Roadside Wind Turbine Assembly Using Traffic-Induced Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine devices are inefficient in harnessing wind energy from traffic and occupy large areas, posing threats to wildlife and agricultural land use.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine device with a buried housing and an intake chute oriented towards oncoming traffic, featuring a rotatable wind turbine mechanically coupled to a generator, converting wind energy into electrical energy without the need for conventional turbines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional wind turbines are used to harness wind energy, then wind energy can be converted into electrical energy, but large areas of land are occupied and wildlife is threatened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions wind turbine installation from horizontal land occupation to vertical underground placement. The housing is buried in the ground with the intake chute extending upward, allowing the turbine to capture wind energy without occupying surface land area. This dimensional change from 2D surface placement to 3D subsurface installation resolves the contradiction between energy generation and land conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind turbine system is nested within the underground housing structure. The turbine is positioned inside the housing chamber, with the intake chute forming an integrated pathway from the surface to the turbine. This nesting approach consolidates the entire wind energy conversion system into a compact underground package, eliminating the need for large surface footprints while maintaining functional integrity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional wind turbines are deployed to capture wind energy, then electrical energy can be generated, but wildlife safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wind turbine from its conventional above-ground position and relocates it underground within the housing. By taking the turbine out of the surface environment where wildlife operates, the harmful interactions between rotating blades and wildlife are eliminated. The intake chute provides a controlled pathway for wind that does not expose wildlife to turbine hazards.
3Productivity
If wind turbines are positioned to capture traffic-induced wind, then energy generation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the intake chute structure with the housing as integrated components rather than separate additions. The intake chute is positioned to extend from the housing opening downward, forming a unified structure that guides traffic-induced wind directly to the turbine. This integration simplifies the overall device by combining wind capture and structural support functions into a cohesive underground installation.
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 device efficiently converts wind energy from traffic into electrical energy, reducing land occupancy and wildlife threats while providing clean energy storage, also capable of harnessing natural wind.
Implementation Method 1
A wind turbine is rotatably disposed within the intake chute such that the wind turbine is rotated by the wind produced by the oncoming traffic
Implementation Method 2
A generator is positioned in the housing and the generator is in mechanical communication with the wind turbine. The generator is rotated when the wind turbine rotates to convert wind energy into electrical energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine assembly for covering wind energy into electrical energy includes a housing that is positioned adjacent to a roadway. An intake chute is integrated into the housing and the intake chute is oriented to face oncoming traffic on the roadway thereby facilitating the intake chute to direct wind produced by the oncoming traffic into the housing. A wind turbine is rotatably disposed within the intake chute such that the wind turbine is rotated by the wind produced by the oncoming traffic. A generator is positioned in the housing and the generator is in mechanical communication with the wind turbine. The generator is rotated when the wind turbine rotates to convert wind energy into electrical energy.