Fluid turbine systems for harnessing light radiant energy, thermal energy and kinetic energy in vehicles and methods of operating thereof

A vehicle having a battery for storing electrical energy, the vehicle comprising:

• a body portion having a roof, a trunk with a top surface, and a hood;
• at least one upper fluid tube, at least a portion of the at least one upper fluid tube positioned at a first height and proximal to at least one of the roof, the top surface of the trunk, or the hood, the at least one upper fluid tube containing a fluid configured to expand in response to receiving thermal energy or light radiant energy;
• at least one lower fluid tube coupled with the body portion of the vehicle and fluidly coupled with the at least one upper tube, at least a portion of the at least one lower fluid tube positioned at a second height that is less than the first height;
• at least one fluid turbine coupled with the at least one upper fluid tube or the at least one lower fluid tube, the at least one fluid turbine having blades configured to be rotated by the fluid;
• and
• a generator coupled with the at least one fluid turbine for converting kinetic energy from the rotation of the blades of the at least one fluid turbine to electrical energy stored in the battery.

A vehicle having a battery for storing electrical energy, the vehicle comprising:

• a body portion having a roof, a trunk with a top surface, a hood and an underbody panel;
• at least one upper fluid tube containing a fluid configured to expand in response to receiving thermal energy or solar radiant energy, at least a portion of the at least one upper fluid tube positioned proximal to at least one of the roof, the top surface of the trunk, or the hood;
• at least one lower fluid tube coupled with the body portion of the vehicle and fluidly coupled with the at least one upper fluid tube, at least a portion of the at least one lower fluid tube positioned proximal to the underbody panel;
• at least one lower valve or pump for controlling a flow of the fluid in the at least one lower fluid tube;
• at least one upper-lower valve or pump for controlling a flow of the fluid between the at least one upper fluid tube and the at least one lower fluid tube;
• at least one fluid turbine coupled with the at least one upper fluid tube or the at least one lower fluid tube, and having blades configured to be rotated by the fluid;
• a generator coupled with the at least one fluid turbine for converting kinetic energy from the rotation of the blades of the at least one fluid turbine to electrical energy stored in the battery;
• and
• an electronic control unit configured to control, using the at least one lower fluid valve or pump and the at least one upper-lower valve or pump, the flow of the fluid in the at least one lower fluid tube and the flow of the fluid between the at least one upper fluid tube and the at least one lower fluid tube to enhance generation of electrical energy stored in the battery.