Piezoelectric Road Lanes With Dynamic EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not effectively harness and convert mechanical energy from moving masses into sustainable electric power with minimal environmental and aesthetic impact.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a carriageway with power-generating lanes incorporating piezoelectric elements and dynamic induction charging lanes to generate and transmit electric power to vehicles, utilizing the mechanical energy from vehicle movement to recharge batteries wirelessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If piezoelectric elements are embedded in road pavement to generate electricity from vehicle pressure, then electric power can be harvested from mechanical energy, but the structural integrity and durability of the road pavement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric elements are embedded within a protective housing that is itself embedded in the road pavement, creating a nested structure where the housing protects the piezoelectric elements while the entire assembly integrates with the pavement structure. This resolves the contradiction by protecting the energy harvesting components without compromising pavement integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective housing acts as an intermediary between the piezoelectric elements and the road pavement, transferring mechanical loads from vehicles to the housing structure while protecting the piezoelectric elements. This mediator allows energy harvesting functionality while maintaining pavement structural integrity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If large batteries are installed in electric vehicles to extend range, then vehicle autonomy and range are improved, but vehicle weight and environmental impact from battery production and disposal increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging action by wirelessly transferring energy to the vehicle battery while the vehicle is in motion on the highway. This preliminary charging during travel reduces the need for large capacity batteries, thereby reducing vehicle weight and environmental impact while maintaining range.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle serves itself by harvesting energy from its own movement through the piezoelectric road elements and receiving wireless power transmission while traveling. This self-service energy replenishment reduces dependency on large onboard batteries.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic induction charging is implemented on highway lanes, then wireless charging capability is provided to moving vehicles, but the complexity and cost of road infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric power generation elements and dynamic induction charging coils are merged into a single integrated road pavement system. This combination allows the same infrastructure to perform both mechanical energy harvesting and wireless electromagnetic power transmission, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The road pavement infrastructure is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural road surface and as an energy transmission medium. The pavement simultaneously harvests mechanical energy from vehicle passage and transmits electromagnetic energy for wireless charging, reducing the need for separate charging infrastructure.
4Power
If piezoelectric elements are compressed by vehicle weight to generate electricity, then mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy, but the elements are subject to high stress and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric elements are nested within a protective housing that absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses from vehicle passage. This nested structure protects the piezoelectric elements from direct high-stress contact while allowing them to generate electricity from controlled compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure provides beforehand cushioning and protection to the piezoelectric elements against excessive stress and impact from vehicles. This prior protection mechanism prevents element failure while allowing sufficient compression for electricity generation.
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
Generates clean electric power from vehicle movement, reducing battery size and environmental impact, and enables wireless charging without reliance on external electrical networks.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of piezoelectric elements, which are compressible downwards to be compressed by a vehicle travelling on this power-generating lane section
Implementation Method 2
power transmission coils suitable for electrically charging a vehicle in transit on said section of dynamic induction charging lane, where the power transmission coils are electrically connected to dynamic induction charging coils of the dynamic induction charging lane section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
A system (10) for generating electric current comprises a carriageway with two electrically connected lanes: a lane (20) with piezoelectric element electric current generating panels (12) (14) and a dynamic induction charging lane (18) for electrically charging an electric vehicle transiting the carriageway. Panels (12) electric current generators may be applied to forward-facing, submerged surfaces (24) of the hull (26) of a vessel, or applied to the forward-facing, outer surfaces of an aircraft.