Vehicle power generator

Abstract

By utilizing the airflow generated while driving, power generation efficiency and output can be improved, reducing vehicle operating costs and contributing to energy conservation. [Solution] As the airflow from the front to the rear of the vehicle causes fluid to flow through the first and second fluid flow spaces 30 and 32, the impeller 34 rotates, generating electricity with the generator 36. The generated electricity is then used by the charging unit 38 to charge the motor drive battery 12 and the auxiliary battery 16.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation device for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] There has been proposed a technique in which a generator is driven by utilizing the potential energy of water when the water stored in a tank provided on the roof of a vehicle flows downward, and the battery mounted on the vehicle is charged with the electric power generated by the generator (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above prior art, since it merely utilizes the potential energy of water, there is room for improvement in ensuring power generation efficiency and power generation amount. On the other hand, it is conceivable to improve the power generation efficiency and power generation amount by utilizing the energy of the traveling wind generated when the vehicle is traveling. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a vehicle power generation device that is advantageous in improving power generation efficiency and power generation amount by utilizing the traveling wind, reducing the operation cost of the vehicle, and achieving energy saving.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve the above objective, one embodiment of the present invention is a power generation device for a vehicle comprising a battery and a driving motor driven by power supplied from the battery, characterized in that it comprises a first fluid circulation space provided on the roof of the vehicle, extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and open at the front of the vehicle, an impeller provided in the first fluid circulation space and rotated by a fluid circulating by the airflow while driving, a generator that generates electricity by the rotation of the impeller, and a charging unit that charges the battery with the electricity generated by the generator. Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a second fluid flow space is provided that extends downward from the rear of the vehicle in the first fluid flow space, and the impeller is provided in the second fluid flow space. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is water, the first fluid flow space is composed of a water tank in which the water is stored, the second fluid flow space is composed of a drainage channel that communicates with the rear of the water tank and drains the water to the bottom of the vehicle, and the impeller is provided in the water tank and the drainage channel. Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising a first opening / closing unit that allows or prohibits the inflow of the airflow into the water storage tank by opening and closing the front of the water storage tank, and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the first opening / closing unit based on predetermined power generation conditions. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the water storage tank comprises a front portion of the water storage tank where the water is stored, and a rear portion of the water storage tank connected to the rear of the front portion of the water storage tank, allowing the water to flow and on which the impeller is located, and a second opening / closing section is provided between the front portion of the water storage tank and the rear portion of the water storage tank, which opens and closes to allow or prohibit the flow of the water from the front portion of the water storage tank toward the rear portion of the water storage tank, and the control unit controls the opening and closing of the first opening / closing section and the second opening / closing section based on predetermined power generation conditions. Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that an on-off valve is provided at the boundary between the rear of the water storage tank and the drainage channel, and the control unit controls the opening and closing of the first on-off unit and the on-off valve based on the predetermined power generation conditions. Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a rainwater receiving section capable of receiving rainwater is provided on top of the water storage tank, and the upper surface of the water storage tank is covered by the bottom surface of the rainwater receiving section. Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the water storage tank, and the predetermined power generation conditions include the result of detecting the water level by the water level sensor. Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a vehicle speed sensor for detecting the vehicle speed, and the predetermined power generation conditions include the results of the vehicle speed detection. Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a water temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature of the water in the water storage tank, and the predetermined power generation conditions include the result of detecting the water temperature. Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention includes a steering angle sensor for detecting the steering angle of the vehicle, the first opening / closing section includes a plurality of shutter blades that are pivotable around an axis extending in the vertical direction and arranged in close proximity in the vehicle width direction, and a shutter blade drive section that pivots the plurality of shutter blades so that their pivot angles around the axis are the same, and the control section controls the shutter blade drive section to change the pivot angles of the plurality of shutter blades based on the steering angle detection result when opening the first opening / closing section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airflow from the front to the rear of the vehicle causes a fluid to flow through a first fluid flow space, which rotates an impeller and generates electricity for the generator. The generated electricity is then used to charge a battery by a charging unit. Therefore, utilizing the airflow while driving is advantageous not only for improving power generation efficiency and output without incurring costs, but also for reducing vehicle operating costs and promoting energy conservation, as batteries can be charged with virtually no cost. Furthermore, providing a second fluid flow space extending downward from the rear of the vehicle within the first fluid flow space, and installing an impeller in this second fluid flow space, would be more advantageous in improving power generation efficiency and output. Furthermore, if water such as rainwater is used as the fluid, and the fluid circulation space includes a water storage tank where water is stored and a drainage channel that connects to the rear of the water storage tank and drains the water to the underside of the vehicle, and if the impeller is installed in the water storage tank and drainage channel, it will be more advantageous in improving power generation efficiency and power output. Furthermore, providing a first opening / closing section that allows or prohibits the inflow of airflow while driving, and controlling the opening and closing of the first opening / closing section based on predetermined power generation conditions, is advantageous in further improving power generation efficiency and output. Furthermore, if the water tank comprises a front section where water is stored and a rear section where an impeller is located, and includes a second opening / closing section that allows or prohibits the flow of water from the front section to the rear section by opening and closing, and if the control unit controls the opening and closing of the first and second opening / closing sections based on predetermined power generation conditions, then by opening the second opening / closing section, the water stored in the front section of the water tank can be forcefully discharged to the rear section of the water tank. This increases the kinetic energy of the water, which can rotate the impeller of the generator, and is advantageous in further improving power generation efficiency and power output. Furthermore, by installing an on-off valve at the boundary between the rear of the water storage tank and the drainage channel, and controlling the opening and closing of the first on-off unit and the on-off valve by the control unit based on predetermined power generation conditions, it is possible to fill a single water storage tank to its full capacity by closing the on-off valve. This increases the kinetic energy of the water and extends the time during which power can be generated by the generator, which is advantageous for further improving power generation efficiency and output. Furthermore, by installing a rainwater receiving section on top of the water tank that can collect rainwater, and covering the top surface of the water tank with the bottom surface of the rainwater receiving section, it becomes advantageous for efficiently guiding rainwater into the water tank and efficiently storing rainwater in the tank, which is advantageous for further improving power generation efficiency and output. Furthermore, by equipping the system with a water level sensor to detect the water level in the reservoir, and by including the water level detection result from the water level sensor in the predetermined power generation conditions, it is possible to increase the kinetic energy of the water and ensure a longer flow time by releasing water when the water level in the reservoir rises, which is advantageous for further improving power generation efficiency and output. Furthermore, by equipping the system with a vehicle speed sensor that detects the vehicle's speed, and by including the vehicle speed detection result in the predetermined power generation conditions, it becomes possible to increase the kinetic energy of the water by the airflow generated while the vehicle is traveling at high speed, which is advantageous for further improving power generation efficiency and output. Furthermore, by equipping the reservoir with a water temperature sensor to detect the water temperature, and by including the water temperature detection result in the predetermined power generation conditions, it is possible to increase the kinetic energy of the water by flowing it when the water temperature is high and the water viscosity is low, which is advantageous for further improving power generation efficiency and power output. Furthermore, by providing a steering angle sensor that detects the steering angle of the vehicle, and by controlling the shutter blade drive unit so that the oscillation angle of the multiple shutter blades changes based on the detected steering angle when opening the first opening / closing section, the resistance of the multiple shutter blades on the airflow entering the water tank can be suppressed, allowing the airflow to flow into the water tank more efficiently, which is advantageous for further improving power generation efficiency and power output. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the vehicle's power generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing the configuration of the power generation device of a vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] (A) is a perspective view showing the portion of the vehicle's power generation system located on the roof of the vehicle body, and (B) is an exploded perspective view of (A). [Figure 4]It is an operation explanatory diagram when a plurality of shutter blades constituting the first opening / closing part are viewed in a plan view. (A) shows the closed state of the first opening / closing part, and (B)-(D) show the states where the swing angles of the plurality of shutter blades change in the state where the first opening / closing part is opened. [Figure 5] It is a plan view showing the configuration of the generator. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the power generation device of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an operation flowchart of the power generation device of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a side view showing the configuration of the power generation device of the vehicle according to the second embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of the vehicle to which the power generation device of the vehicle in the present embodiment is applied will be described. The present invention is applicable to electric vehicles having only a driving motor as a drive source, or hybrid vehicles, or electric vehicles having a motor as a drive source such as plug-in hybrid vehicles capable of external charging or external power supply. As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle 10 includes a motor drive battery (battery) 12, a traveling motor 14 driven by the power supplied from the motor drive battery 12, an auxiliary battery 16, and auxiliaries 18 operated by the power supplied from the auxiliary battery 16.

[0009] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 10A, and the vehicle body 10A is provided with front wheels (drive wheels) 20A driven by a traveling motor 14 and rear wheels 20B. On the roof 1002 of the vehicle body 10A, a control unit housing part 22, a water storage tank 24, and a rainwater receiving part 26 are provided one above the other. The control unit housing 22 is provided on the roof 1002. A flat rectangular accommodation space is partitioned by a sheet metal or synthetic resin plate material, and a control unit 54 and the like, which will be described later, are accommodated in this accommodation space. The water storage tank 24 is provided above the control unit housing 22 and stores rainwater (corresponding to the fluid of the present invention) supplied from the rain receiving part 26. The water storage tank 24 will be described later.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the rain receiving part 26 is capable of storing rainwater. It is provided above the water storage tank 24 and guides rainwater to the water storage tank 24. In the present embodiment, the rain receiving part 26 includes a rectangular bottom plate 2602 formed in an elongated shape in the vehicle front-rear direction, a front plate 2604 and a rear plate 2606 that stand up from the vehicle front-rear direction of the bottom plate 2602, and a pair of side plates 2608 that stand up from both sides in the vehicle width direction of the bottom plate 2602 and connect the front plate 2604 and the rear plate 2606. It has an upper opening 2610 that is open in a rectangular shape at the top. The upper surface of the water storage tank 24 to be described later is covered by the bottom surface (bottom plate 2602) of the rain receiving part 26. In addition, a communication hole 2612 communicating with the water storage tank 24 is provided at a location on the bottom plate 2602 closer to the front of the vehicle 10. Therefore, during rainfall, the rainwater that enters the rain receiving part 26 from the upper opening 2610 is introduced from the rain receiving part 26 into the water storage tank 24 through the communication hole 2612 and is intended to be stored in the water storage tank 24.

[0011] The bottom plate 2602, the front plate 2604, the rear plate 2606, and the pair of side plates 2608 of the rain receiving part 26 are constituted by solar cells (solar cell panels) 27. The upper surface of the bottom plate 2602, the inner and outer surfaces of the front plate 2604 and the rear plate 2606, and the inner and outer surfaces of the pair of side plates 2608 respectively serve as light receiving parts. Therefore, when these light receiving parts receive sunlight, the solar cell 27 generates electricity, and the generated electric power is used for charging the motor drive battery 12 and the accessory battery 16. Furthermore, the bottom plate 2602, front plate 2604, rear plate 2606, and a portion of the pair of side plates 2608 of the rainwater receiving section 26 may be made of solar cells 27, and the remaining portion may be made of sheet metal or synthetic resin plates. Alternatively, without using the solar cell 27, the bottom plate 2602, front plate 2604, rear plate 2606, and the pair of side plates 2608 of the rainwater receiving section 26 may all be constructed from sheet metal or synthetic resin plates.

[0012] Next, the power generator 28 of the vehicle in this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle's power generator 28 is composed of a water tank 24, a first fluid flow space 30, a second fluid flow space 32, an impeller 34 (Figure 5), a generator 36, a charging unit (converter) 38 (Figure 6), a first opening / closing unit 40, and a second opening / closing unit 42. The first fluid flow space 30 is provided on the roof 1002 of the vehicle 10, extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 2, the upper part of the first fluid flow space 30 is partitioned by the bottom plate 2602 of the rainwater receiving section 26, the lower part of the first fluid flow space 30 is partitioned by the ceiling plate 2202 of the control unit housing section 22, and the left and right sides are partitioned by plate material 31. In this embodiment, the first fluid flow space 30 is formed as a water storage tank 24.

[0013] The water storage tank 24 is constructed from sheet metal or synthetic resin plates. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front end of the water storage tank 24 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction is a rectangular front opening 2402 that is open to the front of the vehicle. In other words, the first fluid flow space 30 is composed of a water tank 24, and the first fluid flow space 30 is provided on the roof 1002 of the vehicle 10, extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with both sides in the width direction and both sides in the vertical direction closed and the front of the vehicle open. In this embodiment, the water storage tank 24 comprises a front section 24A where water is stored, and a rear section 24B connected to the rear of the front section 24A, allowing water to flow and where an impeller 34 (Figure 5), described later, is located. The front section 24A and the rear section 24B are opened and closed by a second opening / closing section 42, described later.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a drainage channel 44 is provided at the rear of the water storage tank 24, which communicates with the water storage tank 24 and drains water downwards to the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, drainage channels are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the second fluid flow space 32 is composed of a drainage channel 44, the second fluid flow space 32 extends downward from the rear of the vehicle of the first fluid flow space 30, and the lower end of the second fluid flow space 32 is open. The impeller 34 is installed in the first and second fluid circulation spaces 30 and 32, and is rotated by rainwater, which is a fluid circulating due to the airflow from the vehicle. The generator 36 generates electricity through the rotation of the impeller 34. The charging unit 38 charges the auxiliary battery 16 and the motor drive battery 12 with electricity generated by the generator 36.

[0015] As shown in Figure 5, the generator 36 is composed of a casing 3602 that covers the impeller 34 and a generator body (not shown) which has a rotor that is rotated by the impeller 34, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the casing 3602 is provided with a fluid inlet 3604 and a fluid outlet 3606. The fluid that flows in from the inlet 3604 strikes the impeller 34, causing it to rotate, and is then discharged from the outlet 3606. In this configuration, the casing 3602 is shaped to guide the fluid flow so that the impeller 34 rotates in one direction. Therefore, the generator 36 is positioned in the first and second fluid flow spaces 30 and 32 such that the inlet 3604 and outlet 3606 of the casing 3602 are located on the upstream and downstream sides in the direction of fluid flow. Furthermore, the structure of the generator 36 is not limited to this embodiment, and various conventionally known generators, such as hydroelectric generators for micro-hydropower generation that generate electricity using fluid, can be used.

[0016] As shown in Figure 6, the charging unit 38 charges the auxiliary battery 16 and the motor drive battery 12 with electricity generated by the generator 36 and the solar cell 27.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the first opening / closing section 40 allows or prohibits the inflow of airflow into the water storage tank 24 by opening and closing the front of the water storage tank 24, i.e., the front opening 2402, and its opening and closing is controlled by the control unit 54, which will be described later. The first opening / closing section 40 includes a plurality of shutter blades 4002 as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, and a shutter blade drive section 4004 as shown in Figure 6.

[0018] As shown in Figure 4, the multiple shutter blades 4002 are arranged in the front opening 2402 so as to be able to swing around an axis that extends in the vertical direction, and are close to each other in the vehicle width direction. The shutter blade drive unit 4004 is used to oscillate multiple shutter blades 4002, and each unit is equipped with a motor (not shown) and an oscillating mechanism that uses the rotational driving force of the motor to oscillate multiple shutter blades 4002 so that their oscillation angles around the axis are the same. Various conventionally known gear mechanisms and link mechanisms can be used as such oscillating mechanisms.

[0019] Figure 4(A) shows a state in which the oscillation angle of the multiple shutter blades 4002 is 0 degrees, and the first opening / closing section 40 is closed by the overlapping of both sides in the vehicle width direction of adjacent multiple shutter blades 4002, thereby preventing the introduction of airflow into the front and rear openings 2402 and preventing rainwater stored in the front of the water tank 24A from being discharged from the front and rear openings 2402. Figure 4(B) shows a state in which the oscillation angle of the multiple shutter blades 4002 is 90 degrees (-90 degrees), and the airflow from the vehicle is introduced into the front and rear openings 2402 parallel to the front and rear direction of the vehicle by passing between the multiple shutter blades 4002. Figure 4(C) shows a state in which the oscillation angle of the multiple shutter blades 4002 is 30 degrees, and the airflow from the vehicle passes between the multiple shutter blades 4002 and is introduced into the front and rear openings 2402 at an angle of 30 degrees to the front and rear direction of the vehicle. Figure 4(D) shows a state in which the oscillation angle of the multiple shutter blades 4002 is -30 degrees, and the airflow from the vehicle is introduced into the front and rear openings 2402 at an angle of -30 degrees to the front and rear direction of the vehicle, passing between the multiple shutter blades 4002. In this manner, the multiple shutter blades 4002 are provided so that their oscillation angle can be adjusted within a range of 0 to 90 degrees (or 90 to -90 degrees).

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second opening / closing section 42 is located between the front section 24A and the rear section 24B of the water tank, and by opening and closing, it allows or prohibits the flow of water from the front section 24A of the water tank toward the rear section 24B of the water tank. In this embodiment, the second opening / closing section 42 includes an opening / closing plate 4202, which is an elongated rectangular plate provided between the front section 24A of the water tank and the rear section 24B of the water tank, and an opening / closing plate drive unit 4204 (Figure 6) that opens and closes the opening / closing plate 4202. The opening and closing plate 4202 is pivotably supported at both longitudinal ends of its upper portion by pivot shafts whose axes are oriented in the vehicle width direction. The opening / closing plate 4202 is oscillated by the opening / closing plate drive unit 4204 between a closed position P0, in which the edges on both sides in the longitudinal direction and the lower edge are in watertight contact with the ceiling plate 2202 and the pair of plate materials 31 of the control unit housing 22 shown in Figure 3, thereby prohibiting the flow of fluid as shown in Figure 2, and an open position P1, in which the lower edge is separated upward from the ceiling plate 2202, thereby allowing the flow of fluid as shown in Figure 2. The opening / closing plate drive unit 4204 only needs to swing the opening / closing plate 4202, and various conventionally known gear mechanisms and link mechanisms can be used. Furthermore, the opening / closing plate 4202 is not limited to the structure of this embodiment; it is sufficient that it can open or close to allow or prohibit the flow of water from the front part 24A of the water storage tank toward the rear part 24B of the water storage tank, and various conventionally known opening / closing structures can be used.

[0021] Next, with reference to Figure 6, the control system of the power generator 28 of the vehicle in this embodiment will be described. In addition to the above configuration, the vehicle's power generator 28 is configured to include a water level sensor 46, a water temperature sensor 48, a vehicle speed sensor 50, a steering angle sensor 52, and a control unit 54.

[0022] The water level sensor 46 detects the water level in the water storage tank 24. In this embodiment, it detects the water level in the front part 24A of the water storage tank, and the water level detection result is supplied to the control unit 54. The water temperature sensor 48 detects the water temperature of the water in the water storage tank 24. In this embodiment, it detects the water temperature of the water in the front part 24A of the water storage tank, and the water temperature detection result is supplied to the control unit 54. The vehicle speed sensor 50 detects the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10, and the detected vehicle speed is supplied to the control unit 54. The steering angle sensor 52 detects the steering angle of the vehicle 10, and the detected steering angle is supplied to the control unit 54.

[0023] The control unit 54 controls the opening and closing of the first switch 40 and the second switch 42 based on predetermined power generation conditions. In other words, it controls the first switch 40 and the second switch 42 to generate power when predetermined power generation conditions are favorable in order to secure power generation efficiency and power output. The predetermined power generation conditions are determined based on the water level detection results, water temperature detection results, vehicle speed detection results, and steering angle detection results. Details of the power generation conditions are described in the operation description below.

[0024] Next, the operation of the power generator 28 of the vehicle in this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 7. The process shown in Figure 7 is executed repeatedly when the vehicle 10 is powered on. The first opening / closing section 40 and the second opening / closing section 42 are assumed to be in a closed state beforehand. First, the control unit 54 determines whether the vehicle 10 is decelerating or stopped based on the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 50 (step S10). If the result of step S10 is positive, in other words, if the vehicle 10 is decelerating or stopped, the flow of water from front to rear using the airflow cannot occur, so the first opening / closing section 40 and the second opening / closing section 42 remain closed (step S12), and the process returns to step S10. If the result of step S10 is negative, in other words, if the vehicle 10 is in motion, the control unit 54 determines whether the water level in the water tank 24 is above a specified amount based on the detection result of the water level sensor 46 (step S14). The specified amount is the amount of water stored in the water tank 24 that is sufficient for the generator 36 to generate electricity, and is set to a value less than the full capacity of the water tank 24.

[0025] If the result of step S14 is positive, the control unit 54 determines whether the water level in the water storage tank 24 is full based on the detection result of the water level sensor 46 (step S16). If the result of step S16 is positive, the control unit 54 opens the first opening / closing section 40 and the second opening / closing section 42 to allow water to flow (step S18). That is, the water stored in the front part 24A of the water tank is pushed towards the rear of the vehicle by the airflow when the first opening / closing section 40 is opened, and flows vigorously from the front part 24A of the water tank towards the rear part 24B of the water tank when the second opening / closing section 42 is opened.

[0026] As a result of step S18, the impeller 34 at the rear of the water tank 24B is driven to rotate, causing each generator 36 to generate electricity. Additionally, the water flowing into the rear of the water tank 24B flows into the drainage channel 44 and flows downward, causing the impeller 34 in the drainage channel 44 to rotate, which in turn causes each generator 36 to generate electricity (step S20). Furthermore, in step S18, if the control unit 54 controls the shutter blade drive unit 4004 to change the oscillation angle of the multiple shutter blades 4002 based on the steering angle detection result when opening the first opening / closing unit 40, the resistance of the multiple shutter blades 4002 acting on the airflow entering the water tank 24 can be suppressed, and the airflow can be efficiently introduced into the water tank 24. Therefore, in situations such as when vehicle 10 is traveling on a curve in the road, the resistance of the airflow can be suppressed and the kinetic energy of the water can be increased, which is advantageous in further improving power generation efficiency and power output.

[0027] In this way, the power generated by each generator 36 is supplied to the auxiliary battery 16 and the motor drive battery 12 via the charging unit 38 under the control of the control unit 54, thereby charging the batteries (step S22). The control unit 54 monitors the power generation status of each generator 36 via the charging unit 38 and determines whether or not power generation by each generator 36 has stopped (in other words, whether or not there is no more water flowing through the first and second fluid flow spaces 30 and 32) (step S24). If the result of step S24 is positive, the first opening / closing section 40 and the second opening / closing section 42 are returned from the open state to the closed state (step S26), and the process returns to step S10.

[0028] On the other hand, if the determination result in step S16 is negative, the control unit 54 determines whether the vehicle speed V is 60 km / h or higher based on the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 50 (step S28). If the result of step S28 is positive, it is determined that the water level in the water tank 24 is above the specified amount, although not full, and sufficient airflow can be obtained, so that sufficient power generation can be secured, and the process proceeds to step S18 to perform power generation in the same manner as above. If the result of step S28 is negative, the control unit 54 determines whether the water temperature T is 35°C or higher based on the detection result of the water temperature sensor 48 (step S30). If the result of step S30 is positive, it is determined that the water level in the water storage tank 24 is above the specified amount, although not full, and that the viscosity of the water in the water storage tank 24 is low, resulting in low water resistance. Therefore, it is determined that sufficient power generation can be secured, and the process proceeds to step S18, where power generation is performed using the same procedure as described above.

[0029] It should be noted that the 60 km / h threshold for determining vehicle speed V in step S28 and the 35°C threshold for determining water temperature T in step S30 are merely examples and are not limited to these values. Furthermore, although the power generation by the solar cell 27 was omitted in the above explanation, the solar cell 27 generates electricity by receiving sunlight, and the generated electricity is charged to the auxiliary battery 16 and the motor drive battery 12 via the charging unit 38. The auxiliary battery 16 and the motor drive battery 12 are charged by using both the electricity generated by the kinetic energy of water and the electricity generated by the solar cell 27 in combination. Therefore, this is advantageous in improving power generation efficiency and power output.

[0030] Although omitted in the above explanation, if the control unit 54 determines, based on the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 50, that the vehicle 10 has come to a sudden stop or is moving in reverse while the fluid generator 36 is generating power, the control unit 54 will perform control to forcibly switch at least the first opening / closing section 40 from the open state to the closed state. This prevents the water stored in the water tank 24 from being inadvertently discharged from the front opening 2402 of the water tank 24 in front of the vehicle body 10A.

[0031] According to the vehicle power generation device 28 of this embodiment, the airflow from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle causes fluid to flow through the first and second fluid flow spaces 30 and 32, which rotates the impeller 34 and generates electricity with the generator 36. The generated electricity is used by the charging unit 38 to charge the motor drive battery 12 and the auxiliary battery 16. Therefore, utilizing the airflow while driving is advantageous not only in terms of improving power generation efficiency and output without incurring costs, but also in terms of reducing the operating costs of the vehicle 10 and achieving energy conservation, as the battery can be charged with virtually no cost. It goes without saying that the second fluid flow space 32 may be omitted, and only the first fluid flow space 30 may be provided.

[0032] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, water such as rainwater is used as the fluid, and the fluid circulation space includes a water storage tank 24 in which water is stored, and a drainage channel 44 that communicates with the rear of the water storage tank 24 and drains the water to the bottom of the vehicle 10, and the impeller 34 is provided in the water storage tank 24 and the drainage channel 44. Therefore, by utilizing the airflow and water generated during operation, it becomes more advantageous in terms of improving power generation efficiency and output without incurring additional costs, thereby reducing the operating costs of the vehicle 10 and contributing to energy conservation. Although the impeller 34 of the generator 36 installed in the drainage channel 44 may be omitted, in this embodiment, the impeller 34 installed in the drainage channel 44 is rotated by the kinetic energy of the water falling vigorously through the drainage channel 44 due to gravity, which is advantageous in improving power generation efficiency and output.

[0033] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a first opening / closing section 40 is provided that allows or prohibits the inflow of airflow into the water storage tank 24 by opening and closing the front of the water storage tank 24, and the opening and closing of the first opening / closing section 40 is controlled based on predetermined power generation conditions. Therefore, generating electricity under predetermined conditions that are favorable for ensuring power generation efficiency and output is advantageous in further improving power generation efficiency and output.

[0034] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the water storage tank 24 comprises a front section 24A where water is stored, and a rear section 24B connected to the rear of the front section 24A, allowing water to flow and where an impeller 34 is located. A second opening / closing section 42 is provided between the front section 24A and the rear section 24B, which opens and closes to allow or prohibit the flow of water from the front section 24A toward the rear section 24B. The control unit 54 controls the opening and closing of the first opening / closing section 40 and the second opening / closing section 42 based on predetermined power generation conditions. Therefore, by opening the second opening / closing section 42, the water stored in the front section 24A of the water tank can be forcefully discharged to the rear section 24B of the water tank. This increases the kinetic energy of the water, which in turn rotates the impeller 34 of the generator 36, which is advantageous for further improving power generation efficiency and output.

[0035] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a rainwater receiving section 26 capable of accumulating rainwater is provided on top of the water storage tank 24, and the upper surface of the water storage tank 24 is covered by the bottom surface of the rainwater receiving section 26. Therefore, it is advantageous for efficiently guiding rainwater into the water storage tank 24 and efficiently storing rainwater in the water storage tank 24, which is advantageous for further improving power generation efficiency and power generation amount.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a water level sensor 46 is provided to detect the water level in the water storage tank 24, and the predetermined power generation conditions include the water level detection result from the water level sensor 46. Therefore, by releasing water when the water level in the reservoir 24 is elevated, the kinetic energy of the water can be increased and the duration of water flow can be extended, which is advantageous for further improving power generation efficiency and output.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a vehicle speed sensor 50 is provided to detect the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10, and the predetermined power generation conditions include the results of the vehicle speed detection. Therefore, by flowing water while the vehicle 10 is traveling at high speed, the kinetic energy of the water can be increased by the airflow, which is advantageous in further improving power generation efficiency and output.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a water temperature sensor 48 is provided to detect the water temperature of the water in the water storage tank 24, and the predetermined power generation conditions include the results of the water temperature detection. Therefore, by flowing water at a high temperature and with reduced viscosity, the kinetic energy of the water can be increased, which is advantageous for further improving power generation efficiency and output.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a steering angle sensor 52 is provided to detect the steering angle of the vehicle 10. The first opening / closing section 40 includes a plurality of shutter blades 4002 that are pivotable around an axis extending in the vertical direction and arranged in close proximity in the vehicle width direction, and a shutter blade drive unit 4004 that pivots the plurality of shutter blades 4002 so that their pivot angles around the axis are the same. The control unit 54 controls the shutter blade drive unit 4004 to change the pivot angles of the plurality of shutter blades 4002 based on the steering angle detection result when opening the first opening / closing section 40. When vehicle 10 travels along a curve in the road, the direction of travel of vehicle 10 changes due to the change in steering angle, which in other words changes the direction of the airflow relative to the front opening of the water storage tank 24. In this case, by changing the oscillation angle of the multiple shutter blades 4002 according to the steering angle, the resistance of the multiple shutter blades 4002 on the airflow entering the water tank 24 can be suppressed, and the airflow can be efficiently introduced into the water tank 24. Therefore, in situations such as when vehicle 10 is traveling on a curve in the road, the resistance of the airflow can be suppressed and the kinetic energy of the water can be increased, which is advantageous in further improving power generation efficiency and power output.

[0040] In this embodiment, the case where the fluid is rainwater has been described, but of course, the fluid may be water supplied to the water storage tank 24 from any water source, such as a pond, lake, or public water supply.

[0041] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. In the following embodiments, parts and components similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted. The descriptions will focus on the differences. The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, in which the second opening / closing section 42 is not provided between the front part 24A and the rear part 24B of the water storage tank as in the first embodiment, and a single water storage tank 24 is provided, with an opening / closing valve 56 provided at the boundary between the rear part of the water storage tank 24 and the drainage channel 44. Then, the control unit 54 controls the opening and closing of the first opening / closing unit 40 and the opening / closing valve 56 based on predetermined power generation conditions. In the second embodiment, compared to the first embodiment where the water storage tank 24 is divided into a front section 24A and a rear section 24B and water is stored in the front section 24A, closing the on-off valve 56 allows the water to be stored to the full capacity of a single water storage tank 24. In other words, this is advantageous in securing a large amount of water for power generation. Therefore, by controlling the first switching unit 40 and the switching valve 56 under predetermined power generation conditions that are advantageous for securing power generation efficiency and output, while ensuring a large amount of water is available for power generation, the kinetic energy of the water can be increased and the power generation time by the generator 36 can be extended, which is advantageous for further improving power generation efficiency and output. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 10 vehicles 10A Body 1002 Roof 12 Motor drive battery (battery) 14. Motor for driving 16. Auxiliary battery 18. Auxiliary equipment 20A Front Wheel 20B rear wheel 22 Control Unit Housing 2202 Ceiling panel 24 Water storage tanks 2402 Front opening 24A Front of the water storage tank 24B Rear of the water tank 26 Rainwater receiving section 2602 Bottom plate 2604 Front panel 2606 Rear plate 2608 Pair of side panels 2610 Top opening 2612 Communication hole 27 Solar cells 28. Vehicle power generator 30 First fluid circulation space 31 Board material 32 Second fluid circulation space 34 Impeller 36 Generators 3602 Casing 3604 Inlet 2606 Outlet 38 Live parts 40 First opening / closing section 4002 Shutter blades 4004 Shutter blade drive mechanism 42 Second opening / closing section 4202 Opening / Closing Plate 4204 Opening / closing plate drive unit 44 Drainage Channel 46 Water level sensor 48. Water temperature sensor 50 Vehicle speed sensor 52 Steering Angle Sensor 54 Control Unit 56 Shut-off valve

Claims

1. A power generation device for a vehicle comprising a battery and a drive motor driven by power supplied from the battery, A first fluid flow space is provided on the roof of the vehicle, extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and with the front of the vehicle open. An impeller provided in the first fluid flow space and rotated by the fluid flowing through it due to the airflow, A generator that generates electricity by the rotation of the impeller, A charging unit that charges the battery using electricity generated by the generator, A vehicle power generator characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. A second fluid flow space is provided that extends downward from the rear of the vehicle in the first fluid flow space. The impeller is provided in the second fluid flow space. A power generation device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

3. The fluid is water, The first fluid flow space is composed of a water tank in which the water is stored. The second fluid flow space is composed of a drainage channel that communicates with the rear of the water storage tank and drains the water downwards of the vehicle. The impeller is provided in the water storage tank and the drainage channel. The vehicle power generator according to feature 2.

4. A first opening / closing section that opens and closes the front of the water storage tank to allow or prohibit the inflow of the airflow from the vehicle into the water storage tank, The system includes a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the first opening / closing unit based on predetermined power generation conditions, The vehicle power generation device according to feature 3.

5. The water storage tank comprises a front section of the water storage tank where the water is stored, and a rear section of the water storage tank connected to the rear of the front section of the water storage tank, allowing the water to flow and on which the impeller is located. A second opening / closing section is provided between the front and rear of the water storage tank, which opens and closes to allow or prohibit the flow of water from the front of the water storage tank toward the rear of the water storage tank. The control unit controls the opening and closing of the first and second opening / closing units based on the predetermined power generation conditions. The vehicle power generation device according to feature 4.

6. An on / off valve is provided at the boundary between the rear of the water storage tank and the drainage channel. The control unit controls the opening and closing of the first opening / closing unit and the opening / closing valve based on the predetermined power generation conditions. The vehicle power generation device according to feature 4.

7. A rainwater receiving section capable of collecting rainwater is provided above the aforementioned water storage tank. The top surface of the water storage tank is covered by the bottom surface of the rainwater receiving section. The vehicle power generation device according to feature 4.

8. The system includes a water level sensor that detects the water level in the water storage tank, The predetermined power generation conditions include the water level detection result by the water level sensor, The vehicle power generation device according to feature 4.

9. The vehicle is equipped with a vehicle speed sensor that detects the vehicle speed, The predetermined power generation conditions include the vehicle speed detection result, The vehicle power generation device according to feature 4.

10. The system includes a water temperature sensor that detects the water temperature of the water in the storage tank, The predetermined power generation conditions include the water temperature detection result, The vehicle power generation device according to feature 4.

11. The vehicle is equipped with a steering angle sensor that detects the steering angle of the vehicle's steering wheel, The first opening / closing section comprises a plurality of shutter blades that are pivotable around an axis extending in the vertical direction and arranged in close proximity in the vehicle width direction, and a shutter blade drive section that pivots the plurality of shutter blades so that their pivot angles around the axis are the same. The control unit controls the shutter blade drive unit to change the oscillation angle of the plurality of shutter blades based on the detection result of the steering angle when opening the first opening / closing unit. The vehicle power generation device according to feature 4.

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