Vehicle Wind Turbine Charging to Extend EV Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles often have limited range due to battery capacity limitations, and they require frequent recharging, which can be inconvenient and dependent on available charging stations.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic vehicle charging system that utilizes wind turbines mounted on the vehicle to generate electricity while in motion, which is then used to recharge the batteries or offset electricity consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the battery capacity is increased to extend the vehicle range, then the usable range is improved, but the vehicle weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy sources (battery, wind turbine, solar panels) into a hybrid power system. The wind turbine is integrated into the vehicle structure, particularly in the front compartment area, allowing it to generate electricity that supplements the battery power and extends range without requiring a larger battery pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind turbine system allows the vehicle to generate its own electricity while in motion. The turbine captures kinetic energy from the air flow generated during vehicle movement and converts it to electrical energy, enabling the vehicle to partially power itself during travel and reduce dependence on a large battery.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the battery capacity is increased to extend the vehicle range, then the usable range is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy sources (battery, wind turbine, solar panels) into a hybrid power system. The wind turbine is integrated into the vehicle structure, particularly in the front compartment area, allowing it to generate electricity that supplements the battery power and extends range without requiring a larger battery pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind turbine system allows the vehicle to generate its own electricity while in motion. The turbine captures kinetic energy from the air flow generated during vehicle movement and converts it to electrical energy, enabling the vehicle to partially power itself during travel and reduce dependence on a large battery.
3Loss of time
If a larger battery is used to reduce recharging frequency, then the usable range is improved, but the vehicle size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy sources (battery, wind turbine, solar panels) into a hybrid power system. The wind turbine is integrated into the vehicle structure, particularly in the front compartment area, allowing it to generate electricity that supplements the battery power and extends range without requiring a larger battery pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind turbine operates continuously while the vehicle is in motion, providing ongoing electricity generation throughout the journey. This continuous energy input from the turbine reduces the rate of battery depletion, effectively extending range without requiring a larger battery or more frequent stops for recharging.
4Duration of action of moving object
If wind turbines are added to generate electricity during motion, then the usable range is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front compartment of the vehicle serves multiple functions: it provides storage space and houses the wind turbine system. The turbine itself serves dual purposes by both generating electricity and potentially providing aerodynamic benefits. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components and spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A power management system acts as an intermediary between the wind turbine, solar panels, battery, and vehicle electrical systems. This controller coordinates energy flow from multiple sources, manages charging priorities, and ensures safe operation, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture despite having multiple energy sources.
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 significantly extends the usable range of electric vehicles by generating additional electricity during travel, reducing the need for frequent recharging and alleviating range anxiety.
Implementation Method 1
one or more wind turbines mounted to or within the vehicle and positioned for exposure to the wind generated during the vehicle's natural driving motion
Implementation Method 2
Each of these wind turbines are in mechanical communication with a generator such that when the wind turbine rotates as a result of the wind passing over or through the turbine, a turbine shaft rotates and is coupled to a generator that generates electricity
Data Source
AI summary
The dynamic vehicle charging system for electric vehicles includes one or more wind turbines mounted to a vehicle and positioned for exposure to the wind generated during the vehicle's natural driving motion. The wind turbine drives a generator such that when the vehicle moves through the wind, the wind strikes the wind turbine which generates electricity. This electricity is in turn passed through a power converter that converts the electrical energy from the generator to electrical energy that is used to recharge the vehicle batteries, used to offset the electricity consumption rate of the electric vehicle, or both.