Vehicle Wind Tunnel Turbine for Onboard Range Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power generation systems in vehicles are limited by their efficiency, which restricts the vehicle's range and requires additional fuel or energy to extend travel.

Innovation Solution

A portable electricity generation system integrated into a vehicle, utilizing a wind tunnel to channel ambient air into a turbine chamber, where a wind turbine with a stator and rotor generates electrical charge through the interaction of electrical coils and magnets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a vehicle uses combustion engines or batteries for power generation, then the vehicle can operate and provide motive force, but the vehicle's range is limited by the amount of fuel or energy carried

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle rangeVSAvoidfuel or energy carried

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The wind tunnel system enables the vehicle to generate its own energy from ambient wind resources while in motion, converting kinetic energy from the air flow into electrical energy to power vehicle components, thereby reducing dependence on stored fuel or battery energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical power generation systems (combustion engines, battery motors) with an aerodynamic system that uses the vehicle's motion through air to drive a wind turbine, converting mechanical motion into electrical energy without combustion or stored energy depletion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If additional fuel or energy is added to extend vehicle range, then the vehicle can travel farther, but the efficiency of the power generation system decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidadditional fuel or energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful drag force of air resistance into a beneficial energy source by using the wind tunnel to capture kinetic energy from the air flow that would otherwise be wasted, generating electricity to offset the energy cost of overcoming drag

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 enhances vehicle efficiency by converting wind energy into electrical charge, which can be stored in a battery, thereby reducing the need for additional fuel and extending the vehicle's range.

Implementation Method 1

The funneled air rotates the rotor to create an electrical charge between the electrical coil and the at least one magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The funneled air rotates the rotor... The funneled air may create a force against the at least one blade to rotate the rotor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS12280688B2Portable electricity generation system and method of use

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 WALLANDER JAMES

AI summary

An electricity generator includes a wind tunnel positioned on the vehicle. The wind tunnel has an open first end and an open second end. The open first end is in communication with ambient air. A turbine chamber is fluidly coupled to the open second end of the wind tunnel. At least one wind turbine is positioned in the turbine chamber. The at least one wind turbine includes a housing. A rotor is positioned in the housing along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to an axis of the wind tunnel.