Roadway Wind Turbine Network for Vehicle-Generated Energy Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind power systems face limitations in distribution and deployment, including environmental concerns, high maintenance costs, and volatility due to dependence on wind conditions, as well as the inability to efficiently power large areas or connect to multiple grid interconnection points.
Innovation Solution
The development of an integrated small wind turbine power infrastructure featuring tiny wind energy generating devices on a nano- and micrometer scale, which can be deployed in high densities along roadways and vehicles, capturing wind energy from both atmospheric and vehicle-generated sources, and connected to a roadway system electricity grid for efficient energy generation and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large wind turbines are used to generate Megawatt volumes of power, then power generation capacity is improved, but environmental harm and infrastructure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wind power generation system into numerous small wind turbines (5-30 feet tall) distributed across multiple locations rather than using single large turbines. This segmentation allows the system to achieve Megawatt-level power generation capacity while reducing the environmental harm associated with each individual turbine, including noise, visual impact, and wildlife concerns.
2Power
If large wind turbines are placed far from existing infrastructure, then power generation capacity is improved, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning small wind turbines at locations with existing infrastructure (roadways, buildings, urban areas) rather than requiring remote placement. Each turbine is sized appropriately for its local environment, allowing direct connection to nearby power distribution networks and eliminating the need for expensive new infrastructure construction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If small wind turbines are used for isolated powering, then environmental harm is reduced, but distribution capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small wind turbines into a coordinated network system that functions as a unified power generation infrastructure. By combining numerous distributed turbines with central control and interconnection capabilities, the system achieves both the environmental benefits of small turbines and the distribution capability of a coordinated network, allowing power to be delivered across extensive areas.
4Power
If large wind turbines are deployed, then power generation capacity is improved, but system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power generation system into multiple independent small wind turbines rather than relying on single large turbines. This segmentation provides inherent redundancy and reliability - if one turbine fails or stops generating power, the others continue to operate, ensuring continuous power supply and reducing the impact of individual failures on the overall system.
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 enables widespread, efficient, and stable wind energy generation and distribution, reducing environmental impact, lowering maintenance costs, and allowing for direct power delivery to homes and businesses over long distances while integrating with existing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
ground-based wind energy generating devices... capturing wind energy from both atmospheric and vehicle-generated sources
Data Source
AI summary
A roadway system for energy generation and distribution is presented. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the roadway system comprises a plurality of ground-based wind energy generating devices, one or more roads, and a roadway system electricity grid. The roadway system may additionally include, for example, a plurality of ground-based solar energy generating devices, one or more vehicle-based solar energy generating devices and one or more vehicle-based wind energy generating devices. The energy generating devices are connected to the roadway system electricity grid and substantially all of the ground-based wind energy generating devices are positioned on part of one of the roads or near to one or more of the roads to thereby allow energy generation from wind created from passing vehicles in addition to energy generation from atmospheric wind.