Wind-powered vehicles

Abstract

This will contribute to the global goal of decarbonization and provide a wind-powered vehicle that does not require charging during its journey. [Solution] The power generation unit 15 comprises a pair of air ducts 16 that are arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined distance apart and have an air inlet 19 and an outlet 20 at both ends; a generator that is installed between the pair of air ducts 16 such that the axis of the rotor shaft 29 is oriented vertically; a pair of vertical-axis wind turbines 22 that are installed in the part of each air duct 16 facing the generator 28; and a speed-increasing means 30 installed between the rotor shaft 29 of the generator and the rotor shafts 23 of the pair of wind turbines 22, which increases the rotation speed of the rotor shafts 23 of the pair of wind turbines 22 and transmits it to the rotor shaft 29 of the generator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automobile, and more particularly to a wind power generation automobile that converts electrical energy obtained by wind power generation into kinetic energy and utilizes it.

Background Art

[0002] There are various types of automobiles, such as internal combustion engine automobiles that burn fuels such as gasoline, light oil, heavy oil, LPG, bio-oil, and LNG, and convert their thermal energy into kinetic energy for use; electric automobiles that convert electrical energy obtained by batteries, motors, fuel cells, etc. into kinetic energy for use; wind power generation automobiles that convert electrical energy obtained by wind power generation into kinetic energy for use; solar power generation automobiles that convert electrical energy obtained by solar power generation into kinetic energy for use, etc. are known.

[0003] Among such various automobiles, wind power generation automobiles and solar power generation automobiles can obtain the kinetic energy required for driving without using fossil fuels such as gasoline and light oil. Therefore, unlike the case of burning fossil fuels such as gasoline and light oil as fuel, they do not emit carbon dioxide at all and can contribute to the global goal of decarbonization, which balances the emission and absorption of greenhouse gases.

[0004] An example of a wind power generation automobile is described in Patent Document 1. This wind power generation automobile (environment-friendly wind power generation electric automobile) includes an air duct provided along the traveling direction on the vehicle body of the automobile, a turbine rotatably provided in the air duct, a generator that is rotationally driven by the rotation of the turbine to generate electricity, and a storage battery that stores the electricity generated by the generator.

[0005] The air duct is a rectangular tube with an air passage on its inner surface for circulating air. An air intake port is provided on the front side in the direction of travel of the vehicle, penetrating both inside and outside, and an air exhaust port is provided on the rear side, also penetrating both inside and outside. The front portion of the air duct is formed with a cross-section that gradually expands towards the air intake port, and this cross-sectional shape of the front portion is configured to increase the density of the air taken into the air duct.

[0006] Multiple turbine housings, which bulge outward in a semicircular cross-section, are provided at several locations on the side of the air duct, and a turbine is rotatably mounted between these turbine housings and the air passage of the air duct.

[0007] The turbine comprises a rotatable rotating shaft with its axis oriented vertically, and rotating blades arranged radially around the circumferential surface of the rotating shaft. It is rotatably mounted within an air duct such that the left half of Figure 3 is located within the turbine housing tank and the right half is located within the airflow passage, with the rotating shaft as the center.

[0008] A generator is installed in the part of the vehicle body facing the turbine on the outside of the air duct, and a gearbox consisting of multiple gear combinations is installed between the generator's rotating shaft and its rotor. The generator is electrically connected to a battery mounted on the vehicle body.

[0009] In a wind-powered vehicle with the configuration described above, at startup, the electrical energy stored in the battery is converted into kinetic energy, and this kinetic energy is used to drive the drive mechanism, thereby starting the vehicle to move.

[0010] During operation, air is drawn in from the front through the air intake into the air passage of the air duct. This airflow is then directed onto the turbine's rotor blades, causing the turbine's shaft to rotate. This rotation is then transmitted to the generator via the gearbox, causing the generator's rotor to rotate and thus starting power generation.

[0011] Then, the electrical energy from the generator is converted into kinetic energy, and this kinetic energy is used to continue driving the drive mechanism, thereby maintaining the vehicle's movement. In this case, the supply of electrical energy from the battery is stopped, and the vehicle continues to move solely on the electrical energy from the generator.

[0012] Incidentally, a wind-powered vehicle with the above configuration does not emit carbon dioxide at all, unlike an internal combustion engine vehicle that burns fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel, and can contribute to the global goal of decarbonization, which balances greenhouse gas emissions and absorption.

[0013] However, because the air duct is installed along the entire length of the vehicle body, the air duct must be designed according to the type of vehicle being targeted, which reduces its versatility. Also, since the system is configured to store electrical energy from the generator in a single battery, if the battery's charge level decreases while the vehicle is running, it must be recharged at a charging station or similar facility to replenish the electrical energy needed for driving. This process is cumbersome and economically unfeasible. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2015-503062 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0015] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and its first objective is to provide a wind-powered vehicle that does not emit carbon dioxide at all, unlike internal combustion engine vehicles that burn fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel, and can contribute to the global goal of decarbonization, which balances greenhouse gas emissions and absorption. Its second objective is to provide a wind-powered vehicle that can be applied to various types of vehicles with different weights, etc., thereby increasing its versatility, and that is economically advantageous as it can continue to run without charging during the journey. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] To solve the above-mentioned problems, this invention employs the following means. In other words, the first invention is a wind-powered automobile that converts electrical energy obtained by wind power generation into kinetic energy and utilizes this kinetic energy, comprising a power generation unit comprising: a pair of air passages provided parallel to each other at a predetermined distance apart and having an air inlet and an air outlet at both ends; a generator provided between the pair of air passages such that the axis of the rotor shaft is oriented vertically; a pair of vertical-axis wind turbines provided in the portions of each air passage facing the generator; and a speed-increasing means provided between the rotor shaft of the generator and the rotor shafts of the pair of wind turbines to increase the rotation speed of the rotor shafts of the pair of wind turbines and transmit it to the rotor shaft of the generator, wherein at least one of the power generation units is provided on the body of the automobile such that the pair of air passages are aligned with the direction of travel of the automobile.

[0017] According to the wind-powered automobile of the present invention, the rotational energy of a pair of wind turbines is transmitted to a single generator via a speed-increasing means and converted into electrical energy. This electrical energy is then used as kinetic energy to power the wind-powered automobile. In this case, a power generation unit comprising a pair of wind turbines and a single generator, each provided in a pair of airflow passages, can be installed in the body of an automobile in one set or in two or more connected sets. Therefore, it can be applied to various types of automobiles with different weights and other characteristics.

[0018] Furthermore, the second invention is a wind power generation vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle body is provided with at least one storage battery for storing electrical energy obtained by the power generation unit.

[0019] According to the wind power generation vehicle of this invention, since it is equipped with at least one storage battery, by storing electrical energy from the generator of the power generation unit in the storage battery, even if the amount of charge in the storage battery decreases due to the operation of the vehicle, the decrease can be compensated for by the amount of electricity generated by the power generation unit, and the vehicle can continue to operate without having to recharge it during the journey.

[0020] Furthermore, the third invention is a wind-powered automobile that converts electrical energy obtained by wind power generation into kinetic energy and utilizes this kinetic energy, comprising a power generation unit comprising: a pair of air passages provided adjacent to each other and having an air inlet and an air outlet at both ends; a pair of vertical-axis wind turbines provided in each of the air passages so as to face each other; a generator provided on the outside of each wind turbine such that the axis of the rotor shaft is oriented vertically; and a speed-increasing means provided between the rotor shaft of each wind turbine and the rotor shaft of each generator, which increases the rotation speed of each wind turbine and transmits it to the rotor shaft of each generator, wherein at least one of the power generation units is provided on the body of the automobile such that the pair of air passages are aligned with the direction of travel of the automobile.

[0021] According to the wind power generation vehicle of the present invention, the rotational energy of each windmill is transmitted to each generator via a speed increasing means and converted into electrical energy, and the wind power generation vehicle can be made to run by using this electrical energy as kinetic energy. In this case, a power generation unit including each windmill provided in each of a pair of air flow passages and each generator provided corresponding to each windmill can be connected in one set or two or more sets and installed on the vehicle body of the automobile. Therefore, it can be applied to various types of automobiles having different weights and the like.

[0022] Further, a fourth invention is the wind power generation vehicle according to claim 3, wherein at least one storage battery for storing the electrical energy obtained by the power generation unit is provided on the vehicle body of the automobile.

[0023] According to the wind power generation vehicle of the present invention, since it includes at least one storage battery, by storing the electrical energy from the generator of the power generation unit in the storage battery, even if the amount of power stored in the storage battery decreases due to the running of the automobile, the decreased amount can be compensated by the power generation by the power generation unit, and the running can be continued without charging during the running.

Effect of the Invention

[0024] As described above, according to the wind power generation vehicle of the present invention, since one set or two or more sets of power generation units for converting the rotational energy of wind power generation into electrical energy can be connected and installed on the vehicle body, it can be applied to various types of automobiles having different weights and the like, and the versatility can be enhanced.

[0025] Further, since the kinetic energy required for running can be obtained without using fossil fuels such as gasoline and light oil, there is no such thing as discharging carbon dioxide as in the case of burning fossil fuels such as gasoline and light oil as fuel, and it can contribute to the global goal of decarbonization that balances the emission amount and absorption amount of greenhouse gases.

[0026] Also, as the traveling speed increases, the power generation amount by the power generation unit increases, so that sufficient electric energy required for traveling can be obtained, and the surplus electric energy during traveling can be stored in the storage battery. Therefore, even if the stored amount of the storage battery decreases during traveling, there is no need to charge at a charging station or the like, and the economic efficiency can be enhanced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] The drawings show specific embodiments of the present invention according to the present disclosure, including not only essential configurations of the invention but also optional and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1] It is a side view showing a first embodiment of a wind power generation vehicle according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a schematic plan view showing a main part of the power generation unit. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the flow of electric energy obtained by the power generation unit. [Figure 6] It is a schematic plan view showing a main part of the power generation unit of a second embodiment of a wind power generation vehicle according to the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a side view showing a modification example of a wind power generation vehicle according to the present invention (an example in which the power generation unit of the first embodiment or the second embodiment is applied to an existing gasoline engine vehicle). [Figure 8] It is a side view showing another modification example of a wind power generation vehicle according to the present invention (an example in which the power generation unit of the first embodiment or the second embodiment is applied to an existing electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle).

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 8 show embodiments of the wind power generation vehicle according to the present invention. Figure 1 is a side view of the wind power generation vehicle of the first embodiment, Figure 2 is a plan view of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a schematic plan view showing the main parts of the power generation unit, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1, Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the flow of electrical energy, Figure 6 is a schematic plan view showing the main parts of the power generation unit of the second embodiment, Figure 7 is a side view showing a modified wind power generation vehicle (an example in which the power generation unit of the first or second embodiment is applied to an existing gasoline engine vehicle), and Figure 8 is a side view showing another modified wind power generation vehicle (an example in which the power generation unit of the first or second embodiment is applied to an existing electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid vehicle).

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle body 2 of the wind power generation vehicle 1 of this invention is equipped with a power unit 10 consisting of a driving motor 11, a control device for the driving motor 11 (controller, inverter, etc.), and a drivetrain 13 (transmission, differential, etc.) that transmits the output of the driving motor 11 to the wheels 12. Electrical energy is supplied to the driving motor 11 of the power unit 10 directly from the power generation unit 15, which will be described later, or via a converter, etc.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the power generation unit 15 consists of a pair of air ducts 16, 16 spaced apart and parallel to each other, a generator 28 located between the two air ducts 16, 16, wind turbines 22 located inside each air duct 16 corresponding to the generator 28, a speed-increasing means 30 located between the generator 28 and the wind turbines 22 to increase the rotational energy of the wind turbines 22 and transmit it to the generator 28, and a storage battery for storing electrical energy from the generator 28.

[0031] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the air duct 16 is a rectangular tube formed from a square pipe or the like, and has a rectangular cross-section flow passage 18 on its inner surface. An inlet 19 is provided at one end of the air duct 16 in the longitudinal direction to take in air from the front into the flow passage 18, and an outlet 20 is provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction to discharge the air that has flowed through the flow passage 18 to the rear of the air duct 16. The opening edge of the inlet 19 is formed as a rectangular funnel-shaped inclined surface that gradually widens outward toward the opening end.

[0032] In the longitudinal center of the air duct 16, there is a wind turbine chamber 21, which is a semi-cylindrical space with a predetermined radius of curvature that bulges outward, and a wind turbine 22 is rotatably mounted between this wind turbine chamber 21 and the flow passage 18.

[0033] The wind turbine 22 is a vertical-axis wind turbine 22 and consists of a rotor shaft 23 that is rotatably mounted at the boundary between the air passage 18 in the air duct 16 and the wind turbine chamber 21, with its axis facing the upper and lower surfaces 16a and 16b of the air duct 16 (vertical direction), and blades 24 attached to the circumferential surface of the rotor shaft 23.

[0034] The rotor shaft 23 has its upper and lower ends passing through the upper surface 16a and lower surface 16b of the air duct 16, respectively, and protruding upward and downward by predetermined lengths. Bearings 26, 26 are provided at the portions of the rotor shaft 23 that pass through the upper surface 16a and lower surface 16b of the air duct 16, respectively, and these bearings 26, 26 rotatably support the rotor shaft 23. A speed-increasing means 30, which will be described later, is attached to the upper end of the rotor shaft 23 that protrudes upward from the upper surface 16a of the air duct 16.

[0035] The blade 24 consists of a cylindrical hub 27 fixed to the circumferential surface of the rotor shaft 23 by connecting means such as screws, and two S-shaped sets of blade bodies 25, 25 integrally provided on the circumferential surface of the hub 27.

[0036] The dimensions of each part of the blade 24 are set such that when the rotor shaft 23 rotates, a small gap is formed between the blade body 25, 25 and the inner surface of the air duct 16, and between the blade body 25, 25 and the inner surface of the wind turbine chamber 21.

[0037] In this embodiment, the blade body 25 is formed into an S shape by combining two C-shaped blade body halves 25a, 25a, and this S-shaped blade body 25 is integrally attached to the circumferential surface of the hub 27 by means of welding or other means so as to form a radial pattern.

[0038] In this case, the dimensions of each C-shaped blade body half 25a are set such that the distance from the center of the rotor shaft 23 to the outer end of the opening is slightly smaller than the width of the flow passage 18 and slightly smaller than the radius of curvature of the wind turbine chamber 21.

[0039] As a result, each C-shaped blade body half 25a of each blade body 25 is configured to rotate around the rotor shaft 23 within the flow passage 18 and the wind turbine chamber 21, while maintaining a small gap between it and the inner surface of the flow passage 18 and the wind turbine chamber 21.

[0040] Within the airflow passage 18, each C-shaped blade body half 25a of each blade body 25 is positioned within the airflow passage 18 such that the inner surface of the C shape faces the inlet 19, and is configured to rotate clockwise around the rotor shaft 23 by receiving the air flowing into the airflow passage 18 on its inner surface.

[0041] The generator 28 consists of a body, a stator provided within the body, a rotor rotatably provided within the body, a rotor shaft 29 integrally provided with the rotor and rotatable as a whole, and is provided between a pair of air ducts 16, 16 such that the axis of the rotor shaft 29 is parallel to the rotor shaft 23 of each wind turbine 22 and oriented in a vertical direction.

[0042] The speed-increasing means 30 is a gear train 30 and consists of drive gears 31 that protrude upward from the upper surface 16a of the air duct 16 of the rotor shaft 23 of each wind turbine 22 and are attached to the upper end, and driven gears 32 that are attached to the rotor shaft 29 of the generator 28 and mesh with the drive gears 31 of each wind turbine 22.

[0043] The drive gear 31 and driven gear 32 are spur gears, and the number of teeth on the drive gear 31 and driven gear 32 is set so that the rotation of the drive gear 31 is accelerated by a predetermined speed increase ratio and transmitted to the driven gear 32. In this embodiment, the rotation of the two drive gears 31, 31 on the wind turbine 22 side, which rotate in the same direction, is transmitted to the driven gear 32 on the generator 28 side. The gear train 30 is housed in a gearbox 33 provided at the top of the air duct 16.

[0044] The battery 35 is a rechargeable battery that can be charged from a household power source, and can be a lead-acid battery, lithium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, etc. The battery 35 is mounted on the floor 4 of the vehicle body 2 and is electrically connected to each generator 28 via a converter or the like. The electrical energy supplied from each generator 28 is stored in the battery 35 via a converter or the like. The electrical energy stored in the battery 35 is supplied to the drive motor 11 of the power unit 10 of the wind power vehicle 1 via an inverter or the like.

[0045] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, multiple storage batteries 35 (first storage battery 35a, second storage battery 35b, and third storage battery 35c) are mounted on the bottom 4 of the vehicle body 2, and these are connected in parallel to supply power to the driving motor 11 of the power unit 10 via an inverter or the like. Depending on the amount of electrical energy required by the target wind power generation vehicle 1, only one battery 35 may be used, or it may be configured to use two or three or more batteries 35.

[0046] Then, the power generation unit 15 (excluding the battery 35) configured as described above is installed in the roof section 3, floor section 4, door section 5, and motor room section 6 of the vehicle body 2, and the generator 28 of the power generation unit 15 is connected to the drive motor 11 of the power unit 10 of the wind power generation vehicle 1 via an inverter or the like. In addition, the battery 35 is mounted in the floor section 4 of the vehicle body 2. This completes the wind power generation vehicle 1 of this embodiment.

[0047] In this case, the power generation unit 15 is installed on the roof section 3, floor section 4, door section 5, and motor room section 6 of the vehicle body 2 such that the inlets 19, 19 of the pair of air ducts 16, 16 of the power generation unit 15 open towards the front of the vehicle body 2, and the outlets 20, 20 open towards the rear of the vehicle body 2, and are positioned horizontally on the vehicle body 2.

[0048] In this embodiment, three sets of power generation units 15 are arranged in series and installed on the roof section 3, floor section 4, door section 5, and motor room section 6 of the vehicle body 2. Connecting means (not shown) connect the longitudinally continuous air ducts 16, 16, and a series of air passages 18 are formed on the inner surfaces of the three sets of air ducts 16, 16, 16.

[0049] Depending on the amount of electrical energy required by the target wind power generation vehicle 1, one or more sets of power generation units 15 may be installed on the roof 3, floor 4, door 5, motor room 6, hood 7, etc., of the vehicle body 2.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the wind power generation vehicle 1 of this embodiment, configured as described above, starts moving by supplying electrical energy from the first battery 35a to the drive motor 11 of the power unit 10 via an inverter or the like, thereby driving the drive motor 11 and the like.

[0051] Furthermore, while driving, the vehicle continues to operate by utilizing the energy generated by the power generation unit 15. Specifically, while driving, wind from the front is drawn into the air passage 18 through the inlet 19 of the air duct 16 of the power generation unit 15, and this wind acts on the blades 24 of the wind turbine 22 in the air passage 18, causing the rotor shaft 23 to rotate together with the blades 24. The rotational energy of the rotor shaft 23 is then accelerated via the gear train 30 of the speed-increasing means 30 and transmitted to the rotor shaft 29 of the generator 28, causing the rotor shaft 29 to rotate, and the rotation of the rotor shaft 29 is converted into electrical energy and extracted. This electrical energy is then supplied to the driving motor 11 of the power unit 10 via an inverter or the like, allowing the vehicle to continue driving.

[0052] In this case, the faster the wind-powered vehicle 1 travels, the more air is drawn into the air passage 18 via the air duct 16, increasing the amount of electrical energy generated by the power generation unit 15. A portion of this electrical energy is used to drive the power unit 10's motor 11 and other components, while any excess electrical energy is supplied to the first battery 35a for storage.

[0053] Furthermore, when the first battery 35a is fully charged, electrical energy is supplied from the first battery 35a to the second battery 35b for storage. When the second battery 35b is fully charged, electrical energy is supplied to the third battery 35c for storage.

[0054] Furthermore, since the first battery 35a, the second battery 35b, and the third battery 35c are configured to be rechargeable from a household power supply, these batteries 35a to 35c can also be used as a household power source.

[0055] In the wind power generation vehicle 1 of this embodiment, configured as described above, the electrical energy obtained by the power generation unit 15 is used to drive the drive motor 11 of the power unit 10, etc., thereby enabling the vehicle to move. This makes it possible to obtain the kinetic energy necessary for driving without using fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel.

[0056] Therefore, unlike burning fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel, it does not emit any carbon dioxide and can contribute to the global goal of decarbonization, which balances greenhouse gas emissions and absorption.

[0057] Furthermore, the rotational energy obtained from the two wind turbines 22, 22 is transmitted to a single generator 28 to generate electrical energy. Three such power generation units 15 are arranged in series to obtain electrical energy, which ensures that sufficient torque is obtained when the generator 28 is at its rated rotation speed, resulting in stable operation of the wind-powered vehicle 1 over a wide range of speeds, from low to high.

[0058] Furthermore, as the driving speed of the wind-powered vehicle 1 increases, the amount of electricity generated by the power generation unit 15 increases, ensuring that sufficient electrical energy is obtained for driving. In addition, any excess electrical energy during driving can be stored in the batteries 35a to 35c. Therefore, there is no need to recharge the batteries 35a to 35c at charging stations or the like when driving, which is economically advantageous.

[0059] Furthermore, depending on the amount of electrical energy required by the target wind power generation vehicle 1, one or more sets of power generation units 15 can be combined and installed not only on the roof 3, floor 4, door 5, and motor room 6 of the vehicle body 2, but also on the hood 7, etc. This allows it to be applied to various types of vehicles with different weights, thus increasing its versatility.

[0060] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the wind power generation vehicle according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, the wind power generation vehicle 1 of this embodiment has a pair of air ducts 16, 16 of the power generation unit 15 installed adjacent to each other so that their sides are in close contact with each other, a wind turbine 22 installed inside each air duct 16, a generator 28 installed on the outside of each air duct 16 in a portion corresponding to each wind turbine 22, and a speed-increasing means 30 consisting of a gear train 30 installed between each wind turbine 22 and each generator 28. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, three sets of power generation units 15 are arranged in series and installed in the roof portion 3, floor portion 4, door portion 5, and motor room portion 6 of the vehicle body 2, and the air ducts 16, 16 which are continuous in the longitudinal direction are connected by connecting means (not shown), forming a series of flow passages 18 on the inner surface of the three sets of air ducts 16, 16, 16. The other configurations are the same as those shown in the first embodiment.

[0061] Furthermore, the wind power generation vehicle 1 of this embodiment also provides the same effects and advantages as those shown in the first embodiment, and is configured to drive the wind power generation vehicle 1 by utilizing the electrical energy obtained by the power generation unit 15 to drive the drive motor 11 of the power unit 10, etc., thereby obtaining the kinetic energy necessary for driving without using fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel.

[0062] Therefore, unlike burning fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel, it does not emit any carbon dioxide and can contribute to the global goal of decarbonization, which balances greenhouse gas emissions and absorption.

[0063] Furthermore, the rotational energy obtained from one wind turbine 22 is transmitted to one generator 28 to generate electrical energy. Three sets of such power generation units 15 are arranged in series and installed in the roof section 3, floor section 4, door section 5, and motor room section 6 of the vehicle body 2. This ensures that sufficient torque is obtained when the generator 28 is rotating at its rated speed, providing stable driving for the wind power generation vehicle 1 over a wide range of speeds, from low to high.

[0064] Furthermore, as the driving speed of the wind-powered vehicle 1 increases, the amount of electricity generated by the power generation unit 15 increases, ensuring that sufficient electrical energy is obtained for driving. In addition, any excess electrical energy during driving can be stored in the batteries 35a to 35c. Therefore, there is no need to recharge the batteries 35a to 35c at charging stations or the like when driving, which is economically advantageous.

[0065] Figure 7 shows a modified example of the wind power generation vehicle 1 according to the present invention. This wind power generation vehicle utilizes the power generation unit of this embodiment in an existing gasoline engine vehicle.

[0066] In this modified example, the power generation unit 15 of the first or second embodiment is installed in the roof portion 3, floor portion 4, door portion (not shown), and engine room portion 37 of the vehicle body 2.

[0067] By utilizing the power generation units 15 of the first and second embodiments in existing gasoline engine vehicles, the engine 36 and other components can be used as they are. Therefore, without making major structural changes, the power generation unit 15 can be retrofitted to serve as a power source to replace the existing battery in a gasoline engine vehicle, providing an economically advantageous solution.

[0068] Figure 8 shows another modification of the wind power generation vehicle 1 according to the present invention. This wind power generation vehicle utilizes the power generation unit of this embodiment in an existing electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV / PHV).

[0069] In this modified version, the power generation unit 15 of the first or second embodiment is mounted on the roof portion 3 of the vehicle body 2, and the electrical energy obtained by power generation by the power generation unit 15 is configured to be supplied to the existing storage battery 35.

[0070] By applying the power generation units of the first and second embodiments to this type of automobile, even if the amount of charge in the battery 35 decreases during driving, the electrical energy generated by the power generation unit 15 can be supplied to the battery 35. Therefore, there is no need to charge at a charging station or the like during driving, which is economically advantageous. In addition, since the existing drive motor and the like can be used as is without making major structural changes, the costs required for structural changes can be reduced.

[0071] In the above description, S-shaped blades 24 of the wind turbine 22 were used, but the invention is not limited to this, and other well-known types of vertical blades may be used. Also, although a rectangular tube was used as the air duct 16, the invention is not limited to this, and the air duct 16 may be formed by combining sheet metal or the like, or by machining a rectangular block. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 1. Wind-powered vehicle 2 car bodies 3. Roof section 4 Floor 5 Door section 6. Motor Room Section 7. Hood section 10 Power Units 11. Motor for driving 12 wheels 13 Drivetrain 15 Power generation unit 16 Air duct 16a Top side 16b Bottom side 18 Distribution path 19 Inlet 20 Outlet 21 Windmill room 22 Windmill 23 Rotor shaft 24 blades 25 Blade body 25a Blade body half 26 bearings 27 Hubs 28 Generators 29 Rotor shaft 30 Speed-increasing mechanism (gear train) 31 Drive gear 32 Driven gear 33 Gearbox 35 Storage batteries 35a 1st storage battery 35b 2nd storage battery 35c 3rd storage battery 36 Engine 37 Engine compartment

Claims

1. A wind-powered vehicle that converts electrical energy obtained from wind power generation into kinetic energy and utilizes this kinetic energy, A pair of air ducts are provided parallel to each other at a predetermined distance, and each has an air inlet and an air outlet at both ends, A generator is provided between the pair of air ducts such that the axis of the rotor shaft is oriented vertically, A pair of vertical-axis wind turbines are provided in the portions of the pair of air ducts that are opposite to the generators, The power generation unit comprises a speed-increasing means provided between the rotor shaft of the generator and the rotor shafts of the pair of wind turbines, which increases the rotational speed of the rotor shafts of the pair of wind turbines and transmits it to the rotor shaft of the generator, A wind power generation vehicle characterized in that at least one of the power generation units is installed on the body of the vehicle such that the pair of air ducts are aligned with the direction of travel of the vehicle.

2. The wind power generation vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle body of the vehicle is provided with at least one storage battery for storing electrical energy obtained by the power generation unit.

3. A wind-powered vehicle that converts electrical energy obtained from wind power generation into kinetic energy and utilizes this kinetic energy, A pair of air ducts, which are installed adjacent to each other and have an air inlet and an air outlet at both ends, A pair of vertical-axis wind turbines are provided in each of the pair of air ducts so as to face each other, A generator is provided on the outside of the pair of wind turbines, such that the axis of the rotor shaft is oriented vertically. The power generation unit comprises a speed-increasing means provided between the rotor shafts of the pair of wind turbines and the rotor shafts of each of the generators, which increases the speed of the rotation of the pair of wind turbines and transmits it to the rotor shafts of each of the generators, A wind power generation vehicle characterized in that at least one of the power generation units is installed on the body of the vehicle such that the pair of air ducts are aligned with the direction of travel of the vehicle.

4. The wind power generation vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the vehicle body of the vehicle is provided with at least one storage battery for storing electrical energy obtained by the power generation unit.

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