Self-Refueling Vehicle Using Flywheel Energy Storage and Onboard Electrolysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy solutions face challenges such as inefficiencies in fossil fuel combustion, harmful emissions, and the limitations of battery technology in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, along with the complexities of hydrogen storage and infrastructure requirements for hydrogen fuel cells.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes on-board electrolysis to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen, which are stored under pressure and used to power a closed-loop internal combustion engine, optimizing energy recovery from kinetic and electromagnetic sources, and incorporating passive energy harvesting from solar, wind, and hydro sources to create a self-refueling vehicle with reduced emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used to power electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, then electrical energy storage is achieved, but weight increases, space is consumed, and maintenance challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own kinetic energy during braking to generate electrical energy through the inertial wheel generator, storing it in the flywheel. This self-charging mechanism eliminates the need for heavy external batteries while providing energy storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a mechanical energy storage system (flywheel). The flywheel stores energy kinetically through rotation, providing a lighter alternative to chemical battery systems while maintaining energy storage functionality.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If hydrogen fuel cells are used, then zero emissions are achieved, but infrastructure complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own hydrogen fuel onboard through electrolysis of water using electrical energy from the flywheel or external sources. This eliminates the need for external hydrogen infrastructure while providing zero emissions, as the only byproduct is water.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of water from liquid to gaseous hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis, creating fuel in a different physical state. This parameter change enables fuel generation without requiring external hydrogen storage infrastructure.
3Loss of energy
If kinetic energy recovery is implemented, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the regenerative braking system with the flywheel energy storage system into a single integrated unit. The inertial wheel generator serves dual purposes: capturing kinetic energy during braking and storing it mechanically, merging two functions into one device to reduce overall system complexity.
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 approach enhances vehicle efficiency, reduces emissions, and eliminates the need for external hydrogen infrastructure, providing a reliable and sustainable energy source with improved energy density and reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
separating a volume of water into hydrogen and oxygen components
Implementation Method 2
converting kinetic energy and energy contained in electromagnetic radiation to electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
powering an engine with the hydrogen and oxygen components
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device to optimize the cumulative beneficial effect of harvesting available forms of lost energy, including energy that is lost while a vehicle is in motion (e.g., kinetic energy and energy contained in electromagnetic radiation. The cumulative energy that is recovered is converted to electrical energy which powers the on-board electrolyzer to produce more hydrogen and oxygen while the system is in operation and stationary. Stationary, passive forms of energy (e.g., solar, wind, hydro, etc.) will also be available to power the electrolyzer. The system also contemplates using passive forms of energy to power a non-mobile system which incorporates an internal or external combustion engine in place of a fuel cell. An oxygen injection control device is employed to control the supply of oxygen to the combustion engine.