Patent Description:
The present subject matter relates generally to an energy generator and storage system for vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electric energy generator and storage system using a wind-driven turbine whose operation is assisted by an air evacuation unit.

Although the internal combustion engine has been the overwhelming market leader in vehicle propulsion since the early <NUM>th-century, electric vehicles hold great promise. However, the state of the art in electric vehicles is sub-optimal.

First, electric vehicle driving range is limited. com, the <NUM> model of the Tesla Model S is advertised as "the longest electric range of any car on the road-up to <NUM> miles. " However, up to <NUM> miles is not long enough for all drivers' needs. Moreover, the range is highly dependent on driving conditions, including speed, traffic, driving style, etc. and can be much lower than the advertised range. The ability to practically extend the range of the vehicles is dependent on the network of available charging stations, which is less than complete, even in the most developed countries.

Another complication with the batteries used in electric vehicles is the time they take to recharge. In some instances, a full charge may take a few hours (e.g., typical electric sedan). In other instances, it can be an overnight process (e.g., electric bus). In order to shorten the recharge time, a charging station can provide a higher voltage recharger, but just as the higher voltages shorten recharge times, they also reduce battery life.

In addition to having a limited lifespan, the battery packs used to power electric vehicles have been large and expensive. In some instances, a single battery pack for an electric sedan may top <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. and replacement costs are often prohibitively expensive.

On top of this, the battery packs used in electric vehicles are volatile and a fire hazard. For example, collisions have been known to ignite the battery packs with the resultant fires reaching temperatures of <NUM>,<NUM> degrees.

The costs of the battery packs used in electric vehicles are not limited to those described above; in many instances, the used battery packs that are no longer useful for service become an environmental hazard. For example, many lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles contain both nickel and cobalt, which are highly toxic metals. The cost to recover and recycle out-of-service batteries is important to factor into the true cost of the vehicles themselves; otherwise a substantial environmental risk is being ignored.

The environmental impact is not limited to the disposal/recycling of batteries; the generation of the electric energy used to charge the battery also impacts the environment. While these impacts are often significantly lower than the impacts of a comparable internal combustion engine, they are not negligible and, therefore, any improvement to the cleanliness of the electric energy generation would be an improvement to the existing technology.

A example of document representing the prior art is <CIT>.

Accordingly, there is a need for an energy generator and storage system for vehicles, as described herein.

To meet the needs described above and others, the present disclosure provides an energy generator and storage system for vehicles. Specifically, the present disclosure provides a PEBI System using a wind-driven barrel impellered turbine assembly whose operation is assisted by an air evacuation blower. The system is a power evacuated, barrel impellered, pneumatic electric generating and storage system, referred to and marketed under its abbreviation the PEBI System.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present systems and methods are particularly well-adapted for long-range trips and for vehicles such as semi-tractor trailer trucks, small and large box delivery trucks, long-range commercial busses, mobile homes, etc. The systems and methods are also well-adapted for city and school busses, cargo and delivery vans, etc. As further provided herein, embodiments of the systems and methods presented herein are well-suited for standard passenger vehicles. The systems and methods are scalable; therefore, some embodiments may use a single-scale implementation, others a may use a double-scale implementation.

Typical electric vehicles work off the premise of charging the vehicle's battery packs with as much energy as the battery packs can absorb and then driving the vehicle until the battery packs are discharged. The systems and methods provided herein approach the problem from a different perspective.

Those skilled in the art will recognize the various forms in which the teachings of the present disclosure may be embodied. The examples used herein help to illustrate the breadth in the scope of the embodiments that are possible. However, for sake of clarity in this disclosure, the core descriptions used herein to describe the present systems and methods relate to an energy generator and storage system that is adapted for use above the driver's cabin in a standard tractor unit of a conventional <NUM>-wheeler semi-trailer truck, housed within the space of the air dam. As such, the energy generator and storage system may be generally shaped as a standard air dam.

The PEBI System uses an air-flow barrel impellered turbine assembly to generate electric energy. In an example, the PEBI System is mounted above the driver's cab in a standard semi-tractor truck unit. In this example, the PEBI System is designed to be housed within the standard air deflector (air dam) used on many semi-tractor units and large and small box trucks, or within a new air deflector supplied with the PEBI System. By placing the energy generator and storage system on top of the vehicle, the system is better protected from the dust and dirt kicked up in the splash zone caused by other vehicles on the road and the energy generator and storage system mainly replaces what would have been dead space on the vehicle. It is contemplated that the solutions provided herein may be incorporated into the space under an existing air deflector, may be a unit that replaces an existing air deflector, or may be installed by the vehicle manufacturer in place of a standard air deflector.

In the system, the air inlet can deliver air along a lower half of the pneumatic barrel turbine assembly at a first side of the turbine assembly and the evacuation blower can pull air along the lower half of the pneumatic barrel turbine assembly along a second side of the turbine assembly opposite to the first side of the turbine assembly. These elements in combination supply the force to rotate the barrel impeller assembly, which drives one or more generator/transmission assemblies to produce the electric power to operate the vehicle and/or store energy in one or more battery packs, to be used as an alternative power source to operate the vehicle.

In another example, the PEBI System may include: an air inlet facing a front of a vehicle through which incoming air enters when the vehicle is moving forward; a turbine assembly including a barrel impeller and one or more impeller air vanes positioned on the barrel impeller such that air flowing through the air inlet applies positive pressure to the one or more impeller air vanes to turn the barrel impeller and drive one or more generator/transmission assemblies to supply electric power to one or more batteries or to provide a direct electric power source to operate the vehicle; and an evacuation blower applying negative air pressure to a rear of the one or more impeller air vanes by evacuating incoming air through one or more air outlets not facing the front of the vehicle.

A method of generating and storing energy in a vehicle may include: providing an air inlet facing a front of the vehicle through which incoming air enters when the vehicle is moving forward; providing a turbine assembly including a barrel impeller and one or more impeller air vanes positioned such that the incoming air flowing through the air inlet applies positive pressure to a front of the one or more impeller air vanes to turn the turbine assembly and drive one or more generator/transmission assemblies to generate electric power; and providing an evacuation blower applying a negative pressure to a rear of the one or more impeller air vanes by evacuating the incoming air through one or more air outlets not facing the front of the vehicle.

A radiator may be positioned between the air inlet and the turbine assembly such that the air entering the vehicle is heated towards the temperature of the radiator before reaching the turbine assembly. Similarly, a turbine assembly housing may include a top cover panel including one or more back-pressure relief vent holes discharging into a negative air pressure environment surrounding the turbine housing assembly, the negative air pressure environment being created by the evacuation blower.

An energy source selection module in electrical connection with the generator, the one or more battery packs, a voltage regulator, and a fuse panel, wherein the energy source selection module may be provided to select an energy source to connect to the voltage regulator and fuse panel, one or more generators and the one or more battery packs being the energy sources available to be selected by the energy source selection module. The emergency generator may be, for example, a fossil fuel driven internal combustion engine. The turbine assembly may include, for example, a pneumatic barrel impeller assembly including one or more curved impeller air vanes.

In this method, a first generator may include a first transmission (e.g., generator/transmission assembly) coupled to the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly on a first side of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly along an axis about which the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly rotates and a second generator/transmission assembly coupled to the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly on a second side of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly along the axis about which the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly rotates such that the rotation of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly drives the first generator/transmission assembly and the second generator/transmission assembly simultaneously.

In the method of generating and storing energy in a vehicle, the air inlet may deliver air along a lower half of the pneumatic barrel turbine assembly at a first side of the turbine assembly and the evacuation blower may pull air along the lower half of the turbine assembly along a second side of the turbine assembly opposite to the first side of the turbine assembly.

A housing surrounds the turbine assembly including one or more top cover panels with back-pressure relief vent holes along a portion of the housing enclosing an upper half of the turbine assembly.

The evacuation blower is located in a chamber and fed air flowing through a first opening on the lower half of the turbine assembly to a second opening on the second side of the lower half of the turbine assembly and to a third opening through a ducted passage in fluid communication with the one or more back-pressure relief vent holes in the turbine assembly top cover panel. The air is then vented through the exhaust blower to one or more exhaust outlets that may face a right side of the vehicle, a left side of the vehicle, or both.

Each of the first transmission and the second transmission may include a first power transfer gear and a second power transfer gear engaged with, and balancing the load delivered to, a generator gear, wherein the first power transfer gear and the second power transfer gear are driven by an impeller ring gear.

The one or more battery packs may be assemblies of one or more recyclable, lead-acid, deep cycle, <NUM>-volt batteries. It is understood that other battery packs may be used in the systems and methods described herein. It is also contemplated that the one or more battery packs may be mounted on one or more sliding battery cradles, each of which can be slid from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the first position, the one or more battery packs are located within the vehicle and, in the second position, at least a portion of the one or more battery packs is located outside of the vehicle. This adaptation may make the battery packs easier to access for repair and/or replacement. In a preferred embodiment, there are three battery cradle positions: (<NUM>) a closed position in which the battery cradle is completely recessed into the vehicle body; (<NUM>) a first open position in which half of the battery cradle is exposed outside of the left side of the vehicle; and (<NUM>) a second open position in which half of the battery cradle is exposed outside of the right side of the vehicle. In this embodiment, at least half of the battery cradle remains inside of the vehicle at all times to maintain a balanced cantilever load.

In an example, the disclosure provides a vehicle mounted energy generator and storage system including an air inlet facing a front of the vehicle through which air enters when the vehicle is moving forward; a barrel impeller assembly including one or more barrel impeller assembly air vanes positioned such that air flowing through the air inlet applies positive pressure to a front of the one or more impeller air vanes to turn the impeller assembly and drive one or more generator/transmission assemblies to create electric power to operate the vehicle and/or send electric power to one or more battery packs; and an evacuation blower applying a negative air pressure to a rear of the one or more impeller air vanes by evacuating air through one or more exhaust outlets not facing the front of the vehicle.

In an example, the disclosure provides a vehicle mounted PEBI System including an air inlet facing a front of the vehicle through which air enters when the vehicle is moving forward; a turbine assembly (e.g., a pneumatic barrel impellered turbine assembly) including a plurality of barrel impeller air vanes positioned such that air flowing through the air inlet applies positive pressure to a front of the plurality of barrel impeller air vanes to turn the turbine assembly and to a second opening of a lower half of the turbine assembly in fluid communication with and a ducted air flow from one or more back-pressure relief vents in a turbine housing top cover panel and drive a first generator/transmission assembly located on a first side of the turbine assembly along an axis about which the barrel impeller air vanes rotate and a second generator/transmission assembly located on the second side of the turbine assembly along the axis about which the barrel impeller air vanes rotate such that the turbine assembly drives the first generator/transmission and the second generator/transmission assemblies simultaneously, wherein each of the first generator/transmission and the second generator/transmission includes a first power transfer gear and a second power transfer gear engaged with, and balancing the load delivered to, a generator gear, wherein the first power transfer gear and the second power transfer gear are driven by an impeller ring gear; a housing including one or more back-pressure relief vent holes surrounding the turbine assembly; a radiator between the air inlet and the turbine assembly such that the air entering the vehicle is heated towards the temperature of the radiator before reaching the turbine assembly; one or more recyclable, lead acid, deep cycle, marine type battery assemblies (i.e., battery packs) receiving electric energy generated by the turbine assembly mounted on one or more sliding battery pack cradles, each of which can be slid from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the first position, the one or more battery packs are located within the vehicle and, in the second position, at least a portion of the one or more battery packs is located outside of the vehicle; an energy source selection module in electrical connection with the turbine assembly, the one or more battery packs, an emergency generator that is a fossil fuel driven internal combustion engine, and a voltage regulator and a fuse panel, wherein the energy source selection module selects an energy source to connect to the voltage regulator and the fuse panel, wherein the turbine assembly, the one or more battery packs, and the emergency generator are energy sources available to be selected by the energy source selection module; and an evacuation blower applying negative pressure to the one or more turbine vanes by evacuating air through an outlet facing a right side or a left side of the vehicle, wherein the evacuation blower is located in a chamber and fed air flow through a first opening to the second side of the lower half of the pneumatic barrel turbine assembly and to a second opening to a passage in fluid communication with the one or more back-pressure relief vent holes; wherein the air inlet delivers air along a lower half of the pneumatic barrel turbine assembly at a first side of the turbine assembly, the evacuation blower pulls air along the lower half of the pneumatic barrel turbine assembly along a second side of the turbine assembly opposite to the first side of the turbine assembly.

In an example, the disclosure provides a vehicle including an PEBI System including an air inlet facing a front of the vehicle through which air enters the turbine assembly when the vehicle is moving forward; a pneumatic barrel impeller assembly including one or more integral curved impeller air vanes positioned such that air flowing through the front inlet applies positive pressure to a front of one or more impeller air vanes to turn the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly and drive a first generator/transmission assembly located of a first side of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly along an axis about which the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly rotates and a second generator/transmission assembly located on a second side of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly along a axis about which the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly rotates such that the rotation of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly drives the first generator/transmission assembly and the second generator/transmission assembly simultaneously, wherein each of the first transmission and the second transmission includes a first power transfer gear and a second power transfer gear engaged with, and balancing the load delivered to, a generator gear, wherein the first power transfer gear and the second power transfer gear are driven by an impeller ring gear; a housing assembly including a mounting base with heated water pans, end panels, stepped housings, and a top cover panel with one or more back-pressure relief vent holes surrounding the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly; a radiator between the air inlet and the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly such that the air entering the vehicle is heated towards the temperature of the radiator before reaching the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly; one or more recyclable, lead-acid, deep cycle, <NUM>-volt batteries assembled into one or more battery packs receiving energy generated by the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly, the battery packs being mounted on one or more sliding battery pack cradle assemblies, each of which can be slid from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the first position, the one or more batteries are located within the vehicle and, in the second position, at least a portion of the one or more batteries is located outside of the vehicle; an energy source selection module in electrical connection with the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly, the one or more battery packs, an emergency generator assembly that is fossil fuel driven internal combustion engine, and a voltage regulator and a fuse panel, wherein the energy source selection module selects an energy source to connect to the voltage regulator and the fuse panel, wherein the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly, the one or more battery packs, and the emergency generator assembly are energy sources available to be selected by the energy source selection module; and an evacuation blower applying negative pressure to the one or more turbine vanes by evacuating air through one or more exhaust outlets facing a right side or a left side (or both) of the vehicle, wherein the evacuation blower is located in a chamber and fed air flow through a first opening to the second side of the lower half of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly and to a second opening to a passage in fluid communication with the one or more back-pressure relief vent holes; wherein the air inlet delivers air along a lower half of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly at a first side of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly, the evacuation blower pulls air along the lower half of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly along a second side of the turbine assembly opposite to the first side of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly.

An advantage of the present system is that, unlike many electric vehicles, the systems and methods taught herein are well-adapted for long-range travel. For example, it is an excellent system to use with semi-trailer trucks. It is also well-adapted for use with small and large box delivery trucks, long-range commercial busses, and mobile homes. It may also be well-suited for use with city and school busses, cargo vans, delivery vans, etc. The PEBI System is also scalable and may be modified for use on automobile vehicles, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art based on the teachings herein.

Another advantage of the present system is the use of recyclable battery packs may help to reduce the impact on the environment.

Another advantage of the present system is the number of battery packs used may be scaled to accommodate vehicles with greater demand for power.

Another advantage of the present system is the battery packs may be easily accessible for service being located on one or more rolling cradles.

Another advantage of the present system is that the battery packs present no greater a fire hazard than typical vehicle batteries and each battery in the battery pack may be individually replaced as needed.

Another advantage of the present system is that it is self-charging and does not require system of charging stations, thus further reducing CO2 emissions.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations.

The present disclosure provides an electric energy generator and storage system using a wind-driven turbine whose operation is assisted by an air evacuation unit. The system is a power evacuated, barrel impellered, pneumatic electric generating and storage system, referred to by its abbreviation the PEBI System.

As shown in <FIG>, the energy generator and storage system <NUM> can be included in an add-on unit that replaces the air deflector that would accompany a standard tractor unit. Air can flow through a front air inlet <NUM> facing the front of the tractor unit (i.e., the air inlet facing a front of the vehicle through which air enters when the vehicle is moving forward). The front air inlet <NUM> can include a debris screen to filter the incoming air or dust and debris and to protect the internal components of the energy generator and storage system <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the energy generator and storage system <NUM> (i.e., the PEBI System <NUM>), other than the battery pack cradle and battery packs, may be located inside a hinged cover <NUM> (e.g., air dam <NUM>) that, in addition to the front air inlet <NUM>, includes a light bar <NUM> and screened side exhaust openings <NUM>, adjacent and venting the space surrounding the evacuation blower <NUM> and emergency generator assembly <NUM>, each of which is described in further detail below. The hinged cover <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, is used to provide easier access to the components for cleaning, service, and repair.

<FIG> shows the radiator <NUM> through which air from the front inlet <NUM> passes through to maintain a constant warm temperature for the air passing through the system <NUM>. The radiator <NUM> can help maintain a constant warm temperature for the air passing through the system <NUM>. This is particularly helpful in the winter in cold-weather climates to reduce the threat of freezing within the system. The hot water or electric supply to the radiator <NUM> can protect the impeller <NUM> that is located just past the radiator <NUM> from ice, which could cause an imbalance or a complete freeze of the system <NUM>. In warmer weather, a thermostat will shut off the hot water supply to the radiator <NUM> and the inflowing air will remain the same temperature as the surrounding ambient air. <FIG> further illustrates the position of the turbine assembly <NUM>, generator/transmission assembly <NUM>, evacuation blower <NUM>, and emergency generator assembly <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the system includes a turbine assembly <NUM> including multiple impeller air vanes <NUM> positioned such that air flowing through the air inlet <NUM> applies positive pressure to the front of one or more impeller air vanes <NUM> to turn the barrel impeller assembly <NUM> and drive one or more generator/transmission assemblies <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the barrel impeller air vanes <NUM> are an integrally formed part of the barrel impeller <NUM>.

In an example, a barrel impeller <NUM> can be positioned in sequence with the radiator <NUM>. The barrel impeller <NUM> can be part of a turbine assembly <NUM>, in which the barrel impeller <NUM> drives one or more generator/transmission assemblies <NUM>. In an example, a single barrel impeller <NUM> drives a pair of generator/transmission assemblies <NUM> located on either side of the barrel impeller <NUM>. The barrel impeller <NUM> can be a radial impeller that includes a plurality of air vanes <NUM> located along its outer circumference. The size, shape, and quantity of the impeller air vanes <NUM> is variable and can be tuned to match specific desired performance characteristics and environmental considerations. For example, the vanes <NUM> may be curved to help reduce the back-pressure exerted on the vanes <NUM> during the rotation of the impeller <NUM>. In other embodiments, the impeller air vanes <NUM> may not be curved. As a further example, the impeller <NUM> may be a four-foot long barrel impeller, which is equivalent to the air vane air capture rate of an eight-foot diameter wind mill.

In one example, the turbine assembly <NUM> includes a turbine housing <NUM> including a mounting base with heated water pans and drainage system <NUM>, a pair of right and left end panels, a top cover panel with a series of back-pressure relief vent holes <NUM>, and a pair of right and left stepped transmission housing panels, all encasing the turbine assembly <NUM>. A pair of left and right end caps <NUM> may be bolted to the turbine assembly <NUM> to create a sealed impeller chamber, all as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The turbine housing <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include, for example, a series of back-pressure relief vent holes <NUM> located along later stages of the rotation of the impeller <NUM>. For example, the last <NUM> degrees of the <NUM> degrees of rotation may include back-pressure relief vent holes <NUM> which help to minimize the back-pressure that would build up and slow the rotation of the impeller <NUM>. These back-pressure relief vent holes <NUM> improve the efficiency of the turbine assembly <NUM>. The back-pressure relief vent holes <NUM> may be any number, orientation, shape, configuration, etc. as desired to accomplish the purpose of improving the efficiency of the rotation of the turbine assembly <NUM>.

As the incoming air passes through the turbine assembly <NUM> and is captured by the barrel impeller air vanes <NUM> causing the impeller assembly <NUM> to rotate and drive the generator/transmission assemblies <NUM>, the air flows through to an evacuation blower <NUM>, which discharges the air flow through one or more screened side air outlets <NUM>. The evacuation blower <NUM> creates a negative pressure in the downstream side of the turbine assembly <NUM> by evacuating air through one or more screened outlets <NUM> not facing the front of the vehicle. In the examples of the system in which the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly <NUM> includes back-pressure relief vent holes <NUM>, the air can flow to the evacuation blower <NUM> directly from the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly <NUM>, as well as through the back-pressure relief vent holes <NUM>. There may be, for example, a single screened side air outlet <NUM> on each of the left side and right side (or both) of the PEBI System <NUM>. In other examples, there may be multiple outlets <NUM> on each side of the vehicle. Side air outlets <NUM> are provided to vent the air flowing through the turbine assembly <NUM> and then evacuated by the blower <NUM>, with separate screened outlets for the emergency generator assembly exhaust. The side air outlets <NUM> are employed because they reduce the likelihood of infiltration by snow or rain as compared to an outlet <NUM> located along the top surface of the system <NUM>. The turbine housing mounting base may also include heated water pans and a drainage system <NUM> designed to remove any moisture from rain or snow that does manage to infiltrate the PEBI System <NUM>.

The evacuation blower <NUM> creates a vacuum, or low-pressure area, within the turbine housing <NUM>, which helps to increase air flow through the turbine assembly <NUM> by pulling air through the front air inlet <NUM> and also pulling air through the turbine housing top panel back-pressure relief vent holes <NUM> (to reduce drag on the impeller), which increases air flow through the entire turbine assembly <NUM> and over the front of the impeller air vanes <NUM> while creating a negative pressure on the rear of the impeller air vanes, creating more power to rotate the impeller <NUM> and drive the generator/transmission assemblies <NUM> at the designed rpms to create the electric power to operate the vehicle and charge the battery packs as the blower exhausts the air through screened side vents <NUM>.

The PEBI System <NUM> may also include an emergency generator assembly <NUM> located, for example, behind the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly <NUM> and above the evacuation blower <NUM>. The emergency generator assembly <NUM> may be an internal combustion engine run off fossil fuels. Alternatively, the emergency generator assembly <NUM> may be any form of generator appropriate for use as a backup in the event of the main system failure. It is contemplated that the emergency generator assembly <NUM> can be designed to maintain the battery charge (in emergency situations where the turbine generators are not functioning) adequate to operate the vehicle under battery power long enough to reach a repair station or place of shelter to wait for repairs. Accordingly, the emergency generator assembly <NUM> may take any form of power generator capable of supplying the requisite power to the vehicle under temporary and emergency conditions.

As shown in <FIG>, the generator/transmission assembly <NUM> can include a first generator <NUM> having a first transmission <NUM> and a second generator <NUM> having a second transmission <NUM>. For example, the system may include a first transmission <NUM> coupling the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly <NUM> to a first generator <NUM> located on a first side of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly <NUM> along an axis about which the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly <NUM> rotates. The system may also include a second transmission <NUM> coupling the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly <NUM> to a second generator <NUM> located on a second side of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly <NUM> along the axis about which the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly <NUM> rotates. The rotation of the pneumatic barrel impeller assembly <NUM> can drive the first generator <NUM> and the second generator <NUM> simultaneously. Based on the disclosure provided herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the generator/transmission assembly <NUM> may be a single unit or include any number of associated generator/transmission assemblies <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a frontal section through a first transmission <NUM> showing a gear arrangement. <FIG> is a side view section through the first transmission <NUM> and first generator <NUM>. The second transmission <NUM> is identical to the first transmission <NUM> and, therefore, not independently shown. Each of the first transmission <NUM> and the second transmission <NUM> may include a first power transfer gear <NUM> and an optional second power transfer gear <NUM> engaged with, and balancing the load delivered to, a generator gear <NUM>. As shown, the first power transfer gear <NUM> and the second power transfer gear <NUM> may be driven by an impeller ring gear <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first transmission <NUM> and first generator <NUM> operate in coordination with elements including the impeller end cap <NUM>, an oil seal <NUM>, sealed bearings <NUM>, a bearing lock screw <NUM>, a stepped housing <NUM>, an impeller ring gear bolt and washer <NUM>, an oil fill tube <NUM>, and an oil drain tube <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a locking assembly <NUM>, which is used when two PEBI Systems <NUM> are used in tandem for high horse power engines. The locking assembly <NUM>, which includes adjustable nuts <NUM> and set screws <NUM>, is designed to fit between the two PEBI systems <NUM> and may be used to lock the first generator shaft <NUM> of the first PEBI system <NUM> to the second generator shaft <NUM> of the second PEBI system <NUM> to assure both PEBI systems <NUM> rotate in unison.

As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> may include an energy source selection module <NUM> to route energy within the vehicle. The energy source selection module <NUM> shown in <FIG> is in electrical connection with the turbine assembly <NUM>, the one or more battery packs <NUM>, an emergency generator assembly <NUM>, and a voltage regulator <NUM> and fuse panel <NUM>. The energy source selection module <NUM> selects an energy source to connect to the voltage regulator <NUM> and fuse panel <NUM>, wherein the generator/transmission assembly <NUM>, the one or more battery packs <NUM>, and the emergency generator assembly <NUM> are energy sources available to be selected by the energy source selection module <NUM>. The voltage regulator <NUM> distributes power to the fuse panel <NUM>, which distributes electricity to the necessary components within the vehicle.

As shown in <FIG>, the power generated by the system <NUM> is stored in one or more battery packs <NUM>. The battery packs <NUM> can use recyclable, lead acid deep cycle marine batteries. For example, the system may use <NUM>-minute reserve capacity at <NUM>-amp draw (or better) batteries. Since the batteries are recyclable, their threat to the environment is minimized. The batteries may be joined in ten-unit or twenty-unit battery packs <NUM>. For example, a small horsepower engine (e.g., <NUM> hp or less) may use two ten-unit battery packs <NUM>, and a large horsepower engine (e.g., over <NUM> hp) may require two twenty-unit battery packs <NUM>. A high horse power engine may also require two PEBI Systems <NUM> in a tandem configuration. The battery packs <NUM> may be designed to be carried on battery cradles <NUM> to enable complete battery access for service. If a single battery in a pack <NUM> needs to be replaced, it can be replaced without having to replace the entire battery pack <NUM>. The number of batteries used in each battery pack <NUM> is variable, based on the electrical requirements of the motor being used. It may be noted that, although the battery packs <NUM> depicted are composed of <NUM>-volt batteries, the batteries are wired in series and, therefore, produce much higher voltage (240v, 360v, 480v, etc.) depending on how many batteries are assembled into each battery pack <NUM>.

When the vehicle is in motion, the PEBI System <NUM> can both produce electric power to operate the vehicle and charge the battery packs <NUM>. For example, in the primary embodiments contemplated, at posted speed limits of <NUM> mph or more, the PEBI system <NUM> can produce adequate power to operate the vehicle motor and all other electric systems and recharge the pattery packs <NUM>. Between <NUM> and <NUM> mph, the PEBI system <NUM> can produce adequate power to recharge and maintain battery charge while vehicle is operating on battery power only. The generator/transmission assembly <NUM> is driven by the impeller <NUM> through fixed ratio geared transmissions <NUM> and <NUM> to increase the rpm of the generators <NUM> and <NUM> at low vehicle speeds to produce the electric power required for the system <NUM>. In one contemplated embodiment, at low speeds (e.g., below <NUM> mph), the system <NUM> charges the pattery packs <NUM> with the power generated. At low speeds, the motor and all of the electric systems are operational and driven by battery power. In this embodiment, at higher speeds (e.g., above <NUM> mph), the system <NUM> generates power to charge the pattery packs <NUM>, drive the vehicle motor, and power the vehicle's electric systems. In some examples, at over <NUM> mph, the system <NUM> switches the vehicle motor to direct drive from the generators and disconnects the pattery packs <NUM> from the motor, while continuing to recharge the pattery packs <NUM> from the turbine assembly <NUM>. Once the pattery packs <NUM> are fully charged, they may be disconnected from the impeller <NUM> until the vehicle has slowed to a speed at which battery power is required for continued operation of the electric motor and systems.

In the system, the generator/transmission assembly <NUM> can charge one or more battery packs <NUM> composed of assemblies of recyclable, lead-acid, deep cycle, marine type, <NUM>-volt batteries. The battery packs <NUM> are mounted on one or more sliding battery pack cradles <NUM>, each of which can be slid from a first position to a second position via one or more rollers <NUM> in a roller channel <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In the first position, the one or more battery packs <NUM> are located within the vehicle. In the second position, at least a portion of the one or more battery packs <NUM> is located outside of the vehicle to make it easier to service, or replace, the one or more battery packs <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In an example, the battery cradles <NUM> can include a battery cradle bottom plate <NUM> to support the pattery packs <NUM>. The pattery packs <NUM> can be removed or serviced by sliding out the battery cradle assembly <NUM> on its rollers <NUM> far enough to service the pattery packs <NUM>. The battery cradle assembly <NUM> can be locked in the closed position by the battery cradle locking bar <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the pattery packs <NUM> may be located under a battery cover <NUM>.

In an example, when the vehicle is stopped, the motor and systems other than the lights, HVAC, steering and brakes, can be shut down (e.g. manually and/or automatically shut down), thereby reducing the total electric draw to less than <NUM> amps. The contemplated battery packs can support a <NUM> amp draw for several days without charging.

As noted above, the PEBI system <NUM> may be retrofit onto existing vehicles or be a PEBI System <NUM> provided and installed by the vehicle manufacturer as original equipment. Some examples of the energy generator and storage system <NUM> are designed to be a modular, plug-in component system, with the main components of the system being designed and manufactured to be easily disconnected, removed, and replaced, with new plug-in components. A modular design helps to eliminate the need for highly skilled mechanics to do repairs in the field, which reduces down time (i.e., inoperable time) for the vehicles. The status of the individual system components can be monitored from within the cabin such that an operator can easily identify the performance or malfunction of each component.

Claim 1:
A vehicle mounted energy generator and storage system (<NUM>) comprising:
an air inlet (<NUM>) facing a front of the vehicle through which incoming air enters when the vehicle is moving forward;
a turbine assembly (<NUM>) including a barrel impeller (<NUM>) and one or more air vanes (<NUM>) positioned on the barrel impeller (<NUM>) such that the incoming air flowing through the air inlet (<NUM>) applies positive pressure to a front of the one or more air vanes (<NUM>) to turn the barrel impeller (<NUM>) and to drive one or more generator/transmission assemblies (<NUM>) to supply electric power to one or more battery packs (<NUM>) or to provide a direct electric power source to operate the vehicle; and
an evacuation blower (<NUM>) applying negative air pressure to a rear of the one or more air vanes (<NUM>) by evacuating incoming air through one or more air outlets (<NUM>) not facing the front of the vehicle,
further including a housing (<NUM>) surrounding the turbine assembly (<NUM>); wherein the housing (<NUM>) includes one or more back-pressure relief vent holes (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the evacuation blower (<NUM>) is located in a chamber and fed air flow through a first opening to a passage creating a low-pressure environment on the second side of the turbine assembly (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the one or more back-pressure relief vent holes (<NUM>), creating a negative pressure environment on the second side of the turbine assembly (<NUM>) and surrounding the upper half of the turbine assembly (<NUM>).