Power generation systems and methods for wheeled objects

A power management system configured for use on a moveable object having a wheel, the power management system comprising:

• a generator operative in response to movement of the object;
• a capacitive energy storage reservoir connected to the generator;
• and
• an electronic control system configured to control power usage from the reservoir based upon a level of energy in said reservoir;
• wherein the generator, the capacitive energy storage reservoir, and the electronic control system are disposed within the wheel.

A braking system for a wheel of an object, the braking system comprising:

• a brake mechanism associated with the wheel so as to brake or release the rotation of the wheel;
• a controller associated with the brake mechanism and configured to cause the brake mechanism to brake or release wheel rotation;
• a power storage device connected to supply power to the brake mechanism in response to signals from the controller;
• and
• a generator in or on the wheel and configured to provide power to the storage device, said generator operative in response to rotation of the wheel,
• wherein the controller is configured to monitor a level of electrical energy in the power storage device.

A power generation system configured for use on a non-self-powered vehicle having a wheel, the power generation system comprising:

• a generator disposed within the wheel, the generator configured to convert rotation of the wheel into electrical energy;
• an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to the generator and configured to store a portion of the electrical energy, the storage device disposed in the non-self-powered vehicle;
• and
• a power management system electrically coupled to the generator and the storage device, the power management system configured to monitor a level of electrical energy in the storage device.

A power system in a non-self-powered object having a wheel, the power system comprising:

• means for generating electrical power from rotation of the wheel;
• means for storing electrical power;
• means for charging the storage means by using power from the generating means;
• and
• means for providing electrical power from the charging means at two or more operating voltages,
• wherein the generating means, the storing means, the charging means, and the providing means are disposed within the wheel.