Power generating unit on semi-trailer for energy recovery and storage
OwnerRoger Harrisoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to a power generating unit secured beneath a semi-trailer on an over-the-road vehicle. The power generating unit is selectively positionable from a raised position to a lowered position wherein a generating wheel is in contact with the road surface for recovering brake torque potential energy during select operational states of the vehicle. A storage battery is carried on the vehicle trailer and in electrical communication with the generator to store such excess electrical energy. Periodically, the electrical energy is made available for discharging to a stationary storage battery for sale and distribution into the power grid as supplemental energy or alternately to provide a temporary power substation.
Claims18
A power generating unit for an over-the-road vehicle comprising:
- a support capable of being secured beneath a semi-trailer;
- a power generator carried by said support and having a generator wheel rotatably coupled to said power generator;
- an actuator operable to selectively activate said power generator for converting rotational motion of said generator wheel to electrical energy, said actuator including a clutch mechanism selectively coupling said generator wheel and said power generator, and operable in an engaged state to uncouple said generator wheel and said power generator and a disengaged state to couple said generator wheel and said power generator;
- and
- a storage battery electrically coupled to said power generator for storing said electrical energy.
A power generating unit for an over-the-road vehicle comprising:
- a support capable of being secured beneath a semi-trailer;
- a power generator carried by said support and having a generator wheel rotatably coupled to said power generator;
- an actuator operable to selectively activate said power generator for converting rotational motion of said generator wheel to electrical energy;
- a storage battery electrically coupled to said power generator for storing said electrical energy;
- and
- a controller generating a control signal in response to an operational state and transmitting said control signal to said actuator for positioning said power generator in one of said retracted position and said extended position.
An over-the-road vehicle comprising:
- a tractor and semi-trailer combination;
- a support beneath said semi-trailer;
- a power generator carried by said support and having a generator wheel rotatably coupled to said power generator;
- an actuator operable to selectively activate said power generator for converting rotational motion of said generator wheel to electrical energy, said actuator including a clutch mechanism selectively coupling said generator wheel and said power generator operable in an engaged state to uncouple said generator wheel and said power generator and a disengaged state to couple said generator wheel and said power generator;
- and
- a storage battery carried in said semi-trailer and electrically coupled to said power generator for storing said electrical energy.
An over-the-road vehicle comprising:
- a tractor and semi-trailer combination;
- a support beneath said semi-trailer;
- a power generator carried by said support and having a generator wheel rotatably coupled to said power generator;
- an actuator operable to selectively activate said power generator for converting rotational motion of said generator wheel to electrical energy;
- a storage battery carried in said semi-trailer and electrically coupled to said power generator for storing said electrical energy;
- and
- a controller generating a control signal in response to an operational state and transmitting said control signal to said actuator for positioning said power generator in one of said retracted position and said extended position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.