Vehicle Power Generation via Aerodynamic Fluid Flow Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial transport vehicles, such as tractor-trailer rigs, face high fuel costs and increasing environmental regulations, necessitating a solution to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining power for comfort and load requirements.

Innovation Solution

A power generation system that harnesses energy from natural atmospheric wind and water currents using pneumatic and hydraulic turbines with compound nozzles, meteorological sensors, and computer-controlled harmonic resonance valves, integrated into the vehicle's aerodynamic design to generate power without combustion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If diesel engines are run continuously to sustain heating, air conditioning, and electrical power, then power availability is improved, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle's motion itself generates power through the power generation system that captures kinetic energy from airflow and water flow, allowing the vehicle to serve its own power needs without continuous diesel engine operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the combustion-based mechanical power system with a kinetic energy capture system using nozzles and turbines that convert environmental fluid flow directly into electrical power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If aerodynamic cowlings are mounted to direct airflow, then fuel consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidaerodynamic components

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aerodynamic cowlings serve dual functions: reducing drag to improve fuel efficiency and directing optimized airflow to the power generation nozzles to maximize kinetic energy capture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the aerodynamic flow management system with the power generation system, merging drag reduction and energy capture functions into an integrated architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Power

If conventional power generation methods are used, then power output is sufficient, but harmful emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidemissions

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes combustion-based power generation with a kinetic energy conversion system that produces electricity without burning fuel, eliminating harmful emissions while maintaining power output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the previously harmful effect of airflow drag into a beneficial resource by capturing kinetic energy from the same airflow that creates drag, turning an energy loss into an energy source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 system efficiently generates power by optimizing fluid mass and pressure, reducing fuel consumption, and minimizing emissions, while providing a sustainable energy source for vehicles, thereby addressing the challenges of high fuel costs and environmental regulations.

Implementation Method 1

The convergent duct narrows as airflow progresses through the duct; hence, at subsonic speeds, the convergent duct decreases pressure and temperature of the air while increasing the air velocity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvergent duct flow effect: Bernoulli Effect

Implementation Method 2

The divergent duct widens as airflow progresses through the duct; hence, at subsonic speeds, the divergent duct increases pressure and temperature of the air while decreasing air velocity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDivergent duct flow effect: Bernoulli Effect

Implementation Method 3

The power generation system is a non-combustion technology (does not use combustible fuels) that harnesses energy from sources of natural atmospheric currents/flows utilizing pneumatic and/or hydraulic turbines

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbine rotation: Turbine

Data Source

PatentUS10598153B2Power generation architecture using environmental fluid flow

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 DIETZEL PAUL C

AI summary

Architecture that harnesses energy from natural atmospheric wind and water currents and self-generated wind and water currents from moving vehicles and natural fluid flow found in nature for moving or stationary applications. The power generation system harnesses energy from natural atmospheric sources utilizing pneumatic and/or hydraulic turbines with compound nozzles, meteorological sensors, computer controlled harmonic resonance valves, a control system, and other components.