Vehicle Airflow Turbine Charging With Speed-Based Battery Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle charging systems for electric vehicles are inflexible and inconvenient, especially in areas with limited infrastructure, and do not effectively utilize alternative energy sources like wind energy.
Innovation Solution
An airflow charging system that uses a turbine connected to an electric motor and pulley system, where airflow is harnessed to charge the vehicle's battery, with a processor-controlled system that manages turbine operation based on vehicle speed and battery charge levels to optimize energy use and prevent overcharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stationary charging stations are used to charge electric vehicles, then the vehicle can be charged reliably, but the flexibility and convenience of operation is restricted and infrastructure coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle itself generates charging power through its motion-driven turbine system, eliminating dependence on external stationary charging stations. The kinetic energy from vehicle movement is converted to electrical energy through the turbine-generator system, allowing the vehicle to charge itself during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system transitions from a static infrastructure-dependent model to a dynamic self-charging model. The turbine rotates at variable speeds based on vehicle motion, and the system automatically adjusts charging parameters based on real-time vehicle speed and battery state, enabling flexible charging without fixed stations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the turbine is operated continuously to charge the battery, then the battery charge level increases, but overcharging may occur causing damage or reduced battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors battery charge level and provides feedback to adjust turbine operation. When the battery reaches a predetermined charge threshold, the control system automatically reduces or stops turbine charging operation, preventing overcharging while maximizing energy utilization during vehicle motion.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the electric motor is used to rotate the turbine at low vehicle speeds, then the turbine can generate charging power, but it consumes additional energy from the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on vehicle speed. The control system monitors vehicle speed and only activates the electric motor to rotate the turbine when vehicle speed is sufficient to make the process energy-positive. This ensures that energy consumption for turbine rotation is less than the energy generated, optimizing net energy gain.
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
Enables flexible and sustainable vehicle charging by utilizing airflow to charge the battery, reducing the need for stationary charging stations and enhancing vehicle performance by optimizing energy use and preventing battery overcharging.
Implementation Method 1
The turbine is configured to rotate a driveline pulley
Data Source
AI summary
An airflow charging system and vehicle include a turbine, a driveline pulley and a driving belt, a main charging pulley and a charging belt, a processor, and a memory. The turbine is configured to rotate the driveline pulley, and the driveline pulley is operably connected to an electric motor. The main charging pulley is operably connected to the electric motor, and rotation of the main charging pulley is configured to charge a battery. The battery provides power to the electric motor. The memory includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the processor, cause the system to receive a first signal indicating that the vehicle is in motion, operate the electric motor to rotate the turbine, receive a second signal from the vehicle indicating a vehicle speed, and, if the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed, stop operating the electric motor.