Self-Charging EV With Deployable Solar and Wind Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicles rely heavily on fossil fuels and indirect renewable energy sources, which result in emissions and greenhouse gas emissions, and existing solar and wind-powered vehicles are inefficient or impractical for daily use.
Innovation Solution
A self-charging electric vehicle equipped with stowable wind turbines and solar panels that can generate and store sufficient renewable energy, allowing it to operate independently and supply excess energy to the grid or other vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If solar panels and wind turbines are added to generate renewable energy, then zero-emission operation is achieved, but vehicle complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar panels and wind turbines into a single integrated renewable energy system on the vehicle. The solar panels are mounted on the vehicle body surfaces while wind turbines are positioned on the roof, creating a unified power generation system that reduces overall complexity compared to separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The renewable energy system serves multiple functions: generating electricity for vehicle operation, charging the battery pack, and potentially exporting excess energy to the grid. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive energy independence and zero-emission operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels and wind turbines are installed on the vehicle, then renewable energy generation capacity increases, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lightweight materials for the solar panels and wind turbine structures to minimize weight addition. The solar panels are integrated into the vehicle body panels which are designed with optimized thickness and material selection to balance structural requirements with weight constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is equipped with sufficient but not excessive renewable energy capacity to achieve practical zero-emission operation for typical commuting scenarios. The solar panel area and wind turbine size are calibrated to generate adequate power without unnecessarily increasing vehicle weight.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the vehicle operates solely on renewable energy, then zero-emission performance is achieved, but energy storage capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is pre-charged during periods of high renewable energy generation (such as daytime with solar and calm periods with wind) to ensure sufficient energy availability during high-demand periods. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the vehicle to maintain zero-emission operation throughout the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management system dynamically adjusts the charging rate from renewable sources based on current generation capacity, battery state of charge, and predicted vehicle energy needs. This dynamic optimization ensures efficient use of available renewable energy while minimizing the required battery capacity.
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
Enables true zero-emission vehicle operation and reduces reliance on fossil fuels by harnessing abundant electrical energy from solar and wind power, while also providing energy to the electrical grid or homes.
Implementation Method 1
solar panels that can generate and store sufficient renewable energy
Implementation Method 2
stowable wind turbines and solar panels that can generate and store sufficient renewable energy
Data Source
AI summary
A self-charging electric vehicle configured for converting solar energy and wind energy into electrical energy comprising a systems and methods. The vehicle includes a body and frame with a central body structure and centerline cabin and a chassis with a centerline battery compartment and a suspension system. Solar cells mounted to the vehicles top sides can be supplemented with extendable solar panel(s) that can be deployed by a control system to generate solar energy into electrical energy. An omnidirectional sun sensor provides for sun strength, angle and direction. A stowable horizontal-axis wind turbine with an extendable mast mounted to the vehicle that can be deployed by a control system to generate wind energy into electrical energy. A stowable anemometer provides for wind speed and wind direction.