wherein the electric generator of the wind force power system is electrically connected to the battery and the battery is electrically connected to the driving motor.

A shrouded enclosure is mounted to a vehicle roof, the shrouded enclosure comprising an air intake formed by controllable shrouds, a turbine, an electricity generating device, and a discharge outlet. The turbine is interposed between the air intake and the discharge outlet, operatively connected to the electricity generating device and adapted to operate by the air passing through the shrouded enclosure when the vehicle is in motion. The turbine rotates about a turbine shaft mounted on a pair of bearing towers. The rotational energy of the turbine shaft is transferred to the electricity generating device. A base plate is interposed between the shrouded enclosure and the mounting surface of the vehicle. An electrical circuit provides electrical continuity between the electricity generating device and the battery during predetermined periods thereby generating electrical energy to charge the battery with the generated electrical energy. The controllable shrouds are opened to a predetermined position during the predetermined periods of electrical continuity and are otherwise closed to form a predetermined aerodynamic shape to reduce drag during vehicle movement.

A power system for an electric vehicle, the power system comprising at least one power generating device selected from a group consisting of a solar panel, a wind turbine capable of producing electrical power, an auxiliary generator driven by an internal combustion engine, and a generator for producing electrical power mechanically connected to, and driven by the rotational force of an axle of a vehicle. The power system being further comprised of a charging device, a battery control device, at least one battery, a motor control device, an electric drive motor electrically connected to the motor control device, and a driver interface connected to the motor control device. The electric drive motor may be used to generate power through regenerative braking. The wind turbine may be raised outside the body of a vehicle while the vehicle is not in motion. The solar panel may be disposed outside the vehicle while remaining electrically connected to the charging device.

The invention relates to a vehicle including a body having a one or more openings. The body is configured, such as through the use of air guides, to receive an airflow through the one or more openings. An electrical generator assembly is mounted inside the vehicle and in fluid communication with a respective opening to receive the airflow, and wherein a separate electric generator assembly is associated with each of the openings. Each electrical generator assembly includes a housing, an electric generator mounted to the housing and a turbine assembly coupled to the electric generator.

A protective wind energy conversion chamber provides a protected multiple turbine mechanism axially aligned to convert kinetic energy of a moving fluid (e.g., wind) into rotational mechanical power by the reaction of the moving fluid with the turbine. The conversion chamber may either be configured as a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) or horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT). The conversion chamber repositions an intake windward to collect and concentrate the wind prior to converting the wind into energy via the axially aligned multi-turbine mechanism. The remaining wind is released via a leeward-facing exhaust. Completely enclosed by the protective wind energy conversion chamber, the axially aligned multi-turbine mechanism avoids interference by birds and other outside objects.

A solar energy system for a hybrid vehicle that utilizes an attachable solar panel to receive and convert solar energy into direct current electricity. A wiring harness directs the direct current electricity generated by the solar panel to a converter. The converter transforms the direct current electricity from a comparatively lower energy state to a comparatively higher energy state.

A desalination system is driven by a solar powered boiler that outputs a pressurized vapor to drive an expander that generates output motive force. A pump is responsive to the motive force to output pressurized saline water. A reverse osmosis unit receives the pressurized saline water to output fresh water and pressurized brine. A recuperator that transfers heat from the expander exhaust to the boiler feed liquid is incorporated to improve the efficiency of the system. In a particular embodiment, a hydraulic motor receives the pressurized brine and outputs an augmenting motive force to the pump. In another embodiment, a novel motorless boiler feed pump is defined.

A battery charging control device for controlling a power generation device installed in an electric vehicle sets a battery energy management area using a current position of a host vehicle as a reference, detects at least one travelable route within the battery energy management area, calculates a battery energy management upper limit value and a battery energy management lower limit value on the basis of a maximum value and a minimum value of energy values required to travel to respective points on the travelable route from the current position, and calculates a battery energy management width by subtracting the management lower limit value from the management upper limit value. When the battery energy management width is not within a predetermined range, the battery energy management area is modified so as to enter the predetermined range. As a result, battery charging is controlled such that a magnitude relationship between the battery energy management upper limit value and the battery energy management lower limit value does not reverse.

Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an electrical load may be automatically activated to consume electrical energy produced during driveline braking so that driveline braking may be extended. The electrical load may be a windscreen heater or other device.

An electrically powered motor vehicle includes a system for recharging the on-board batteries, which system includes an air-flow conduit with an entrance at the front of the vehicle, a plurality of electric turbines mounted in tandem within a first portion of the conduit, and an additional electric turbine mounted within a second portion of the conduit, which exits at the underside of the vehicle. The tandem-mounted turbines are disposed for effective rotation, in reaction to air flow, on a generally horizontal axis, and the additional electric turbine is mounted for rotation in reaction to air flow on a second axis, generally transverse to the first axis and disposed proximate the exit end of the conduit.

A beach wagon is disclosed which is convertible from a beach-wagon to a table. The wagon is used for transporting goods and contains a large cargo container with an open top. The beach wagon is easily converted from motorized to manual and back again, through the disengagement and re-engagement of the drivetrain. When motorized, a d-c battery-driven motor drives the rear wheels, and the rechargeable battery thereof is optionally aided by a solar panel. Forward gearing includes low-speed for pavement and hard sand and high-speed for soft sand. A rectangular deck has a pair of table leaves hingedly attached thereto and operable between an open and closed position. The leaves form opposite sides of a cargo container and in the closed position form a table. A pair of container panels attach to the table leaves and deck to form the cargo container.

A zero-emissions electric three-wheeled, enclosed scooter with two 1 hp motors driven from batteries charged by solar panels and a pedal-driven generator; also incorporating an innovative rear wheel drive and suspension system and a tilt capability to reduce parking space requirement to approximately one quarter of that of a conventional automobile.

A motorized beach wagon is disclosed which is convertible from a beach-wagon to a table. The wagon is used for transporting goods and contains a large cargo container with an open top. The undercarriage has a pair of front wheels positioned by a manually controlled yoke to steer the beach wagon. A d-c battery-driven motor drives the rear wheels, and the rechargeable battery thereof is optionally aided by a solar panel. Forward gearing includes low-speed for pavement and hard sand and high-speed for soft sand. A rectangular deck has a pair of table leaves hingedly attached thereto and operable between an open and closed position. The leaves form opposite sides of a cargo container and in the closed position form a table. A pair of container panels attach to the table leaves and deck to form the cargo container.

The invention relates to an air incorporation power machine motor car, which comprises a steering-wheel, a front aperture axle bracket, a rear axle stand, a girder for connecting the front aperture axle bracket and the rear axle stand and a vehicle body. The motor car further comprises a hub, an energy recovery device, an energy storage device, a power drive device, a control device, a shift device and an auxiliary device which are connected to the front aperture axle bracket and the rear axle stand through transmission shafts. The energy recovery device is connected with the energy storage device; the energy storage device is connected with the power drive device; and the control device controls the energy recovery device, the power drive device and the auxiliary device. When a motor vehicle is in normal running, an air power engine supplies power; and when the motor vehicle is needed to decelerate when conducting brake, turning and downhill, the hub and impellers are started to generate electricity and collect the power and use. The power recycled by the manner is rather considerable, so that the energy of the invention can be better made up. In sum, the invention utilizes air power as main power, and the power can be recycled and utilized through multi ways. In addition, the air source collection is convenient, the energy transformation rate is high and the exhaust emission is nearly zero, thereby achieving the aims of the invention.

A solar vehicle includes a vehicle body, a solar panel mounted on the vehicle body, and a vehicle battery and a conversion device arranged inside the vehicle body. The vehicle body contains therein a vehicle load connected to the vehicle battery. The conversion device includes a conversion circuit, a power flow sensor, multiple input and output ports. The conversion circuit includes a DC bus and various converters (such as DC / DC, bi-directional DC / DC, bi-directional AC / DC converter, and inverter). The power flow sensor detects power flow received in the input ports and feeds the power to the conversion circuit for conversion. The solar panel provides electrical power from solar power generation to the conversion device, which after carrying out conversion, supplies the power through the output ports to the vehicle load and the vehicle battery. As such, the electrical power received by the input ports is subjected to conversion by the conversion device and thus output through the output ports and the power flow sensor detects the power flow of the input power to select one or more of the input ports to supply electrical power to the conversion device for conversion and supply of the power to the vehicle battery.

A control system for a hybrid vehicle equipped with power takeoff equipment provides a multi-bus, network environment, integrating operation of a vehicle electric traction motor, power takeoff equipment including prospectively hydraulic motion control equipment and a vehicle thermal engine. The control system is readily programmable to allow reconfiguration depending upon the character of the equipment installed. Efficient utilization of the vehicle's thermal engine and enhanced system robustness is obtained.

In short, the Eolic Marine Electrical Generator "GEEM" is an extraordinary invention used for capturing the huge impulse force of water or wind, to generate mechanical energy and to transform the mechanical energy into electrical energy, clean and ecological, without consuming vital oxygen thanks to the invention of immense split, self-regulating panels, radially fixed in dihedral angle to a rotary central shaft, panels which capture by shock the inexhaustible energy of the wind, the waves or the ocean currents; or fixed on rotary or flying machines of high speed, with panels formed at the same time by oscillating vanes that at a certain time of a turn of 360° will face the natural energy as a single group or panel, capturing therefrom the impulse force and converting it into rotary movement through the central rotary shaft. Said vanes in other rotation, by oscillation, will divide the panel and will align themselves with the natural vector, permitting its free passage, eliminating the turning resistance of the panel against water or wind and generating a constant rotation movement, independent of the direction of water or wind, and then transforming said mechanical energy into electrical energy by existing conventional means. The invention will allow men to renew their resources and to obtain electrical energy from anywhere in the planet such as cities, countryside, deserts, forests, mountains, seas, floating cities or spaces such as the Arctic and the Antarctic, neither polluting the environment, nor depending on costly networks or non-renewable inputs. The invention will also generate electrical energy on fleets, land vehicles or airship without consuming non-renewable fuel or destroying oxygen. Moreover, this invention replaces the internal combustion engines by eolic electrical motors, changing the scenery of the modern world and recovering the ozone lost in the Antarctic. And this invention will also be used when men in future colonize planets, without rivers or seas but with plenty of wind, to generate electrical energy without polluting this new vital space of the human race.