Vehicle Diffuser Turbine Airflow Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance vehicle designs face challenges in creating a rear underbody diffuser that increases downforce without generating drag, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles, where energy generation from air movement is desired without increasing resistance.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser system with a turbine component, driven by airflow, is integrated into the vehicle's underbody, utilizing a combination of linear and nonlinear airflow pathways to minimize drag while generating power through a connected generator, which can be optimized based on vehicle speed and configured to reduce resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a turbine component is added to generate energy from airflow, then energy production is improved, but drag and resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow pathway is divided into two separate channels: a first substantially linear airflow pathway that bypasses the turbine component to minimize drag, and a second nonlinear airflow pathway that directs airflow through the turbine component to generate energy. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve energy production and drag reduction by routing different portions of airflow through different pathways.
2Productivity
If the turbine component is placed in the airflow pathway, then energy capture is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to increased resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser component creates localized airflow characteristics by generating both a linear airflow pathway and a nonlinear airflow pathway in different regions. The turbine component is specifically positioned in the nonlinear airflow pathway where airflow patterns are already altered, allowing energy capture without significantly impacting the overall aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.
3Power
If a nonlinear airflow pathway is created to route through the turbine, then energy generation is improved, but flow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically utilizes the vehicle's motion to create the nonlinear airflow pathway that routes through the turbine component. The diffuser component is designed to automatically generate the appropriate airflow patterns based on vehicle speed and motion, eliminating the need for additional moving parts or active control mechanisms while maintaining both energy generation and flow efficiency.
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
The system effectively captures energy from airflow to recharge vehicle batteries while minimizing drag, enhancing aerodynamic properties and optimizing energy production without increasing resistance, suitable for both aftermarket installations and original vehicle designs.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine component in or associated with the diffuser component, the turbine component being driven by the airflow when the vehicle is in motion
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser system for a vehicle comprises a diffuser component mounted on the vehicle in a position to receive airflow when the vehicle is in motion. Further, a turbine component is provided in or associated with the diffuser component. The turbine component is driven by the airflow when the vehicle is in motion.