Patent Abstract:
A method for generating power from a moving vehicle is provided. The method comprising: positioning at least one device for converting an airflow from a passing vehicle into power near a path of the moving vehicle; and generating power from the at least one device at least partially from the airflow.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for generating power from vehicles, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for generating power from wakes caused by passing vehicles. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Automobiles and other vehicles are responsible for a majority of the energy used in the modern day. What is needed in the art is a way to recoup some of the energy used to propel and operate automobiles and other vehicles. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for generating power from vehicles. 
   Accordingly, a method for generating power from a moving vehicle is provided. The method comprising: positioning at least one device for converting an airflow from a passing vehicle into power near a path of the moving vehicle; and generating power from the at least one device at least partially from the airflow. 
   The method can further comprise supplying the generated power to a power grid. The method can further comprise supplying the generated power to a power-consuming device. The method can further comprise supplying the generated power to an energy storage device. 
   The at least one device can comprise a plurality of devices and the positioning comprises disposing the plurality of devices along the path in a direction of travel of the moving vehicle. 
   The positioning can comprise disposing the at least one device in or on a roadway divider. In which case, the roadway divider can separate the path from another path. 
   The positioning can comprise disposing the at least one device in or on a roadway. The positioning can comprise disposing the at least one device in or on a surface of an underpass. The surface can be a side surface of an interior of the underpass. The surface can also be a top surface of an interior of the underpass. 
   The at least one device can comprise an electric generator and the generating can comprise spinning the generator with the airflow. The at least one device can comprise a piezo generator and the generating can comprise vibrating the piezo generator with the airflow. 
   The method can further comprise: determining a characteristic of the passing vehicle; and changing the positioning of the at least one device based on the characteristic. The characteristic can be an airflow field generated from the passing vehicle. The characteristic can be at least one of a detected shape, size, and speed of the passing vehicle. 
   Also provided is an apparatus for generating power from a moving vehicle. The apparatus comprising: at least one device for converting airflow from a passing vehicle into power; and means for supplying the power to one of a power grid, energy storage device, and power-consuming device. 
   The at least one device can comprise an electric generator. The at least one device can comprise a piezo generator. 
   The apparatus can further comprise a body for containing the at least one device. The body can comprise a mounting means for mounting the body to another object. The mounting means can comprise a flange having one or more fastener holes. The mounting means can comprise a stand. 
   The apparatus can further comprise: means for determining a characteristic of the passing vehicle; and means for changing a position of the at least one device based on the characteristic. The characteristic can be an airflow field generated from the passing vehicle and the means for determining a characteristic of the passing vehicle comprises one or more sensors for detecting the airflow field. In which case the means for changing the position of the at least one device based on the characteristic can comprise one or more actuators operatively connected to the at least one device for changing the position of the at least one device based on the detected airflow field. The characteristic can be at least one of a detected shape, size, and speed of the passing vehicle and the means for determining a characteristic of the passing vehicle comprises a computer vision system having at least one camera for detecting at least one of the detected shape, size, and speed of the passing vehicle and calculating an expected airflow field therefrom. In which case the means for changing the position of the at least one device based on the characteristic comprises one or more actuators operatively connected to the at least one device for changing the position of the at least one device based on the calculated expected airflow field. 
   Still further provided is a roadway divider for generating power from a moving vehicle. The roadway divider comprising: a body; at least one device for converting an air flow from a passing vehicle into power supported by the body; and power transmission means for supplying the power to one of a power grid, energy storage device, and power-consuming device. 
   The at least one device can comprises a plurality of devices connected in series. 
   The roadway divider can further comprise an electrical connector for connecting a power output from the roadway divider to another roadway divider. The body can further have a mechanical connector for mating the body of the roadway divider to a body of the other roadway divider, wherein the electrical connector operatively connects with another electrical connector of the other roadway divider upon mating of the mechanical connector to the body of the other roadway divider. 
   The at least one device can be integrally formed in the body. The at least one device can be fastened to a surface of the body. 
   The at least one device can be an electrical generator, the electrical generator having a fan rotatably connected to a shaft of the electrical generator, wherein the air flow spins the shaft to produce the power. The electrical generator can have an input in communication with the air flow for directing the airflow to the fan. The electrical generator can have a second input in communication with an air flow from another moving vehicle, each of the air flows combining to spin the shaft to generate power. 
   The at least one device can be a piezo generator, the piezo generator having a piezo member wherein the airflow vibrates the piezo member to produce the power. 
   Still further provided is an apparatus for generating power from airflow generated by a moving vehicle. The apparatus comprising: means for converting the airflow to power; and means for supplying the power to one of a power grid, energy storage device and power-consuming device. 
   Still yet further provided is an apparatus for producing power from airflow generated by a moving vehicle. The apparatus comprising: at least one device for converting the air flow to power; and one or more electrical conductors for supplying the power to one of a power grid, energy storage device and power-consuming device. 
   The apparatus can further comprise electrical conditioning means for converting the power to correspond to an input requirement of the one of the power grid, energy storage device and power-consuming device. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus and methods of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a plan view of a moving vehicle and a roadway divider having apparatus of the present invention for generating power from the moving vehicle. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a device of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a sectional view of the device of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate sectional views of the device of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of a moving vehicle and a roadway divider, roadway, and tunnel, each having apparatus of the present invention for generating power from the moving vehicle. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention for generating power from a moving vehicle. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate sectional views of a roadway divider having an apparatus of the present invention for generating power from a moving vehicle. 
       FIGS. 7C and 7D  illustrate side and front views of a roadway divider having an apparatus of the present invention for generating power from a moving vehicle. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate sectional top and front views of a roadway divider having an apparatus of the present invention for generating power from a moving vehicle. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a sectional view of a roadway divider having another embodiment of an apparatus for generating power from a moving vehicle. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a moving vehicle as it passes apparatus of the present invention for generating power from the moving vehicle in which the apparatus is capable of changing its positioning. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates several of the apparatus of  FIG. 10  in which a characteristic of the moving vehicle is detected downstream of the several apparatus. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Although this invention is applicable to numerous and various types of vehicles, it has been found particularly useful in the environment of automobiles and trucks driven on roadways. Therefore, without limiting the applicability of the invention to automobiles and trucks driven on roadways, the invention will be described in such environment. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is also applicable to other vehicles, such as railed vehicles, boats, and aircraft. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated an apparatus for generating power from a moving vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus being generally referred to by reference numeral  100 . The apparatus  100  comprises at least one device  102  for converting airflow from a passing vehicle  104  into power. The apparatus also comprising means for supplying the power to one of a power grid, energy storage device, or power-consuming device, the means being shown schematically by element  106 . As discussed below, the device  102  can be an electric generator or piezo generator or any other device now known or later developed that can convert the airflow from the passing vehicle  104  into power. Such devices  102  preferably produce a direct current (DC) output. The means  106  for supplying the generated power is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art of power generation, power storage, and/or power transmission for devices having a DC output. Although the devices  102  preferably have a DC output, they may also have an alternating current (AC) output without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. The means  106  is assumed to have any necessary (if any) electrical conditioning means for converting the power to correspond to an input requirement of the power grid, energy storage device or power-consuming device. The energy storage device may simply be a battery, plurality of batteries, a capacitor or an ultra-capacitor. The power-consuming device may be roadway lights or a roadway emergency phone. 
   As also shown in  FIG. 1 , a plurality of the devices  102  are preferably provided along a path of the passing vehicle  104 . The plurality of devices  102  may be provided on a roadway divider  108  and the roadway dividers  108  may be coupled together along the path of the moving vehicle  104 , such as between lanes of a highway or between oncoming and outgoing traffic on a highway. The roadway dividers  108  can be conventional concrete traffic dividers having the devices  102  integrated therein, as discussed below. The roadway dividers  108  may be not only physically coupled but also electrically coupled such that the output of the devices  102  from each divider is output to a common electrical line  110  that feeds into the means  106 . The individual devices  102  from each divider  108  may each supply their generated power to the common electrical line  110  or the generated power from each of the devices may first be combined for a subgroup of the devices  102  (such as for the divider  108 ) that is then fed to the common electrical line  110 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the device  102  is illustrated therein apart from the divider  108 . The apparatus has a body  200  for containing the device  102 . The body  200  can have a mounting means for mounting the body to another object, such as the divider  108 . The mounting means can comprise a flange  202  having one or more fastener holes  204 . As discussed below with reference to  FIG. 6 , the mounting means can also comprise a stand for supporting the device  102 . Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the body further has a covering  205  for covering the internal components of the device  102  and for defining an interior of the body  200 . The covering can have an input for deflecting the airflow into an interior of the body  200 . The portion for deflecting the airflow can comprise an out-turned portion  206  for catching a portion of the airflow and directing it into the interior of the body  200 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the same illustrates the body without the covering  205  to expose an interior  300  of the body  200 . The interior holds an electrical generator  302  mounted to the body  200  by way of a flange  304  and fasteners  306 . Operation of electrical generators  302  is well known in the art and generally comprise electrical windings  308  (as shown in  FIG. 4B ), the relative rotation thereof produces an electrical current. The electrical generator  302  has a rotatable shaft  310  attached to one of the electrical windings  308 . The interior  300  also houses a fan, such as a squirrel cage  312 , which is attached to the shaft  310 . The squirrel cage  312  may also have a shaft  314  (or the shaft  310  of the electrical generator  302  may extend through the squirrel cage  312 ) which is rotatably fixed in the covering  202  of the body, such as by way of a bearing  316  disposed in the covering  202 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4A , a sectional view of the body  200  and squirrel cage  312  is shown. The squirrel cage  312  has individual blades  318  disposed around the shaft  310  (or  314 ). The body  200  is mounted to the divider  108  by means of the flange  202 . The flange  202  can be flush with a back surface  205   a  of the covering  205  such that the body  200  is mounted to a surface of the divider  108  by appropriate fasteners. Alternatively, the flange  202  can be provided offset from the back surface  205   a  as is shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  and the divider  108  can be provided with a cavity  700  (see  FIG. 7A ) corresponding to each body  200  to be mounted thereon such that the flange  202  may still be mounted on a surface of the divider  108  with a portion of the body  200  being accommodated in the cavity. Alternatively, the device  100  can be integrally formed in the roadway divider  108  such as is shown in  FIG. 7B . 
   Once mounted, the airflow from a passing vehicle is captured by the out-turned portion  206  and is directed to the blades  318  which cause a rotation of the squirrel cage  312  and the electrical generator  302  connected thereto. Consequently, the electrical generator  302  produces an electrical power that is output via appropriate wiring  320 . The wiring  320  can be integrally formed in the divider  108  or run within a conduit  322  that can be attached to a surface of the divider  108 . The roadway divider  108  can further comprise an electrical connector for connecting a power output from the roadway divider  108  to another roadway divider  108 . The electrical connectors may simply be mating conductive plates  108   a,    108   b  at abutting ends of the dividers  108 . The electrical connector (not shown) can be a mechanical connector which mates one roadway divider  108  to another roadway divider  108  upon mating (abutting) of the mechanical connector to the other roadway divider  108 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the devices  102  can also be disposed on other surfaces proximate to the passing vehicle, such as on vertical sections  500  of an overpass (tunnel)  502 , horizontal sections  504  of the overpass  502  and even on the roadway surface  506  itself. No matter where disposed, the devices  102  are preferably operatively connected with the means  106  for supplying the power to one of a power grid, energy storage device, and power-consuming device. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates devices  102  as discussed above which are mounted proximate the path of the passing vehicle mounted to a roadway  506  by way of stands  600 . The stands  600  may have mounting flanges  602  for attachment to the roadway  506  by way of fasteners  604 . The stands  600  may also have a portion embedded beneath the roadway for securing the stands therein. The output wires from each of the devices  102  preferably run within a conduit  606  formed in the stand and attach to other wires or a common line  110  under or on top of the roadway. Similarly to that discussed above with regard to the roadway dividers  108 , the stands  600  may have a mechanical electrical connector (not shown) which mates with another connector on the roadway  506 . As shown in  FIGS. 7C and 7D , the devices  102  can also be mounted to other surface, such as to surfaces of a roadway divider  108  by way of stands  702 . The stands  702  may have a flange  704  similar to that described with regard to  FIG. 6 , or may have a portion  706  embedded within the roadway divider  108 . As shown in  FIGS. 7B and 7C , the devices  102  may be angled with respect to the roadway to optimize the efficiency at which they convert the airflow from the passing vehicles to electrical power. The articulation may be varied and locked in place by use of one or more articulating joints  708 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b,  there is illustrated another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in which the device  800  has first and second inputs  802 ,  804  in communication with an air flow from first and second moving vehicles  104   a,    104   b,  respectively. The device  800  of  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  are similar in configuration to that described above with regard to  FIGS. 2–4   b  where like features are referred to with like reference numerals. However, in the device of  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b,  each of the airflows directed into the first and second inputs  802 ,  804  combine to spin the squirrel cage  312  and shaft  310  connected thereto to generate power from the electrical generator  302 . Such a device  800  can be used on a roadway divider  108  where moving vehicles move in opposite directions on each side of the divider  108 . In this way, one or both of the moving vehicles can be used generate power with the device  800 . During a morning commute when traffic is present on one side of the divider  108  and traffic is moving freely on the other side, the device can still operate to generate power. Vice versa, during an evening commute when the traffic situation is reversed, the devices can still generate power from the side in which the traffic moves freely. As discussed above, the device  800  can be mounted to the divider in a number of ways or on other surfaces proximate the roadway and may even be mounted by way of a stand on the roadway itself or to the divider  108 . Furthermore, as discussed above, a plurality of the devices  800  can be used, each of which supplies power to a common line and to a means for supplying the power to one of a power grid, energy storage device, and power-consuming device. The inputs  802 ,  804 , as with any of the inlets discussed above, may be covered with an appropriate covering, such as a screen mesh (not shown) to prevent debris from entering the device and damaging and/or clogging the squirrel cage or otherwise hampering the operation of the device. The device can also have seals for preventing moisture from entering the electrical generator, if such electrical generator is susceptible to moisture. Such sealing techniques are well known in the art. Because the squirrel cage and related components are open to the atmosphere, care should be taken to minimize the effect of the atmosphere, such as from moisture, for example by utilizing materials and/or coatings to protect the same. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a sectional view of a roadway divider  108  having another embodiment of a device for generating power from a passing vehicle  104  where the device utilizes a piezo generator  900 . The piezo generator  900  has a vibrating member  902  made from any material that will vibrate or oscillate when subjected to airflow from the passing vehicle  104 . The oscillation of the vibrating member  902  may be amplified due to its shape, such as being long, thin and/or slender and having a cup-shaped portion  904  at an end thereof for catching the airflow. The vibrating member  902  has piezo electric material  904  attached thereto, such as at each of two sides of the vibrating member  902 . The piezo electric materials  904  are electrically connected to the means  106  for supplying the power to one of a power grid, energy storage device, and power-consuming device. The piezo electric material  904  generates an electric current when subjected to vibration. Piezo electric materials as well as their operation are well known in the art. Thus, as the vibrating member  902  vibrates due to the airflow of the passing vehicle  104 , the piezo materials  904  attached thereto produce power which is output to the means  106  for supplying the power to one of a power grid, energy storage device, and power-consuming device. As discussed earlier with devices  102 ,  800 , a plurality of the piezo generators  900  can be provided and can be mounted in or on the roadway divider, or other surfaces proximate the roadway or free standing by way of mounting stands or the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the piezo generator has no moving parts and is not generally affected by moisture and other atmospheric conditions. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is shown an apparatus  1000  for generating power from a passing vehicle  104 . The apparatus  1000  has one or more devices  102  ( 800 ) similar to those described with regard to  FIGS. 2–4   b  or  9 , preferable the apparatus  1000  has at least two such devices  102  ( 800 ). The apparatus  1000  can be mounted to a divider  108  or other surface proximate the roadway  506  as discussed above or, as shown in  FIG. 10 , mounted directly to the roadway  506 . The devices  102  ( 800 ) will be referred to by numerals  102   a,    102   b,  and  102   c  for the remainder of the description, however, such designations are not meant to limit the devices therein to those shown in  FIGS. 2–4   b.  The devices of apparatus  1000  can also be those described above with regard to  FIG. 9  or any other such devices now know or later developed capable of generating power from a passing vehicle. Device  102   a  is mounted to the roadway  506  in such a way so as to be movable at least in the direction of arrow A, such as on a slide  1002  as is known in the art. Device  102   b  is attached to device  102   a  by way of a movable joint  1004 , such as a ball joint or a rotating joint that permits movement in at least the direction of arrow B. Similarly, device  102   c  is attached to device  102   b  by way of a movable joint  1006 , such as a ball joint or a rotating joint that permits movement in at least the direction of arrow C. The individual devices  102   a – 102   c  of the apparatus  1000  can then be moved to most efficiently generate power from the passing vehicle  104  based on a size and/or shape and/or speed of the passing vehicle  104 . Such slide  1002  and joints  1004 ,  1006  can be lockable into a desired position manually or automatically under the control of an actuator as is well known in the art. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a plurality of the apparatus  1000  of  FIG. 10  are shown along a path of the passing vehicle  104 . The apparatus  1000  of  FIG. 11  further has a means for determining a characteristic of the passing vehicle  104  and means for changing a position of the devices  102   a – 102   c  based on the characteristic. The characteristic can be an airflow field generated from the passing vehicle  104  where the means for determining a characteristic of the passing vehicle  104  can be one or more sensors  1100  for detecting the airflow field. The sensors  1100  are preferably arranged for determining the airflow at a plurality of positions to thus determine the airflow field. The detection of the airflow field is preferably done just downstream of the passing vehicle  104 . The means for changing the position of the devices  102   a – 102   c  based on the characteristic can comprise one or more actuators operatively connected to the slide  1002  and/or joints  1004 ,  1006  for changing the position of the devices  102   a – 102   c  based on the detected airflow field. Thus, the configuration of the individual devices  102   a – 102   c  of the apparatus  1000  can be tailored to the actual passing vehicle to maximize the power generated therefrom. The sensors  1100  may also detect the speed of the passing vehicle  104  which may be used solely or in combination with the airflow sensors to determine the positioning of the devices  102   a – 102   c.  A processor  1102  analyzes the data from the sensors  1100 , determines the positioning of the devices  102   a – 102   c  and drives the actuators for the slide  1002  and joints  1004 ,  1006  accordingly. 
   The characteristic can also be a detected shape, size, and/or speed of the passing vehicle  104  where the means for determining the characteristic of the passing vehicle  104  can be a computer vision system, shown schematically as a camera  1102  for detecting the shape and/or size/and/or speed of the passing vehicle  104  and calculating an expected airflow field therefrom. In which case the means for changing the position of the devices  102   a – 102   c  based on the characteristic can be actuators operatively connected to the slide  1002  and/or joints  1004 ,  1006  for changing the position of the devices  102   a – 102   c  based on the calculated expected airflow field. A processor  1102  analyzes the data from the computer vision system, determines the positioning of the devices  102   a – 102   c  and drives the actuators for the slide  1002  and joints  1004 ,  1006  accordingly. 
   Although three devices  102   a – 102   c  are shown in apparatus  1000 , more or less can be provided without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, although the apparatus  1000  (and  100 ) are shown on one side of the passing vehicle, they can also be disposed on both sides (as well as above and below) of the passing vehicle  104 . 
   Although the various embodiments of the apparatus and devices disclosed herein are illustrated in groups of several, they may be disposed along relatively long paths of the passing vehicles, such as several miles or longer to generate appreciate amounts of power. They may also be used in smaller groups for generating power for a special purpose, such as lighting a light post or powering an emergency phone. The squirrel cages and electrical generators shown herein are assumed to be capable of efficiently operating for the particular type of vehicle and/or speed of vehicle at the particular location. For example, smaller squirrel cages and generators may be used for slower and/or passenger traffic while larger squirrel cages and generators may be used for faster highway and/or commercial traffic. Other generators may be used for a range of vehicle types and speeds. Furthermore, although squirrel cage types of fans are preferred, other types can be used without limiting the scope or spirit of the present invention. 
   It is important to note that the apparatus and methods of the present invention do not generate power from the moving vehicles at the expense of the moving vehicle. The moving vehicle is not slowed down due to the apparatus and methods disclosed herein. In fact, the apparatus and methods of the present invention may actually add to the efficiency of the moving vehicles by improving the airflow around the moving vehicle. 
   While there has been shown and described what is considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention, it will, of course, be understood that various modifications and changes in form or detail could readily be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not limited to the exact forms described and illustrated, but should be constructed to cover all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7