Adjustable Vehicle Wind Turbine Funnels for Stable Power Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining optimal wind speeds within the operational range of wind turbines on vehicles is challenging due to unpredictable wind conditions and variable vehicle speeds, which affects power generation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an array of wind turbines embedded in vehicles, a programmable funnel system with high-torque servo motors, and a computing system that uses machine learning, V2X communication, and predictive analysis to adjust the cross-sectional area of the funnel system to maintain wind speeds within the operational range of the turbines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If wind turbines are installed on vehicles to generate power, then power generation capability is improved, but maintaining optimal wind speed becomes difficult due to unpredictable wind conditions and variable vehicle speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel system is designed with adjustable cross-sectional area that can dynamically change in response to varying wind conditions and vehicle speeds. Motors control the funnel's shape to optimize wind flow to the turbines, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain reliable power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the funnel (cross-sectional area, shape) to optimize wind speed delivery to the turbines. By adjusting these parameters in real-time based on sensor feedback, the system maintains optimal operating conditions despite external variability.
2Productivity
If the cross-sectional area of the funnel system is adjusted to maintain optimal wind speed, then power generation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to motors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor wind speed and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of the funnel's cross-sectional area to maintain optimal wind speed at the turbines, improving efficiency while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel system serves multiple functions: it guides wind flow to the turbines, adjusts cross-sectional area to optimize speed, and integrates with the vehicle's existing control systems. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive benefits.
3Power
If turbines are strategically positioned to maximize wind exposure, then power generation is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases affecting vehicle performance
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel system concentrates wind flow locally at the turbine locations, creating high-velocity streams precisely where needed. This localized optimization allows turbines to generate maximum power from the concentrated wind flow while the funnel's design minimizes overall aerodynamic drag on the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel acts as an intermediary between the ambient wind and the turbines. It captures and channels wind flow efficiently to the turbines, maximizing power generation while its aerodynamic shape minimizes the drag it introduces to the vehicle's overall airflow.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances power generation efficiency by maintaining optimal wind speeds, maximizing energy production, and reducing aerodynamic drag while ensuring turbine safety.
Implementation Method 1
One of the fundamental principles that govern the operation of wind turbines is Bernoulli's theorem. This theorem explains the relationship between the pressure, velocity, and elevation in a moving column of fluid, which, in our case, is air. As per the theorem, as the velocity of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases, and conversely, when the velocity decreases, the pressure increases.
Implementation Method 2
Wind turbines generate power by converting the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy.
Data Source
AI summary
In an approach to improve power generation in both manual and autonomous vehicles embodiments of the present invention measure, by a set of sensors, a wind speed as it passes through a funnel system. Further, embodiments modulate, by the funnel system, the wind speed of wind that passes through the funnel system to a turbine array, where modulating the wind speed comprises adjusting, by a motor set, a cross-sectional area of an entry portion and an exit portion of the funnel system based on the measured wind speed. Additionally, embodiments proactively adjust, by the computing system, the funnel system to maintain a predetermined wind speed that is being fed to the turbine array through the funnel system by employing machine learning models and control algorithms, using sensor data, vehicle to everything communication, and predictive analysis of wind patterns and road conditions.