System, vehicle and method for harvesting energy from a flushing cycle of a toilet

Abstract

This disclosure relates to systems, vehicles, and methods for harvesting energy from the flushing cycle of a toilet. The system includes a toilet and an energy harvester coupled to the toilet. The energy harvester is configured to convert the vacuum force from the toilet's flushing contents into electrical energy. The energy harvester is further configured to supply electrical energy to one or more components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for harvesting energy from the flushing cycle of a toilet (such as in the washroom of a vehicle). Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. A typical commercial aircraft includes an interior cabin with one or more lavatories.

[0003] A typical lavatory in the interior of a commercial aircraft cabin includes a toilet coupled to a powerful vacuum flushing (suction) system. Specific components within the lavatory include disposable batteries that power motors and pumps. Examples of such components include automatic paper towel dispensers, automatic soap dispensers, automatic trash can flaps, and automatic toilet seats.

[0004] As is understandable, the batteries used in this component are replaced periodically. Then, the used batteries need to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

[0005] As an alternative, components can be powered by the aircraft's main or auxiliary power source. However, this option inevitably increases the aircraft's total power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0006] There is a need for systems and methods for efficiently and effectively powering specific components within the lavatory of an aircraft. Furthermore, there is a need for systems and methods that eliminate, minimize, or otherwise reduce the need to power specific components with batteries. Additionally, there is a need for systems and methods for providing power to components within the aircraft without increasing the total power consumption of the aircraft's primary and / or auxiliary power sources.

[0007] In view of these needs, specific embodiments of this disclosure provide a system including a toilet and an energy harvester coupled to the toilet. The energy harvester is configured to convert the vacuum force from flushing contents of the toilet into electrical energy. In at least one embodiment, the energy harvester is further configured to provide electrical energy to one or more components.

[0008] The system may also include a wired connection between the energy harvester and one or more components. These components may include one or more of the following: one or more motors, one or more pumps, one or more sensors, one or more lights, one or more chargers, and / or one or more energy storage devices.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the system further includes a vacuum flushing system coupled to the toilet. The vacuum flushing system is configured to generate a vacuum force.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the energy harvester includes a fan turbine and a generator coupled to the fan turbine. The energy harvester may be disposed within a conduit fixed to a wall. The energy harvester may include a housing fixed to a toilet. In at least one embodiment, the toilet includes a lid that may include the energy harvester.

[0011] Specific embodiments of this disclosure include a vehicle comprising an interior compartment and a lavatory located within the interior compartment. The lavatory includes a toilet and an energy harvester coupled to the toilet. The energy harvester is configured to convert the vacuum force from flushing the contents of the toilet into electrical energy. The energy harvester is further configured to provide electrical energy to one or more components.

[0012] Specific embodiments of this disclosure provide a method comprising converting the vacuum force of flushing contents from a toilet bowl into electrical energy via an energy harvester. In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises supplying electrical energy to one or more components via the energy harvester. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 A block diagram of a system in a lavatory within an interior compartment of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A simplified diagram of the system.

[0015] Figure 3 A front view of an energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 4 An interior view of a washroom according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 5 An interior view of a washroom according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 6 An interior view of a washroom with a toilet lid in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0019] Figure 7 The image shows a toilet seat in the closed position. Figure 6 Interior view of the washroom.

[0020] Figure 8 A perspective front view of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 9 A perspective interior view of an aircraft interior compartment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 10 An isometric interior view of a washroom according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 11 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The foregoing overview and the following detailed description of specific embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, elements or steps stated in the singular and preceded by the words "an" or "a" should be understood to not necessarily exclude a plurality of such elements or steps. Furthermore, the reference to "an embodiment" is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the stated features. Moreover, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprise" or "have" elements or multiple elements having a specific condition may include additional elements that do not have that condition.

[0025] As described herein, embodiments of this disclosure provide a simple power source that can eliminate, minimize, or otherwise reduce the need for batteries in specific components within an aircraft without increasing the overall power consumption of the aircraft's primary or auxiliary power source. As another embodiment, the power source can be configured to charge the batteries of components. The systems and methods described herein collect energy generated by a vacuum flushing system coupled to a toilet. The collected energy is used to power one or more components, such as one or more lights, one or more motors, one or more pumps, one or more sensors, one or more chargers, one or more energy storage devices, etc. The systems and methods described herein are environmentally friendly (eliminating the need for batteries that would otherwise be discarded after use; or optionally, charging the batteries) and utilize an untapped energy source (i.e., the vacuum flushing system).

[0026] Figure 1 A block diagram of a system 100 within a lavatory 102 of an interior compartment 104 of a vehicle 106 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle 106 is a commercial aircraft. As another embodiment, the vehicle 106 is a land-based vehicle, such as a bus, train carriage, etc. As another embodiment, the vehicle 106 is a water-based vehicle, such as a boat or ship. As another embodiment, the vehicle 106 is a spacecraft. In at least one other embodiment, the system 100 may be used with a fixed structure, such as within a residential or commercial building.

[0027] The washroom 102 includes a toilet 108 coupled to a vacuum flushing system 110. When the toilet 108 is flushed, the vacuum flushing system 110 uses vacuum (suction) force to extract the contents from the bowl of the toilet 108.

[0028] System 100 includes an energy harvester 112 coupled to a toilet 108. The energy harvester 112 includes a fan turbine 114 coupled to a generator 116. In operation, the generator 116 converts mechanical energy (such as the rotational motion of the fan turbine 114) into electrical energy. As another embodiment, the energy harvester 112 includes one or more baffles coupled to the generator. As another embodiment, the energy harvester 112 includes one or more bellows coupled to the generator. As another embodiment, the energy harvester 112 includes one or more flaps pivotally coupled to the generator. The generator 116 may include one or more magnets, one or more electromagnets, one or more metal brushes, one or more metal fibers, etc., configured to move in response to motion (e.g., motion caused by the fan turbine 114) and generate electrical energy.

[0029] The generator 116 is then coupled to one or more components 118, such as via wired or wireless connections. Components 118 may be located within the washroom 102. Embodiments of components 118 include, but are not limited to, one or more motors 118a, one or more pumps 118b, one or more sensors 118c, one or more lights 118d, one or more chargers 118e, and / or one or more energy storage devices 118f.

[0030] As an example, motor 118a may be coupled to the lid of toilet 108 (e.g., a pivoting lid) and configured to automatically open and close the lid. As another example, motor 118a may be located within a tissue dispenser and configured to automatically dispense tissues. Energy generated by energy harvester 112 is used to power motor 118a.

[0031] As an example, pump 118b can be located within an automatic soap dispenser. As another example, pump 118b can be located within a water supply or drainage system. Energy generated by energy harvester 112 is used to power pump 118b.

[0032] As an example, sensor 118c is an infrared or ultrasonic proximity sensor for detecting motion. This motion can be used to operate soap dispensers, toilet flushing devices, paper towel dispensers, open / close toilet seats / lids, open trash can lids, etc., in a contactless manner. Energy generated by energy harvester 112 is used to power sensor 118c.

[0033] As an embodiment, the lavatory 102 includes one or more lamps 118d for illuminating the interior of the lavatory 102. As another embodiment, the lamps 118d may include emergency lighting within the interior compartment 104. As yet another embodiment, the lamps 118d may be used to illuminate signs within the lavatory 102 and / or the interior compartment 104, such as exit signs, location signs, seat signs, etc. Energy generated by the energy harvester 112 can be used to power the lamps 118d.

[0034] As an example, charger 118e can be a charging station for a smartphone or tablet. As another example, charger 118e can be used to charge one or more other components 118 inside or outside the washroom 102. Energy generated by energy harvester 112 is used to power charger 118e.

[0035] As an example, the energy storage device 118f may be one or more batteries within one or more other components 118. As another example, the energy storage device 118f may be used in other devices besides component 118. The energy storage device 118f may be charged via energy harvester 112.

[0036] As shown in the figure, component 118 may be located inside the lavatory 102. In another embodiment, component 118 may be located inside the interior compartment 104, but outside the lavatory 102.

[0037] In operation, when toilet 108 is flushed, vacuum flushing system 110 generates a vacuum force that draws contents from the bowl of toilet 108 into a fluid line, for example, in fluid communication with a waste tank. A fan turbine 114 of energy harvester 112 is in fluid communication with the bowl of toilet 108, such as via one or more pipes or an open air space. The vacuum force generated by vacuum flushing system 110 causes fan turbine 114 to rotate. The rotation of fan turbine 114, in turn, causes generator 116 (such as one that may be directly coupled to fan turbine 114) to convert the mechanical energy of the rotating fan turbine into electrical energy, which is then used to power component 118.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, generator 116 is connected to component 118 via a dedicated wired connection. The wired connection can be fixed or removable (such as a plug and socket connection). As another embodiment, generator 116 is connected to component 118 via a wireless connection. Energy generated by generator 116 is supplied to component 118 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0039] As described herein, energy harvester 112 harvests electricity from the vacuum force of a vacuum toilet flushing cycle generated by vacuum flushing system 110. In at least one embodiment, system 100 is configured to eliminate, minimize, or otherwise reduce airborne contaminants that may be generated by the flushing cycle. For example, energy harvester 112 may be disposed within or otherwise in fluid communication with ducts and vents that draw such contaminants out of washroom 102.

[0040] As described, in at least one embodiment, system 100 includes a toilet 108 and an energy harvester 112 coupled to the toilet 108. The energy harvester 112 is configured to convert the vacuum force from flushing contents of the toilet 108 into electrical energy. In at least one embodiment, the energy harvester 112 is further configured to provide electrical energy to one or more components 118. In at least one embodiment, system 100 also includes a vacuum flushing system 110 coupled to the toilet 108. The vacuum flushing system 110 is configured to generate a vacuum force. In at least one embodiment, energy harvester 112 includes a fan turbine 114 and a generator 116 coupled to the fan turbine 114.

[0041] Figure 2 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram of system 100. See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The generator 116 is connected to one or more of the components 118 via a wired connection 120 (such as a cable). Air blades promote the movement of airflow through one side of the fan turbine 114.

[0042] The fan turbine 114 includes a plurality of fan blades 122 connected to a hub 124, which in turn is connected to a shaft 126 operatively coupled to a generator 116. When the vacuum flushing system 110 is activated, a vacuum force 128 is generated. The vacuum force 128 causes the fan blades 122 to rotate about the hub 124 in the direction of arc A. The rotation of the hub 124 in turn causes the shaft 126 to rotate, which in turn causes the generator 116 to convert this mechanical energy into electrical energy, which is then supplied to component 118.

[0043] Figure 3 A front view of an energy harvester 112 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In at least one embodiment, a generator 116 may be disposed at (or optionally provided) the hub 124 of a fan turbine 114. The fan turbine 114 and the generator 116 may be disposed within a housing 130 (e.g., a frame), which may be disposed within conduits (such as ducts or vents).

[0044] Figure 4An interior view of a washroom 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. A toilet 108 includes a toilet seat 140 defining a basin 142. A cover 144 is pivotally coupled to a seat 146 of the basin 142. In at least one example, an energy harvester 112 is disposed within a conduit 150 (such as a duct or vent) formed within a wall 152 of the washroom 102. The conduit 150 is in fluid communication with the basin 142, such as via a direct fluid connection or via open air connection. As shown, the energy harvester 112 is located upstream of the toilet 108 (i.e., within a forward airflow). A vacuum flushing system 110 is located downstream of the toilet 108. The basin 142 of the toilet 108 is located within a fluid loop (e.g., an airflow) between the energy harvester 112 (upstream of the basin 142) and the vacuum flushing system 110 (downstream of the basin 142). The conduit 150 forms a conduit within the wall 152 and may be coupled to the upper roof of an interior compartment. The conduit 150 formed in the wall 152 prevents, minimizes, or otherwise reduces the possibility of airborne pollutants escaping into the breathing space of the washroom 102.

[0045] The fan turbine 114 and generator 116 may be covered, for example, by a panel. Alternatively, the fan turbine 114 and generator 116 may be uncovered.

[0046] When the lid 144 of the toilet 108 is closed, the lid 144 seals into parts of the toilet 108 (such as the seat 146 and / or the toilet cover 140), thereby forcing vacuum energy to rotate the fan turbine 114.

[0047] Figure 5 An interior view of a washroom 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the energy harvester 112 includes a housing 160 that holds a fan turbine 114 and a generator 116 within a fluid passage 162 in fluid communication with the basin 142 of a toilet 108. The housing 160 is Figure 3 An embodiment of housing 130 is shown. Housing 160 is attached to a portion of toilet 108. Housing 160 may also include an air inlet 164 that provides a fluid path into fluid passage 162. As shown, energy harvester 112 is located upstream of toilet 108.

[0048] Figure 6 An interior view of a washroom 102 having a toilet seat 144 in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. Figure 7 The image shows a toilet seat 144 with the toilet 108 in the closed position. Figure 6 Interior view of washroom 102. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7In one embodiment, cover 144 may include an energy harvester 112. For example, a fan turbine 114 and a generator 116 may be mounted on and / or inside cover 144.

[0049] Figure 8 A perspective front view of an aircraft 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The aircraft 200 is... Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of vehicle 106. Aircraft 200 includes, for example, a propulsion system 212 including engines 214. Optionally, propulsion system 212 may include more engines 214 than shown. Engines 214 are carried by wings 216 of aircraft 200. In other embodiments, engines 214 may be carried by fuselage 218 and / or tail 220. Tail 220 may also support horizontal stabilizer 222 and vertical stabilizer 224.

[0050] The fuselage 218 of aircraft 200 defines an internal compartment 230, which includes a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work areas (e.g., galley, carry-on baggage area, etc.), one or more passenger areas (e.g., first class, business class, and economy class areas), one or more lavatories, etc. Internal compartment 230 is... Figure 1 An embodiment of the internal compartment 104 shown.

[0051] Alternatively, instead of aircraft, embodiments of this disclosure can be used with a variety of other means of transportation, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and train carriages, watercraft, spacecraft, etc. As another embodiment, embodiments of this disclosure can be used for fixed structures, such as residential or commercial buildings.

[0052] Figure 9 A perspective interior view of an interior compartment 230 of an aircraft 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The interior compartment 230 includes outer side walls 232 and a ceiling 234. Windows 236 may be formed within the outer side walls 232. A floor 238 supports multiple rows of seats 240. Figure 9 As shown, row 242 may include three seats 240 on either side of aisle 243. However, row 242 may include more or fewer seats 240 than shown. Furthermore, interior compartment 230 may include more aisles than shown.

[0053] Figure 10 An isometric interior view of a washroom 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The washroom 300 is... Figure 1The illustration shows an embodiment of lavatory 102. In at least one embodiment, lavatory 300 may be located within the interior cabin of an aircraft. Alternatively, lavatory 300 may be located on various other vehicles. In other embodiments, lavatory 300 may be located within a fixed structure, such as a commercial or residential building. Lavatory 300 includes a base plate 301 supporting a toilet 108, one or more cabinets 304, a sink 306 or washbasin, and a faucet 307. Lavatory 300 may be arranged differently from that shown. Lavatory 300 may include more or fewer components than shown.

[0054] Figure 11 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 11 At 400, a vacuum flushing system 110 coupled to toilet 108 is activated to remove the contents of the bowl of toilet 108 by means of vacuum force (such as suction). For example, a button or handle of toilet 108 may be engaged to activate the vacuum flushing system 110. As another embodiment, toilet 108 may include a sensor configured to detect motion, thereby activating the vacuum flushing system 110 in a contactless manner.

[0055] At 402, the vacuum force generated by the vacuum flushing system rotates the fan turbine 114 of the energy harvester 112. At 404, the mechanical energy (rotation) of the fan turbine 114 is coupled to a generator 116 of the fan turbine 114 and converted into electrical energy. At 406, the electrical energy generated by the generator 116 is then supplied to one or more components 118.

[0056] Furthermore, this disclosure includes embodiments according to the following provisions: Clause 1. A system comprising: Toilet; and An energy harvester, coupled to the toilet, is configured to convert the vacuum force from flushing contents into electrical energy.

[0057] Clause 2. The system according to Clause 1, wherein the energy harvester is further configured to provide electrical energy to one or more components.

[0058] Clause 3. The system pursuant to Clause 2 further includes a wired connection between the energy harvester and one or more components.

[0059] Clause 4. A system pursuant to Clause 2 or 3, wherein one or more components comprise one or more of the following: One or more motors; One or more pumps; One or more sensors; One or more lights; One or more chargers; or One or more energy storage devices.

[0060] Clause 5. The system according to any one of Clauses 1-4 further includes a vacuum flushing system coupled to the toilet, wherein the vacuum flushing system is configured to generate a vacuum force.

[0061] Clause 6. A system according to any one of Clauses 1-5, wherein the energy harvester comprises: Fan turbines; and The generator is coupled to the fan turbine.

[0062] Clause 7. A system according to any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein the energy harvester is disposed within a conduit fixed to a wall.

[0063] Clause 8. A system according to any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein the energy harvester includes a housing fixed to the toilet.

[0064] Clause 9. A system according to any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein the toilet includes a lid, and wherein the lid includes an energy harvester.

[0065] Article 10. A means of transport comprising: Internal compartments; The lavatory, located within the interior cabin, includes: Toilet; and An energy harvester, coupled to a toilet, wherein the energy harvester is configured to convert the vacuum force from flushing contents of the toilet into electrical energy, and wherein the energy harvester is further configured to provide electrical energy to one or more components.

[0066] Clause 11. The vehicle under Clause 10 further includes a wired connection between the energy harvester and one or more components.

[0067] Clause 12. A vehicle under Clause 10 or 11, wherein one or more components include one or more of the following: One or more motors; One or more pumps; One or more sensors; One or more lights; One or more chargers; or One or more energy storage devices.

[0068] Clause 13. The vehicle under any of Clauses 10-12 further includes a vacuum flushing system coupled to the toilet, wherein the vacuum flushing system is configured to generate a vacuum force.

[0069] Clause 14. A means of transport pursuant to any of Clauses 10-13, wherein the energy harvester comprises: Fan turbines; and The generator is coupled to the fan turbine.

[0070] Clause 15. A vehicle under any of Clauses 10-14, wherein the energy harvester is disposed in a conduit fixed to the wall of the washroom.

[0071] Clause 16. A vehicle under any of Clauses 10-14, wherein the energy harvester includes a housing fixed to the toilet.

[0072] Clause 17. A vehicle under any of Clauses 10-14, wherein the toilet includes a lid, and wherein the lid includes an energy harvester.

[0073] Clause 18. A method for a system comprising: Toilet; and Energy harvester, coupled to the toilet. The method includes: The vacuum force from flushing toilet contents is converted into electrical energy by an energy harvester.

[0074] Clause 19. The method according to Clause 18 further includes supplying electrical energy to one or more components via an energy harvester.

[0075] Clause 20. The method according to Clause 18 or 19 further includes generating a vacuum force by means of a vacuum flushing system coupled to the toilet.

[0076] As described herein, embodiments of this disclosure provide systems and methods for efficiently and effectively powering components such as those in the lavatory of an aircraft. Further, embodiments of this disclosure provide systems and methods for eliminating, minimizing, or otherwise reducing the need to power specific components with batteries. Additionally, embodiments of this disclosure provide systems and methods for providing power to components within an aircraft without increasing the total power consumption of the aircraft's primary or auxiliary power source.

[0077] While various spatial and directional terms (such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc.) may be used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that such terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. The orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed such that the upper part is the lower part (or vice versa), the horizontal becomes the vertical, etc.

[0078] As used herein, structures, constraints, or elements “configured to” perform a task or operation are specifically structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid ambiguity, objects that can only be modified to perform a task or operation are not “configured to” perform a task or operation as used herein.

[0079] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of various embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the scope of the embodiments. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters of various embodiments of this disclosure, these embodiments are by no means restrictive but rather exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents conferred by such claims. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms “comprising” and “therein” are used as concise English equivalents of the corresponding terms “including” and “wherein”. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. In addition, the limitations of the following claims are not written in a means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted pursuant to Section 112(f) of Chapter 35 of the United States Code. Unless, and up to the point where such a claim is explicitly limited in the phrase “means for…”, it avoids the use of functional statements in other structures.

[0080] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of this disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of this disclosure, including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other embodiments that may occur to those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if the embodiments have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if the embodiments include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for harvesting energy from a toilet flush cycle, comprising: toilet; as well as An energy harvester, coupled to the toilet, is configured to convert the vacuum force from flushing contents of the toilet into electrical energy.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The energy harvester is further configured to provide the electrical energy to one or more components.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a wired connection between the energy harvester and the one or more components.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The one or more components include one or more of the following: One or more motors; One or more pumps; One or more sensors; One or more lights; One or more chargers; or One or more energy storage devices.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a vacuum flushing system coupled to the toilet, wherein, The vacuum flushing system is configured to generate the vacuum force.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The energy harvester includes: Fan turbines; and A generator is coupled to the fan turbine.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The energy harvester is installed inside a pipe fixed to the wall.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The energy harvester includes a housing fixed to the toilet.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The toilet includes a lid, and wherein the lid includes the energy harvester.

10. A means of transport, comprising: Internal compartments; A lavatory, located within the interior compartment, wherein the lavatory comprises: Toilet; and An energy harvester, coupled to the toilet, wherein the energy harvester is configured to convert the vacuum force from flushing contents of the toilet into electrical energy, and wherein the energy harvester is further configured to supply the electrical energy to one or more components.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, further comprising a wired connection between the energy harvester and the one or more components.

12. The means of transport according to claim 10, wherein, The one or more components include one or more of the following: One or more motors; One or more pumps; One or more sensors; One or more lights; One or more chargers; or One or more energy storage devices.

13. The vehicle according to claim 10, further comprising a vacuum flushing system coupled to the toilet, wherein, The vacuum flushing system is configured to generate the vacuum force.

14. The means of transport according to claim 10, wherein, The energy harvester includes: Fan turbines; and A generator is coupled to the fan turbine.

15. The means of transport according to claim 10, wherein, The energy harvester is installed in a pipe fixed to the wall of the washroom.

16. The means of transport according to claim 10, wherein, The energy harvester includes a housing fixed to the toilet.

17. The means of transport according to claim 10, wherein, The toilet includes a lid, and wherein the lid includes the energy harvester.

18. A method for harvesting energy from a toilet flush cycle, the method being used in a system comprising: toilet; as well as An energy harvester, coupled to the toilet, The method includes: The energy harvester converts the vacuum force from flushing the contents of the toilet into electrical energy.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising supplying the electrical energy to one or more components via the energy harvester.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising generating the vacuum force by means of a vacuum flushing system coupled to the toilet.

Images