WO1995016133A1

WO1995016133A1 - Vehicular energy recovery

Info

Publication number: WO1995016133A1
Application number: PCT/AU1994/000730
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amjad Almubaraki
Original assignee: Amjad Almubaraki
Priority date: 1993-12-06
Filing date: 1994-11-25
Publication date: 1995-06-15
Also published as: AUPM278693A0

Abstract

A system for the recovery of energy from vehicles which run along a track or road. The system includes wayside apparatus co-operable with passing vehicles to generate electrical energy directly or indirectly from the kinetic energy of the vehicles, which is then transmitted or stored. The system is best applied in situations where it is necessary or desirable to reduce or control vehicle speed.

Description

"Vehicular Energy Recovery"

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to the recovery of energy. In particular, the invention concerns a system for the recovery of energy from vehicles which run along a track or road.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a vehicular energy recovery system, including: wayside apparatus co-operable with passing vehicles to generate electrical energy from the kinetic energy of the vehicles; and energy transmission or storage apparatus operatively connected to the wayside apparatus to transmit or store the generated electrical energy.

Embodiments of the invention generate energy at locations close to the point of energy consumption, and enjoy a great reduction in the cost of transmission and distribution. In many cases, embodiments generate electricity as a byproduct of vehicle use.

During the peak traffic hours, maximum power can be generated. The peak power demands in cities very often coincide with peak road traffic, and embodiments can be used to ease the load on the conventional power stations. In particular, power for street lighting and traffic lights can be generated.

Wayside stations can also be employed at places of vehicle concentration, such as at car parking stations. The stations are advantageously located at road declines (either natural or man made), so that any adverse effects of reducing the speed of vehicles is minimised. Alternatively, wayside stations are advantageously located at freeways, where vehicles are travelling at high speeds. For increased output from wayside stations, it is preferable that they are located along busy routes.

Optionally, the system further comprises a vehicle adapted to efficiently co-operate with the wayside apparatus to generate the electrical energy.

Optionally, the wayside apparatus comprises electrical windings, and a magnetised vehicle passes to generate electrical energy. The wayside apparatus may also comprise a magnetic field passing through the electrical windings, and which is disturbed by the passage of vehicles to generate electrical energy.

Optionally, the wayside apparatus comprises an air driven turbine connected to an electrical generator to generate electrical energy. The vehicles may be adapted with airguides to direct air into the turbine.

Optionally, the wayside apparatus is mounted in the road surface, where it is driven over by vehicles to generate electricity. The wayside apparatus may comprise air pumps which are pumped by passing vehicles to compress air which is subsequently used to generate electricity.

Optionally, the wayside apparatus comprises dynamos, the elements of which are moved relative to each other by the passage of passing vehicles.

Optionally, the wayside apparatus is designed to be impacted by passing vehicles in order to attain a motion which is used to generate electricity. The motion may be used to generate electricity in the dynamo. Alternatively, the motion may be used to turn a turbine. This energy generated can subsequently be transmitted, stored, or connected directly to a load, or any combination of the three.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1 is a schematic of a first system embodying the present invention; figure 2 is a schematic of a second system embodying the present invention; figure 3 is a schematic of a third system embodying the present invention; figure 4 is a schematic of a fourth system embodying the present invention; figure 5 is a schematic of a fifth system embodying the present invention; and figure 6 is a schematic of a sixth system embodying the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment, shown in figure 1 , a wayside station consists of an iron cored winding in the shape of a tunnel 1 . Conductors form the lining of the tunnel walls. The tunnel is located across one or more lanes, or one is provided for each of a number of lanes. A vehicle adapted with magnetic poles at the front and back, passes through the tunnel, and the motion of the magnetic field carried by the vehicle induces a voltage. A current will consequently flow in the conductors. This current can then be modified if necessary and either transmitted, stored, or utilised directly by a load, or any combination of these.

In an alternative, a multi-turn winding is placed on or under the road surface. For this case magnetic field lines emanating from the underside of a vehicle are most suitable. The multi-turn winding may be placed to the sides of the road lanes, in which case magnetic field lines emanating from the sides of vehicles are most suitable. Or, the multi-turn winding may be placed overhead the road lanes, in which case, magnetic field lines emanating from the tops of vehicles is most suitable.

A permanent magnetic material, an electromagnet or any other source of magnetic fields is attached, retro-fitted or built into the road vehicles. The electromagnet may be powered by the vehicle electrical system and in particular by the vehicle alternator. Since most vehicles have metallic bodies, it is possible to magnetise the vehicle body, either permanently or temporarily, such that the front and back of the vehicle have different polarity.

Such systems can also be applied to railway systems. In a second embodiment, shown in figure 2, the wayside station 2 consists of both the electrical conductors and the magnetic field. An iron cored windings 3 is placed overhead, while the magnetic field 4 is set up by a magnetic field source 5 such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet mounted below surface level 6. The field is set up across the electrical conductors, such that passing vehicles will disturb the magnetic field lines, and cause the conductors to experience a changing magnetic flux. As a result a voltage and current will be induced.

In an alternative a perforated copper strip is provided with field lines going through it, when vehicle tyres pass on this strip, a change in flux will occur and a voltage is induced in the copper strip. A horse-shoe type magnet may also be used to shape the field lines.

This embodiment can also be applied to railway systems. A third embodiment utilises the air flow caused by moving vehicles to drive turbines at the wayside station. This can be made effective by attaching air guides to vehicles in such a way that the forward motion of the vehicles along the road will cause an air stream to flow out from the ends of the air guides. The air guides can be placed anywhere on the vehicles, such as the top or bottom of the vehicles, and are shaped such that they direct the air flow into the air turbines as the vehicles pass wayside station. The wayside station in this case will consist of air turbines, which rotate when air flows through them. They, in-turn, drive electric generators. As an alternative to the vehicles being fitted with air ducts, the wayside station can incorporate driven wind ducts, as shown in figure 3. The station 7 has a driven air duct 8 which is pushed by forward moving vehicles; a shock absorber 9 absorbs most of the initial impact. Air is funnelled by duct 8 into an overhead air collector 10, which feeds the air into a wind turbine 1 1 . The wind turbine drives an electric generator.

The air collector and turbine arrangement may be put to the sides of the road lanes. Alternatively the air ducts are pushed by the vehicle tyres and they feed into air collectors which are underneath the road surface.

This variation can also be applied to railway systems. In another embodiment the downward force of gravity acting on the vehicle is used to drive mechanical apparatus located at the wayside station. This mechanical apparatus is connected to electric generators which generate electricity when the mechanical apparatus moves as a result of the force exerted by the vehicle tyres on it. A flywheel can also be attached to the apparatus combination so as to prolong the generator rotation and to make it more constant. An example of the mechanical apparatus 1 2 that can be employed at the wayside station is illustrated in figure 4. Air pumps 1 3 are located on the road surface, 14 is an air valve, 1 5 is an air storage reservoir, and 1 6 is a turbine-generator combination. Passing vehicles cross air pumps 1 3, and pump air into reservoir 1 5 past non-return valve 14. The air in the reservoir 1 5 becomes compressed, then this air pressure can be used to drive the turbine and hence generate electricity. Any number of air pumps can be employed per system.

In an alternative, narrow friction belts are employed, which are slightly raised above the road surface. The vehicle wheels grip the belts and turn them as the vehicle passes. These belts in turn drive electric generators.

Small diameter metal rollers may be used, also slightly raised above the road surface. These are attached to belts which drive a electric generator. Or, piston actuators may be positioned above the road surface to drive a piston which drives a flywheel, which in turn is connected to an electric generator. The piston can be a mechanical or a fluid piston. A crankshaft may be connected to several pistons, or pedals, so that passing vehicles push down on each piston sequentially, hence turning the flywheel and generator.

Other options include a mechanical apparatus based on the foot pedal sewing machine; in which one end goes down and the other up. This movement is in turn converted to rotational movement, which then drives a generator. A further option utilises fluid filled pipes or tubes. Passing vehicles drive push-down pads to cause the fluid to circulate; this circulating liquid drives a turbine, which in turn drives a generator. It is also possible to shape the tubes on the inside hence eliminating the need for the special pads.

This variation is also applicable to railway systems.

In another embodiment, the downward force of gravity acting on a vehicle is used to drive apparatus which in turn causes electrical conductors to experience a changing magnetic flux. Referring to figure 5, the apparatus 1 8 comprises a push-down pedal 1 9 which extends onto the road lane. Passing vehicles push down the pedal which sets a soft spring 20 oscillating up and down. The motion causes a magnet 21 to oscillate and creates a changing magnetic flux through windings 22. As a result a voltage is induced in the windings.

Many variations utilise push-down ramps or pads, which normally sit on top of the road lane, and are held up by springs. As passing vehicles push the ramps down, an insulator/dielectric or a high permeability material moves inside an iron toroid winding, and disturbs the magnetic field lines; hence a change of magnetic flux results in the winding.

A push-up flap may be used to return the ramp to its upright position, hence eliminating the need for springs.

This variation could also be applied to railway systems. Another embodiment uses the forward motion of road vehicles to generate electricity, by physically pushing or pulling the appropriate mechanical apparatus located at the wayside station, using the vehicle body or tyres. Vehicles can also be fitted with special bullbar or towbar devices to facilitate the pushing and pulling of belts and other apparatus at the wayside station. In addition vehicles can be fitted with sling belts which can also be used to drive apparatus at the wayside stations.

The idea of fitting vehicles with special bullbar or towbar devices, can be taken one step further. Vehicles can be fitted with retractable hook devices. These hook devices are controlled by the vehicle braking system. Upon applying the brakes, the hooks move down and engage specially shaped rings or heads which are connected to the usual belt/chain -generator combination. The hooks disengage and retract when the brakes are released. Typically, one or more hooks are positioned along the centre of the vehicle. They can be made from any strong material. In the extended position the hooks should be a standard height above the surface; regardless of the ground clearance height of the vehicle. The hooks can be made to go straight down and up, or they can swing down in any direction from the horizontal. The hooks should be able to swing freely up towards the rear of the vehicle and to account for the case where the belt is moving and the vehicle is stationary, the hook should be free to swing forwards as forward coming heads collide with it. The hooks' extension and retraction mechanism can be integrated with the existing fluid braking system, or have a separate fluid or mechanical system connected to the brake pedal. It is also possible to activate the mechanism independently of the brake pedal, for instance by pushing a button or pulling a lever. The heads will normally sit above the road lane and be wide enough to facilitate easy engagement. The heads should be made from flexible material such as rubber and elastic, to prevent damage occurring if they collide with vehicle tyres. If lane changing is not permitted, then the choice of material is wider and more flexible. Since this variation is especially useful in assisting vehicles to slow down quicker during braking, if it is best located before traffic lights, near the end of freeways and along steep downhill slopes. This variation can also be applied to railways, to assist trains to stop at stations.

Referring to figure 6, station 23 comprises a shock absorber 24, connected to an insulator, dielectric or a high permeability material 25, such that the combination is able to swing about axis 26. An iron core winding 27, and a magnetic field source 28 are separated by the dielectric 25. Vehicle induced movement of the shock absorber 24 will cause a change in magnetic flux and hence a voltage is induced. As an alternative the shock absorber could be connected to a belt or chain which drives an electric generator. The housing could be located to the side of the road, or under or on the road surface.

Wheel shaped insulator/dielectrics or a high permeability material could alternatively be driven along special lanes which house the magnetic field and the iron core windings.

Many variations are possible, such as a tunnel shaped overhead housing through which a moving vehicle pushes a shock absorber. The shock absorber could return to its starting position via a return mechanism on top of the tunnel, or by moving to the adjoining lane which has vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

Rollers made of any suitable material and connected to conducting rails at either end, can be driven forward by vehicle tyres through perpendicular magnetic field lines to induce a current.

A rotating cylinder which houses a magnetic field and a fixed iron core winding (or vice versa), can be rotated as vehicle tyres push it forward. Rail guides may be employed to keep the cylinder correctly aligned. Another option employs a rotating disc which is driven by passing vehicles to drive a flywheel connected to an electric generator. A ratchet wheel is connected between the disc and the flywheel to allow the flywheel to turn although the disc is stationary.

In order to keep generator speeds more uniform, flywheels can be employed or an automatic gearing system (similar to that in road vehicles) can be added to belt/chain -generator combinations disclosed in this invention. In addition to the embodiments described there are also a large number of other possible designs, for instance a belt drive design situated in the middle of the road between adjacent lanes of counter-flowing traffic. Rubber suction caps or magnets may be used to attach belts or chains to tops of passing vehicles. In another alternative a gate style design may be operated by vehicles pushing a boom gate from a standing start. Any of the features can also be applied to toys of this type where vehicles run on tracks.

Claims

THE CLAIMS:

1 . A vehicular energy recovery system, including: wayside apparatus co-operable with passing vehicles to generate electrical energy from the kinetic energy of the vehicles; and energy transmission or storage apparatus operatively connected to the wayside apparatus to transmit or store the generated electrical energy.

2. A vehicular energy recovery system according to claim

1 , wherein the system further comprises a vehicle adapted to efficiently co-operate with the wayside apparatus to generate the electrical energy.

3. A vehicular energy recovery system according to claim

2, wherein the wayside apparatus comprises electrical windings through which or by which a magnetised vehicle passes to generate electrical energy.

4. A vehicular energy recovery system according to claim 1 , wherein the wayside apparatus comprises a magnetic field passing through electrical windings, and which is disturbed by the passage of vehicles to generate electrical energy.

5. A vehicular energy recovery system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wayside apparatus comprises an air driven turbine connected to an electrical generator to generate electrical energy.

6. A vehicular energy recovery system according to claim 5, wherein the vehicles are adapted with airguides to direct air into the turbine.

7. A vehicular energy recovery system according to claim

1 , wherein the wayside apparatus is mounted in the road surface where it is driven over by vehicles to generate electricity.

8. A vehicular energy recovery system according to claim 7, wherein the wayside apparatus comprises air pumps which are pumped by passing vehicles to compress air which is subsequently used to generating electricity.

9. A vehicular energy recovery system according to claim 7, wherein the wayside apparatus comprises dynamos, the elements of which are moved relative to each other by the passage of passing vehicles.

10. A vehicular energy recovery system according to claim 1 , wherein the wayside apparatus is designed to be impacted on by passing vehicles in order to attain a motion which is used to generate electricity.

1 1 . A vehicular energy recovery system according to claim 10, wherein the motion is used to generate electricity in a dynamo.

1 2. A vehicular energy recovery system according to claim 1 0, wherein the motion is used to turn a turbine.

1 3. A vehicular energy recovery system according to claim 1 2, wherein the downward force and the forward motion of vehicles, force a liquid material to circulate in a pipe/tube system which in turn drives a turbine generator set.

14. A vehicular energy recovery system according to claim 2, wherein vehicles are fitted with retractable hook devices, that move down while braking to drive belt/generator combinations.

1 5. A vehicular energy recovery system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 6. A toy vehicular energy recovery system according to any preceding claim.