Wheel-Integrated Power Generation Using Capacitor Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wheeled vehicles face challenges with power sources such as motors, engines, and battery systems, which are heavy, noisy, and require refueling or recharging, and solar cells provide insufficient power indoors or at night, making them unsuitable for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system that converts the rotational energy of a wheeled object's wheels into electrical energy using a generator and stores it in high-capacity capacitors, with a control circuit for regulation and voltage management, allowing for self-sustaining power supply for onboard systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If motors or engines are used as power sources, then power can be provided to on-board systems, but the vehicle becomes heavy and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The system harvests kinetic energy from the vehicle's own motion through the generator connected to the wheel, eliminating the need for external fuel sources. The vehicle powers itself by converting its motion into electrical energy, which is stored and reused to power on-board systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical power sources (motors, engines) with an electromagnetic energy conversion system. The generator converts mechanical rotational energy from the wheel into electrical energy, which is then stored in capacitors and used to power electrical systems, eliminating heavy mechanical powertrains.
2Power
If battery systems are used, then power can be stored and provided, but the battery requires replacement or recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously harvests energy from the vehicle's motion through the generator, constantly recharging the capacitor bank. This continuous energy harvesting ensures uninterrupted power supply for on-board systems without requiring periodic stops for recharging or battery replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses high-capacity capacitors with capacitances above 1 Farad (ultracapacitors) that can be rapidly charged and discharged. These capacitors maintain voltage within a suitable working range (2V to 5V) even during intermittent charging from the generator, enabling continuous operation.
3Power
If solar cells are used, then power can be generated, but insufficient power is provided indoors or at night
Solution Approach 1:
The generator-capacitor system provides universal power generation that works in all environments - indoors, outdoors, during the day, and at night. Unlike solar cells that require sunlight, the generator harnesses kinetic energy from wheel rotation, making it adaptable to all operating conditions.
4Power
If traditional power sources are added to wheeled vehicles, then power can be provided, but additional weight and space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is mechanically integrated with the wheel structure, and the capacitor bank is disposed within the wheel assembly. This merging of power generation and storage components with the existing wheel structure eliminates the need for separate power source compartments, saving vehicle space.
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 provides a reliable and efficient power source for wheeled objects, reducing weight and maintenance needs, and enabling continuous operation indoors and at night by harnessing kinetic energy, thus addressing the limitations of traditional power sources.
Implementation Method 1
A generator mechanically coupled to one or more of the object's wheels to convert wheel rotational energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The power generation system may comprise an electrical storage device configured to store the electrical power produced by the generator. In certain preferred embodiments, the electrical storage device comprises a bank of high-capacity capacitors connected in series
Data Source
AI summary
A power generation system for wheeled objects comprises a generator mechanically coupled to one or more of the object's wheels to convert wheel rotational energy into electrical energy. The power generation system may comprise an electrical storage device configured to store the electrical power produced by the generator. Power from the generator and/or the electrical storage device can be used to provide power to other electrical systems in or on the object. In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device comprises a bank of high-capacity capacitors connected in series. Some embodiments use a control circuit, for example, to regulate the charging and discharging of the capacitor bank and to provide suitable voltages for other systems. The power generation system may be disposed within an object's wheel, such as a wheel of a shopping cart.