Hybrid electric vehicles based on solar, wind and fuel cells

Abstract

The Company offers solar-, wind- and fuel-cell-based hybrid electric vehicle systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The solar, wind and fuel cell based hybrid electric vehicle system 100 includes a wind energy source having a wind turbine 102 connected to an AC / DC converter 102A to generate DC power, and a solar energy source having a photovoltaic array (PV) 104 that harvests sunlight to generate DC power directly. The wind and solar energy sources complement each other to ensure a stable power supply, and the system 100 includes a central DC bus 106, an electrolyzer 112 to power the vehicle during periods of low renewable energy generation, a fuel cell 108 to generate power in DC form when required, and a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor 114 to propel the vehicle.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hybrid vehicles, and more particularly to solar-powered, wind-powered and fuel cell based hybrid electric vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] The concept of hybrid vehicles was introduced by recognizing the greenhouse gas emissions from modern vehicles. Therefore, it is important to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted during driving. However, a single renewable energy source alone cannot provide the vehicle with enough power for long drive applications. Standby and alternative power sources are mandatory and should be environmentally friendly and clean sources to increase the reliability and efficiency of the system. Lithium-ion batteries are one of the hazardous elements of electric vehicles with fuel cell-powered electric vehicles becoming increasingly popular. The Internet of Things (IoT) has permeated almost every step of our daily activities. The application of various sensors and wireless devices can provide a tangible, immersive and real view of the physical world. Thus, the concept of automatic and efficient battery charging for electric vehicles using IoT-based services becomes a reality. IoT has also revolutionized the energy sector with the buzzword Internet of Everything (IoE). Hence, fuel cells can become one of the important sources of IoE and contribute to smart electric vehicle development. Solar energy is the main source of power for hybrid fuel cell electric vehicles and an alternative charging process for dark days should also be provided.

[0003] There is no smart controller to monitor the charging and discharging of the battery.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for alternatives to obviate the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention discloses a solar, wind and fuel cell based hybrid electric vehicle system 100. The system 100 includes a wind energy source having a wind turbine 102 connected to an AC / DC converter 102A to generate DC power, and a solar energy source having a photovoltaic array (PV) 104 that harvests sunlight to directly generate DC power. The wind and solar energy sources complement each other to ensure a stable power supply, and the system 100 includes a central DC bus 106, an electrolyzer 112 to power the vehicle during periods of low renewable generation, a fuel cell 108 to generate power in DC form when required, and a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor 114 to propel the vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0006] The present invention discloses a solar, wind and fuel cell based hybrid electric vehicle system 100 that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

[0007] The present invention discloses a solar, wind and fuel cell based hybrid electric vehicle system 100 with fuel cells replacing lithium based batteries which cause water and air pollution. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a solar-powered, wind-powered, fuel cell based hybrid electric vehicle system (100) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present invention discloses a hybrid electric vehicle system powered by a combination of photovoltaic (PV), wind energy, and fuel cells. These renewable energy sources are employed as primary and alternative energy solutions to build a sustainable and robust vehicle energy model. By leveraging photovoltaic, wind energy, and IoT-powered fuel cell technologies, the present invention addresses the limitations of traditional energy sources while contributing to the global advancement of clean and efficient mobility solutions. As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 starts by harnessing energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar. Wind energy is generated through a wind turbine 102 to generate alternating current (AC) power. Due to variations in wind speed, the output power fluctuates. To stabilize it, the AC power passes through an AC / DC converter 102A to become direct current (DC) power. At the same time, a photovoltaic (PV) array 104 captures the sunlight to directly generate stable DC power through a DC / DC converter 104A. Both energy sources complement each other to ensure a stable power supply. The DC output from the wind and solar energy systems is sent to a central DC bus 106 using DC / DC converters 106A. The central DC bus 106 acts as the main hub for energy distribution, providing power to the various components of the system. This centralized integration ensures efficient management of energy from multiple sources. If there is excess power from the wind or solar system, it is used to run the electrolyzer 112, which splits water into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) through electrolysis. The hydrogen produced is stored in the hydrogen storage tank 110 for later use, and the oxygen is released as a by-product. This stored hydrogen plays an important role in powering vehicles during periods of low renewable generation. The stored hydrogen is utilized to generate electricity when needed by the fuel cell 108, which combines hydrogen from the tank with oxygen from the air to generate electricity. The process also produces pure water as a by-product. The electricity generated by the fuel cell 108 is in the form of DC and is fed back to the DC bus 106 to support the vehicle's power needs. The vehicle is powered using an AC powered brushless DC motor (BLDC motor) 114. Stable DC power from the DC bus 106 is converted to AC using a DC / AC inverter 106A to run the motor 114. The motor 114 propels the vehicle by driving a rear shaft 114A. A driver 106B and controller 106C are responsible for regulating the motor's performance to ensure a smooth and efficient operation. Steering of the vehicle is managed through a steering assembly connected to the front shaft 118, allowing precise control of the vehicle's direction. An Internet of Everything (IoE) module 106C1 integrates sensors, controllers, and data networks in the system. Such module 106C1 monitors performance, optimizes operation, and provides real-time feedback to ensure the system operates efficiently. Finally, by-products from the system 100 are effectively managed: the oxygen produced during the electrolysis process is exhausted, and the pure water produced by the fuel cell is either captured for reuse or safely discharged. This integrated system 100 demonstrates a sustainable and efficient approach to renewable energy powered transportation. Wind Turbines Wind turbines provide a complementary energy source for marine hybrid-electric vehicles by harnessing the steady, strong winds typical of the marine environment. These turbines use wind currents to spin their blades, generating AC power, which is then converted to DC through a rectifier for system compatibility. The compact design of marine wind turbines ensures minimal space usage, and their rugged construction resists the corrosive and mechanical stresses of the marine atmosphere. [Industrial Applicability]

[0010] The present invention is beneficial to the automotive industry.

Claims

[Claim 1] A solar, wind and fuel cell based hybrid electric vehicle system 100, comprising: a wind energy source having a wind turbine 102 connected to an AC / DC converter 102A to generate DC power; a solar energy source having a photovoltaic array (PV) 104 for capturing sunlight and directly generating direct current power, the wind energy source and the solar energy source complementing each other to ensure a stable power supply; a central DC bus 106 as the main hub of energy distribution to which the DC outputs from said wind energy sources and said solar energy sources are routed; an electrolysis device 112 that powers the vehicle during periods of low renewable energy generation and is operated when there is surplus power from the wind or solar system, the electrolysis device 112 splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen and storing the hydrogen in a hydrogen storage tank 110; a fuel cell 108 for generating electricity in DC form when needed and feeding the electricity in DC form back to the central DC bus 106; a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor 114 powered by AC power from the central DC bus 106 and driving a rear shaft 114A to propel the vehicle; A hybrid electric vehicle system 100.

Images