Vehicle Cooling Duct Wind Generator With Airflow Power Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind power generators integrated into vehicles increase friction, weight, and power consumption, and do not efficiently contribute to energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wind power electricity generator is integrated into a duct that channels air flow to a cooling device, with a control circuit to manage power production based on vehicle speed and air flow, using a blanking plate to adjust airflow, and preventing operation below a threshold speed or above a maximum power limit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a wind turbine is mounted on the roof of the vehicle, then electric power can be generated from wind, but the friction, weight, and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine is merged with the existing cooling duct system of the vehicle. The turbine is positioned within the duct to utilize the air flow already directed toward the cooling device, combining power generation and cooling functions into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces overall aerodynamic drag.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct system serves dual purposes: it directs air flow for cooling the drive device and simultaneously channels this air flow through the wind turbine to generate electric power. This multi-functional use of the same structural component maximizes energy efficiency while minimizing additional aerodynamic penalties.
2Power
If a wind turbine is mounted on the roof of the vehicle, then electric power can be generated from wind, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine is integrated within the existing cooling duct structure rather than being mounted separately on the vehicle body. This merging approach utilizes already-present structural components, thereby minimizing additional weight while still achieving power generation functionality.
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 energy efficiency by optimizing power generation and cooling while minimizing aerodynamic penalties and mechanical stress, particularly at varying speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a wind power electricity generator (5) having at least one blade and configured to produce electric power when the at least one blade is struck by the air flow
Implementation Method 2
a cooling device configured to at least partially cool the drive device; a duct arranged to catch an air flow striking a front part of the vehicle, the duct opening out facing the cooling device to cool the cooling device by means of the air flow
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a drive device to move the vehicle and a cooling device to cool the drive device. A duct is arranged to catch air flow striking a front of the vehicle and cool the cooling device with the air flow. A wind power electricity generator is configured to produce power. A control circuit connected to a blanking plate controls the value of the useful cross-section of the duct at least according to an electric power produced by the electricity generator and a speed of the vehicle. The control circuit reduces the useful cross-section of the duct so that the electric power generated by the electricity generator does not exceed a maximum power. The control circuit prevents rotation of the at least one blade when a speed of the air flow in the duct is lower than a threshold minimum speed.