Subsurface Roadway Energy Storage With Modular Units for EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The depletion of hydrocarbon fuels and the inefficiency of renewable energy storage systems lead to energy waste and limited acceptance of electric vehicles due to charging limitations and 'Range Anxiety', necessitating a robust energy storage solution integrated into roadways.
Innovation Solution
A subsurface energy storage system with modular roadway housings containing energy storage units, drainage features, and an energy management system, capable of capturing and storing renewable energy from traffic and solar power, and providing wireless charging and deicing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If energy storage units are integrated into roadway subsurface, then renewable energy storage capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple modular roadway housings, each containing individual energy storage units (batteries or capacitors) in separate cavities. This segmentation allows the system to achieve large total storage capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized, replaceable modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The roadway housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the roadway surface, contains and protects energy storage units, facilitates drainage through integrated channels, and enables wireless energy transmission to vehicles. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining what would otherwise be separate systems.
2Ease of operation
If wireless charging is provided through roadway integration, then vehicle charging convenience is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless energy transmission technology as an intermediary between the subsurface energy storage units and the vehicles. This allows energy transfer without physical contact or vehicle stopping, improving convenience while the system manages transmission losses through efficient coupling and proximity-based charging.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional layers are integrated into roadway housing, then roadway functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roadway system is constructed from modular housings that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each housing contains integrated functional layers (energy storage, drainage, support) that are pre-configured during manufacturing, allowing complex multi-functional units to be produced using standardized processes and then deployed as complete modules.
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 continuous energy storage and distribution, reducing reliance on the grid, enhancing renewable energy acceptance, and supporting electric vehicle charging without stopping, while maintaining road safety and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one layer may comprise a transducer layer configured to generate energy from traffic on the surface to carry vehicles
Implementation Method 2
an over layer defining the surface to carry vehicles and comprising at least one visual indicator carried by the over layer for the surface to carry vehicles, or a heating element layer for deicing the surface to carry vehicles
Data Source
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AI summary
A subsurface energy storage system includes roadway housings arranged to define a surface to carry vehicles. Each roadway housing has an energy storage assembly having a housing defining cavities, and energy storage units respectively carried within the cavities and being electrically coupled together. Each roadway housing also includes a layer over the energy storage assembly and to provide the surface to carry vehicles. The subsurface energy storage system also includes an energy storage management controller coupled to the energy storage units in the roadway housings.