Abstract:
A structure for sheltering and optimizing highway systems includes an arcuate structure extending over a highway and a cover over the structure to create an enclosure. The enclosure protects the highway and users of the highway from rain, snow and sun while the surrounding scenery remains visible to drivers. A number of different additions optimize use of the highway. For example, a plurality of solar panels are layered on the cover and wind turbines are used to create usable energy, an air current generation system reduces wind resistance on vehicles to increase gas mileage, and an elevated rail system transports many persons great distances along the highway.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/262,398 which was filed on Nov. 18, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, including all drawings and formal papers. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a road shelter structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a road shelter for enclosing a portion of a road and for optimizing and collecting energy and transferring the energy into electricity and fuel sources. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    The federal highway system has tens of thousands of miles of roadway stretched throughout the United States. Millions of vehicles travel these labyrinths of road each day producing emissions harmful to the environment and contributing to global warming. Each year, inclement weather and poor road conditions such as wet or icy roads cause accidents resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries. In a time of great concern for the environment, demand for reducing air pollution from vehicle emissions, increasing gas mileage, and maximizing the efficiency of the use of our dwindling land resources is at an all time high. In addition, demands are always being made for increasing the safety of the federal highway system. No system yet exists for sheltering a road while efficiently using surrounding natural resources. 
         [0006]    In addition, it is believed that rising energy costs may someday drastically alter the way we produce and use electricity, and it may be economically viable to find new methods to collect energy for transfer into electricity. Therefore, new and improved ways to collect and use energy are being sought out. For example, there exists in the prior art a number of patents directed to wind turbines which are driven by air current created by vehicles. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,378 to Wither; U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,467 to Gutterman; U.S. Pat. No. 7,098,553 to Wiegel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,427,173 to Chen; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,498,684 and 7,525,210 to Fein et al. However, the efficiency and economic viability of wind turbines is highly dependent upon a constant and relatively high average wind speed to drive the vanes. Traffic ebbs and flows throughout the day depending upon the time, and it certainly slows down during the night. Thus, air current provided by traffic is not constant, and simply using air flow from vehicles to drive wind turbines is not a viable solution in many areas. 
         [0007]    A viable solution to this problem would be a structure or other mechanical means for manipulating the air flow to increase its velocity, thereby making wind turbines an economically sound solution in many more locations. 
         [0008]    Therefore, a need in the art exists for a structure which optimizes existing infrastructure to make the existing infrastructure more efficient, and to be optimized in a manner which will collect energy in a highly-efficient and safe manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In a first aspect hereof, the present invention provides a structure for sheltering and optimizing the use of a road. The structure generally comprises: (a) a structure extending over a road, having at least one way of traffic and preferably two-way traffic and a median, (b) a cover coupled to the structure, the cover enclosing and protecting the road from overhead precipitation and sunlight, and (c) a plurality of solar panels secured to said cover to convert sunlight to usable power. 
         [0010]    In a second aspect hereof, the present invention provides a structure for sheltering a road and optimizing the collection of energy thereabout comprising: (a) a frame extending over the road; and (b) a cover secured to at least a portion of the frame; wherein the shape of the frame causes a wind current passing across the structure to be accelerated. 
         [0011]    In a further embodiment hereof, the structure further includes a plurality of wind turbines wherein at least one of the wind turbines is located beneath the cover adjacent to at least one of a side of the road and/or the median of the road. The structure can optionally include wherein at least one of the wind turbines is positioned atop the cover at a position proximal to the peak of the structure. The plurality of wind turbines are driven by air traveling through or over the road shelter. The air flow across and about the road shelter is increased by the geometry and features of the road structure to maximize the speed of the wind driving the wind turbines. The wind turbines each have a tower, a rotor attached to the tower having a plurality of blades (or vanes), and an electrical generator. 
         [0012]    Optionally, the structure may include an electrolytic cell, a hydrogen compressor, a hydrogen fueling station and/or compressed hydrogen storage tanks. The electrolytic cell is fluidly connected to a water storage tank to perform electrolysis on water stored in the storage tank. The hydrogen compressor is fluidly connected to the electrolytic cell to compress hydrogen gas produced by the electrolytic cell. Also provided is a compressed hydrogen fueling station, the compressed hydrogen fueling station being fluidly connected to the hydrogen compressor to receive compressed hydrogen. 
         [0013]    The present invention may also provide an elevated rail mass transit system. As discussed in further detail below, the elevated rail can be located either within the cover and atop the road, or it can be positioned atop the cover. 
         [0014]    In yet another embodiment hereof, there is provided a structure for sheltering and optimizing use of a road comprising: (a) a first major arch beam having an arcuate shape with a first end and a second end, each end of the major arch beam being secured to the ground on opposite sides of the road, across and perpendicular to the road; and (b) a first cross member truss including first and second ends secured to the first major arch beam proximate the first and second end of the first major arch beam respectively. 
         [0015]    The first cross member truss is secured at a height above the road to allow clearance of traffic on the road. 
         [0016]    A second major arch beam substantially similar to the first major arch beam and having a first end and a second end, the second major arch beam is secured substantially similar to and parallel to the first major arch beam. 
         [0017]    The structure, also, has a second cross member truss including first and second ends secured to the second major arch beam proximate the first and second end of the second major arch beam respectively. The second cross member truss is secured at a height substantially similar to the first cross member truss. 
         [0018]    A first support beam is secured between the first and second major arch beams adjacent to a first edge of the road. The first support beam extends parallel to the first edge of the road. A second support beam is secured between the first and second major arch beam adjacent to a second edge of the road opposite the first support beam. The second support beam extends parallel to the second edge of the road. A plurality of arcuate support beams forming a rib like structure between the first and second major arch beam and having first ends is secured to the first support beam and second ends secured to the second support beam. A cover extends between the first and second major arch beams and over the plurality of support beams to form a roof-like structure over the road. According to this embodiment, a plurality of solar panels are secured to the cover to convert sunlight to usable power. 
         [0019]    The present invention can further comprise a method for sheltering and optimizing the use of a road comprising: (a) covering a road with an enclosed structure spanning over the road; (b) coupling a solar panel to the structure to convert sunlight to usable power; (c) coupling a wind turbine to the structure to convert wind energy to usable power; and (d) providing a vertical wind turbine within the structure to collect energy and redirect the flow of air exiting the vertical wind turbine with the flow of traffic on the road to decrease air resistance against the traffic. 
         [0020]    Critical to the design of the road shelter is that the velocity of the air current increases substantially as it flows over, across, and through the road shelter, thereby maximizing the energy drawn from the air by the wind turbines. As air approaches the road shelter from the side, the arcuate shape of the road shelter forces the air upward, and the air accelerates much like the design of an airplane wing. The accelerated air is then redirected toward and through wind turbines to capitalize on the increased wind speeds. 
         [0021]    It is believed that wind turbines are not otherwise suitable for use in areas that do not have a sufficient average constant wind velocity to make the wind turbines an economically viable solution. However, the road shelter&#39;s inherent design can increase the ambient wind speed by 20% or more, thereby making wind turbines a realistic solution for many more locations than was previously known. In addition, the efficiency of a wind turbine increases exponentially as the wind speed increases. Therefore, the design of the road shelter creates an increase in wind speed which it is able to collect and maximize. 
         [0022]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the views in which: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a road shelter of the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the road shelter depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the road shelter showing the railcar positioned on the top of the cover; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional front view of a portion of the road shelter depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the road shelter depicted in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a top cross-sectional view of a vertical wind turbine depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the road shelter depicted in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the road shelter depicted in  FIG. 3  showing air current across the road shelter; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 9 and 10  are front and side views of the screen spanning the distance between the major arch beams; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is an overhead view showing an exemplary intersection of roads covered by the road shelter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0033]    As noted above, the present invention is directed to a structure for sheltering a road and optimizing the amount of energy collected thereabout for transfer into electricity or other usable fuel-sources. The structure includes a structural support frame constructed over a roadway, a cover over a portion of the structural support to shelter the roadway from the elements, and a plurality of solar panels. The solar panels are installed on the cover and connected to an electrical network. 
         [0034]    In a second embodiment, at least one vertical wind turbine is located in a median of the road and secured to portions of the structural support beams. At least one horizontal turbine can also be provided which extends above the cover, and which is driven by air current flowing over the cover. 
         [0035]    In a third embodiment, an electrolytic cell is provided which performs electrolysis of water stored in a water storage tank filled by a drainage system which collects rain water running off of the cover. 
         [0036]    In a fourth embodiment, an elevated rail is located near the cover on either the inside or outside of the structure. 
         [0037]    It is to be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that the described road shelter may be one of multiple identical “grid pieces” that can be connected in sequence to create a road shelter stretching many miles. 
         [0038]    The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the drawings, a road shelter constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is generally identified by the reference numeral  10 . The road shelter  10  includes a structural frame  12 , a cover  14 , elevated wind turbines  16 , and an elevated rail  18 . The structure  12  is designed to span over a road or highway  20  having a median  22  and road edges  24  and  26 , for example a U.S. Interstate highway. 
         [0040]    In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the structural frame  12  includes spaced apart major arch beams  28  and  30 , cross member trusses  32  and  34 , arch support members  36  and  38 , a plurality of support beams each denoted at  40 , and foundations  42 . The structure  12  may be made from any suitable building material, for example, structural steel, concrete, or like. The major arch beams  28 ,  30  can comprise a pair of arcuate I-beams having ends  28   a ,  28   b  and  30   a ,  30   b , respectively. The major arch beams  28 ,  30  extend perpendicular to and over the road  20  and are stabilized at the ends  28   a ,  28   b ,  30   a  and  30   b  by the foundations  42  located adjacent to the road edges  24 ,  26 . Preferably the major arch beams  28 ,  30  extend upwardly from the foundations  42  at an angle of about 70°-80° with respect to the horizontal plane. 
         [0041]    The major arch beams  28 ,  30  are oriented substantially parallel to one another and are preferably spaced approximately 100 feet apart. However, the spacing may be adjusted depending on road curvature or other design parameters. The cross member truss  32  includes ends  44  and  46  coupled to the major arch beam  28  in a customary fashion at a height of approximately 20 feet such that the cross member truss  32  is in-plane with the major arch beam  28  and extends across and perpendicular to the road  20 . Alternatively, the cross member truss  32  may be coupled to the major arch beam  28  at any desired height to allow clearance of vehicles with various heights on the road  20  by at least about 20 foot thereabove. Much like the cross member truss  32 , the cross member truss  34  includes ends  48  and  50  coupled to the major arch beam  30  as the cross beam  28  to the arch beam  28 . 
         [0042]    The arch support member  36  includes ends  52  and  54 . End  52  is coupled to the major arch beam  28  in a conventional manner and end  54  is coupled to the major arch beam  30  in a similar manner. The arch support member  36  is at a height of approximately 30 feet above the road  20  and is oriented substantially parallel to the road edge  24 . Alternatively, the arch support member  36  may be coupled to the major arch beams  28 ,  30  at a different height to vary the amount of surroundings visible to drivers on the road  20 . The arch support member  38  includes ends  56  and  58 . The end  56  is coupled to the major arch beam  28  and the end  58  is coupled to the major arch beam  30  in a fashion similar to the arch support member  36  on the opposite side of the road  20 , such that the arch support member  38  is oriented parallel to the road edge  26 . 
         [0043]    The plurality of support beams  40  may be arcuate I-beams or trusses smaller in size than the major arch beams  28 ,  30  and having ends  60  and  62 . The end  60  is coupled to the arch support member  36  and the end  62  is coupled to the arch support member  38  in a conventional manner such that the support beam  40  extends perpendicular to and over the road  20 . The support beams  40  may be placed evenly between the major arch beams  28 ,  30  to form a rib-like structure, for example every 20 feet. However, the placement of the support beams  40  may vary depending on structural need and geographic location. 
         [0044]    Optionally, at least one platform  41  can be provided which is disposed between the successive support beams  40 . Preferably, each provided platform  41  is 4 feet in width, and five adjacent platforms  41 , 41 ′, etc. are provided to span between each adjacent set of support beams  40 . Each of the platforms  41  can be configured for use as desired. For example, at least one of the platforms  41  can comprise a tank or vat (not shown) for storing rain water which has run off the cover  14 . At least one of the platforms  41  can also comprise a location for storing batteries (not shown) which are being (or have been) charged in a manner described in further detail below. At least one of the platforms  41  can also comprise a duct  43  for receiving accelerated exterior air and delivering the accelerated air to a respective vertical wind turbine  106 . In one arrangement, a successive series of the platforms  41  can be configured to rotate between a tank, battery location, duct  43  and so forth. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the ends  44 , 46  and  56 , 58  of the respective cross member trusses  32  and  34  can optionally extend beyond the major arch beams  28  and  30 . For any platforms  41  which comprise a water tank, the ends  44 , 46  extend beyond the beams  28  and  30  allowing the extended portion of the tank to catch any water running off the cover  14 , thereby providing the road shelter  10  with a water collection system. The tank can also include means for filtration (not shown) to clean the water entering the tank. 
         [0046]    For any platforms  41  which comprise a duct  43 , the extended duct  43  provides a collection point  45  for accelerated exterior air, such as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . It is understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that air current approaching the road shelter  10  is directed upwardly and its velocity is accelerated as it moves upwardly into the collection point  45  created by the overhanging duct  43 . The duct  43  then delivers the accelerated air to a respective vertical wind turbine  106 . The duct  43  can optionally include a valve (not shown) to shut-off or regulate the amount of air current passing through the duct  43 . 
         [0047]    The cover  14  may be any suitable material for enclosing the structure  12 , such as sheet metal, glass, or the like. The cover  14  is secured to the plurality of support beams  40  by any conventional means well-known to one having ordinary skill in the art and extends from the major arch beam  28  to the major arch beam  30  and from the arch support member  36  to the arch support member  38  to create a roof-like enclosure over the rib-like structure formed by the support beams  40 . The cover  14  shields the road  20  from environmental elements like rain, snow and sun, thus allowing for safer driving conditions and the ability to expedite road construction even in bad weather. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-5 , the cover  14  and associated components are illustrated in more detail in cross-section. The cover  14  may optionally include a plurality of integrally formed channels  80  extending transversely from the major arch beam  28  to the major arch beam  30  to collect and route precipitation for drainage. When provided, the channels  80  can be approximately 4 inches wide. However their size may vary depending on construction preferences or the precipitation drainage demands of a specific geographic location. The channels  80  collect and route water to either or both of the major arch beams  28 ,  30 , or to the tank described above. As seen in  FIG. 5 , routed water may enter an I-beam cavity  82  between I-beam flanges  84 ,  86  where, due to gravity, the water is further routed to the ground or an alternate drainage system. 
         [0049]    In one embodiment in  FIG. 2 , piping  83  can be provided to run linearly with the cross member beam  32  and collect water from the I-beam cavity  82  at the intersection of the major arch beam  28  and the cross member beam  32 . When provided, the piping  83  can direct the collected water to a water storage tank  87  which can be located proximate the road shelter  10  for later use or shipment to another location. 
         [0050]    The cover  14  may also include a plurality of photovoltaic cell solar panels  88 . As solar panels are well known in the art, discussion of their technical structure is not needed. Any suitable type of commercially available photovoltaic cell solar panel can be used for use herewith. The solar panels  88  may be rectangular and approximately 4 feet long, 2 feet wide and oriented lengthwise across the cover  14  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The solar panels  88  are preferably individually attached to the cover  14  on both sides of the channels  80  approximately 4 inches apart to allow drainage of precipitation. Alternatively, the solar panels  88  may be interconnected in a continuous roll and coupled as such to the cover  14 . The solar panels  88  are electrically connected to an inverter (when the electricity is to be directed into an AC circuit) and/or batteries (not shown) for storage of electricity produced by the solar panels  88 . 
         [0051]    In a second preferred embodiment and with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the road shelter  10  can include at least one elevated wind turbine  16 . Each wind turbine  16  includes a tower  100 , a rotor assembly  102  having projecting blades  104 , and a generator not shown). The towers  100  extend upwardly from the cover  14  and can be positioned at any position along the arch of the cover  14 . Preferably, the towers  100  are positioned near the peak of the arch to collect the accelerated air current for maximized efficiency. Although it is not required, each tower  100  can optionally be positioned in-plane with each of the major arch beams  28 ,  30  such that each tower  100  can extend from the median  22  upwards through and is coupled to the cross member truss  32  and the major arch beam  28  or the cross member truss  34  and the major arch beam  30  at their respective mid-points. The rotor assemblies  102  are coupled to the top of the towers  100  with the blades  104  extending therefrom. 
         [0052]    The blades  104  of the wind turbine  16  convert wind energy to kinetic energy as is well-known in the art. While a three-bladed horizontal wind turbine is illustrated, any suitable wind turbine may be used. The rotating kinetic energy of the blades  104  and rotor assembly  102  is then transferred to electrical energy by the generator. The electricity produced by the wind turbine  16  is then stored in batteries (not shown) for later use, connected to a power grid, used to power particular structures within the road shelter  10  itself, and so forth. 
         [0053]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  6 , and  7 , at least one vertical wind turbine  106  can optionally be provided as well. When provided, each vertical wind turbine  106  is preferably located in the median  22  of the road  20 , although they can be located along the side(s) of the road or at any other location which is determined suitable by one having ordinary skill in the art. Each vertical wind turbine  106  is preferably 10 to 15 feet tall and includes a rotor shaft  108  and blades  110  extending adjacent the length of the rotor shaft  108  and coupled thereto. The vertical wind turbines  106  can comprise any suitable type of commercially available wind turbine, including turbines known more commonly as wind spires, Savonius wind turbines, Darrieus wind turbines, or the like. 
         [0054]    Each rotor shaft  108  is rotated by the blades  110  in a counter-clockwise direction. Preferably the blades  110  are shaped and oriented so that the air exiting the vertical wind turbines  106  is in the direction of travel of the vehicles using the road  20 , thus reducing air resistance against the vehicles. As described above, accelerated air entering the vertical wind turbines  106  can be delivered by a respective duct  43 . The wind current generated by the vertical wind turbines  106  will reduce vehicle fuel consumption and vehicle emissions that are harmful to the environment. The rotor shaft  108  and the blades  110  can also be connected to a generator (not shown) for converting wind energy into electrical energy. 
         [0055]    Additionally, the vertical wind turbines  106  may further include at least one exhaust deflection wall  112 . Each of the exhaust deflection walls  112  can be located in diagonally opposite quadrants to block the air exiting the turbines  106  from being directed towards the oncoming traffic. The curvature of the exhaust deflection walls  112  is complimentary to the rotational path of the vertical wind turbines  106  and assists the vertical wind turbines  106  in directing air current in the direction the traffic is traveling. The air current generated by the vertical wind turbines  106  hitting the exhaust deflection walls  112  will be directed around the curvature in a counter-clockwise direction and in the direction of the flow of traffic on respective sides of the road  20 . 
         [0056]    In a third embodiment, an electrolytic cell  200  can optionally be provided. When provided, the electrolytic cell  200  is preferably located near the water storage tank  87  or any tank located on the platform  41 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The electrolytic cell  200  may be one alternative system powered by wind turbines  16 . Precipitation collected and routed to the water storage tank  87  from the channels  80 , the I-beam cavity  82  and the piping  83  may be delivered to the electrolytic cell  200  to undergo electrolysis. The wind turbine  16  and/or the vertical wind turbine  106  may be electrically connected to the electrolytic cell  200 , which uses the electricity in the well-known process to break down water into hydrogen gas and oxygen. Additionally, the electrolytic cell  200  may be powered by the solar panels  88  or a standard power source. 
         [0057]    The hydrogen gas resulting from the electrolysis may then be compressed by a hydrogen compressor  202  and transferred by pipe to a hydrogen storage tank (not shown) or a compressed hydrogen fuel station  204  located within the road shelter  10  for refueling vehicles. The compressed hydrogen may also be sent to offsite locations. 
         [0058]    In a fourth embodiment, the road shelter  10  can also optionally include an elevated rail transportation system  18  as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The elevated rail  18  can be located either above or below the cover  14  as desired. When the elevated rail  18  is located below the cover  14 , the elevated rail  18  includes a spanning member  300 , a rail  302 , support columns  304  and one or more railcars  306 . The spanning member  300  is located within the road shelter  10  above the road median  22  and is supported in an elevated position by the support columns  304  rising from the road median  22 . The towers  100  of the wind turbines  16  may also be used as support columns as shown or as supplemental support columns. The spanning member  300  supports one or more rails  302  and one or more railcars  306  travelling on the rail  302 . The spanning member  300  may be any desired width to accommodate multiple rails  302  and railcars  306 . 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , when the elevated rail  18  is positioned atop the cover  14 , the spanning member  300  is positioned atop the cover  14  and the rail  302  and the railcar  306  are positioned atop the spanning member  300  as usual. 
         [0060]    Optionally, the road shelter  10  can comprise an elevated platform  120  which includes an overhang  122 . It is understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the elevated platform  120  has particular utility when the elevated rail  18  is positioned atop the cover  14 . Solar panels  88  can be placed atop the overhang  122 . The overhang  122  also provides a shelter to the railcar  306 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the overhang  122  further captivates and directs the flow of accelerated air passing upwardly across the road shelter  10 . The elevated platform  120  can optionally include an elevated wind turbine  124  which is driven by the accelerated air that has been directed by the overhang  122 . The elevated platform  120  can include air gates, or valves, (not shown) to regulate the amount of air driving the elevated wind turbine  124 . 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the road shelter  10  can optionally include a screen  126  spanning at least a portion of the distance between the major arch beams  28  and  30  below the arch support members  36  and  38 . Preferably the screen  126  is connected on each of its ends to the major arch beams  28  and  30 . The screen  126  comprises a semi-permeable material allowing a minimal portion of air to pass through it, and redirecting the majority of the air upward. The screen  126  can include a plurality of holes (not shown) being sized about 1″ diameter or less. Alternatively, the screen  126  can be formed from a material comprising an array or matrix of very small openings  128 . The screen  126  allows people in vehicles passing under the road shelter  10  to view outside the road shelter  10  and to allow light onto the road  20 , yet redirects a majority of the wind current for purposes of maximizing the wind speed to fully capitalize on the wind turbines  106 . 
         [0062]    The road shelter  10  described above may be one grid section of a much larger road shelter comprised of identical grid sections connected to one another along a stretch of highway. One or more features described above may be excluded or altered in specific grid sections due to, for example, transportation demands, building requirements and geographic location. 
         [0063]    The road shelter  10  can be suitable for use with the intersection of roads as well.  FIG. 11  includes wind vectors representative of the wind direction as it approaches an intersection of roads under the road shelter  10 . As shown, the wind is funneled toward the intersection to even further accelerate the air. 
         [0064]    It is known to those having ordinary skill in the art that vertical wind turbines can be subjected to deflection about their vertical axis from high wind speeds, and this deflection causes a decrease in efficiency. Thus, it is advantageous to provide vertical wind turbines which are rotatably mounted at both the top and bottom to substantially eliminate deflection, as is provided for in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0065]    It is understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that a “horizontal” turbine is one which generally includes a rotating horizontal axis, and a “vertical” turbine is one which generally includes a rotating vertical axis. The present invention is not intended to be so limited by the disclosure of any particular turbine being either horizontal or vertical. It is intended that any suitable turbine known to one having ordinary skill in the art can be used as described generally above. 
         [0066]    It is appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that the road shelter can be connected to a power grid to allow the road shelter to provide temporary electricity to surrounding residential and commercial areas during power outages. In this respect, the road shelter can provide near-instantaneous electricity generated by the solar panels and the various wind turbines which is advantageous over many traditional power sources (e.g., coal plants, nuclear power plants, etc.) which can take days to “turn on” and ramp up to full capacity. 
         [0067]    It is also appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that the present invention described herein provides flexible and adaptive solutions. The road shelter can be modified or outfitted with various implements described above as desired. For instance, the vertical wind turbines can be omitted when the road shelter is located in close proximity to residential or commercial areas. Furthermore, the road shelter uses turbines, solar panels, and other commercially available products to allow older components to be swapped out with newer more efficient products as they become available, thereby continuously improving the efficiency of the road shelter. Therefore, the present invention provides an energy efficient invention which is optimized geographically for use in solving modern day energy problems. 
         [0068]    Furthermore, the foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will recognize from the discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.