Wheel Rim Rotor Generator for Electric Vehicle Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limitations of electric and hybrid vehicles, such as reduced autonomy due to battery capacity and the need for lengthy recharging stops, hinder their widespread adoption for sustainable mobility, as existing charging solutions are inefficient and not widely distributed, and the increased energy demand from non-renewable sources undermines their ecological benefits.
Innovation Solution
A system that converts kinetic energy from the rotary movement of wheels into electrical energy for recharging batteries without additional mechanical elements, utilizing the wheel rim as a rotor with permanent magnets and a stator, integrated with the existing brake system, to generate electricity while the vehicle is moving, thereby reducing the need for extensive infrastructure and maintaining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If additional mechanical elements (shaft or timing belt) are added to transmit rotational movement to a generator, then the generator can be driven, but friction and braking forces increase, compromising electric motor efficiency and power output
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is directly integrated with the wheel structure, merging the functions of wheel and power generation component. The rim serves as the rotor and the brake-carrying plate as the stator, eliminating separate transmission elements and reducing energy loss from friction and braking forces
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel structure is given multiple functions: it continues to provide mechanical support and rotation while simultaneously generating electrical energy. The rim becomes both a structural component and a rotor, and the brake-carrying plate becomes both a braking surface and a stator
2Use of energy by moving object
If the rim is modified to accommodate permanent magnets, then kinetic energy can be converted to electrical energy, but the complexity of wheel structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnets are integrated directly into the rim structure, combining the wheel's structural function with the generator's rotor function. This eliminates the need for separate generator components and reduces overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rim is transformed into a multi-functional component that provides both mechanical support and electromagnetic function by housing permanent magnets. The brake-carrying plate similarly serves dual purposes as a braking surface and stator structure
3Ease of operation
If charging stations are installed to recharge batteries, then vehicles can be recharged outside domestic power grid, but significant infrastructure intervention is required and rest areas decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle generates its own electrical energy during operation through the wheel-integrated generator, eliminating the need for external charging stations. The system serves itself by converting kinetic energy from wheel rotation into electrical energy for battery recharging
Solution Approach 2:
The charging function is extracted from external infrastructure (charging stations) and integrated into the vehicle itself through the wheel-mounted generator, removing the need for complex external charging infrastructure
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
This solution enhances the energy efficiency of electric and hybrid vehicles by allowing on-the-go recharging, reducing the number of batteries required, lowering production costs, and improving environmental sustainability by utilizing existing infrastructure and minimizing the ecological impact of energy production.
Implementation Method 1
converting the kinetic energy generated by the rotary movement of the wheels into electrical energy to the batteries
Data Source
AI summary
A system for recharging batteries of electric and hybrid vehicles by recovering and converting kinetic energy produced by rotational movement of wheels into electric current is provided. The system includes an electric current generator having a rotor integrated in an inner surface of a tire-carrying rim and a circular-shaped stator anchored to a fixed part of a wheel-carrying hub in a volume between a brake and the inner surface of the tire-carrying rim.