Hydraulic roadbed electricity generating apparatus and method
A roadbed generator provides a roadbed collector positioned within a roadbed. The roadbed collector engages passing vehicles collecting kinetic energy therefrom, which is converted to electrical energy that is collected and passed to a load for use. In one embodiment a roadbed collector is a piston positioned below a hinged surface plate that forms part of the roadbed. Passing vehicles drive the plate and piston down into a cylinder containing hydraulic fluid, driving the hydraulic fluid from the cylinder to a hydraulic generator. A return spring coupled to the surface plate force the plate back into an elevated position after a vehicle has passed on. In some embodiments an expansion tank interposed between the cylinder and generator forces fluid back into the cylinder causing the piston to move upwardly in preparation for engaging another vehicle.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for generating electricity and, more specifically, to apparatus and methods for generating electricity using hydraulic generators.
2. Background of the Invention
The United States has over 2.4 million miles of paved roads traveled daily by millions of automobiles. Typical automobiles weigh over two tons and therefore contain large amounts of kinetic energy as they move at high speed down the highway. At the same time many auxiliary systems associated with the roadways require electrical energy to operate. For example, many lighting systems are involved, such as street lights, semaphores, warning lights, construction lights, and the like. Other auxiliary systems are services that are provided specifically to motorists, such as emergency telephones, rest areas, weigh stations, and customs inspection stations at State and international borders.
The nation's roads extend into many remote areas. In the western United States, even highly traveled roads have long stretches extending through undeveloped areas. In such regions, it is costly and difficult to provide electrical power to provide lighting and services that may be necessary or expected. Regardless of the location of lighting systems or services, it is impossible to directly charge those who benefit therefrom. The cost of providing power to lighting systems and services must be born by the government and paid for by the public at large.
In view of the foregoing, it would be an advancement in the art to provide a system for collecting kinetic energy from passing vehicles and convert such energy to electrical energy for use in powering auxiliary roadway systems or even the power grid of a city.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention comprises a roadbed generator for generating electricity from the kinetic energy of vehicles on a roadway. A roadbed generator provides a roadbed collector positioned within a roadbed. The roadbed collector typically mechanically collects kinetic energy from passing vehicles and transfers the kinetic energy to a generator. The generator converts the kinetic energy to electrical energy, which is then collected and passed to a load, such as a lighting system, emergency radio, or a power grid.
In one embodiment, the roadbed collector is a piston positioned below a hinged surface plate that directly engages passing vehicles. The surface plate typically forms part of the surface of the roadbed and the hinged edge is typically maintained flush with the surface of the roadbed. A cylinder receives a portion of the piston, such that as passing vehicles drive the plate and piston down, hydraulic fluid is driven from the cylinder and through a hydraulic generator, thereby creating electricity. The electricity is then collected and passed to a load.
In some embodiments, a return spring coupled to the surface plate forces the surface plate upward after a vehicle has passed on in preparation for engaging another vehicle. In other embodiments, an expansion tank having a spring-loaded diaphragm collects hydraulic fluid and forces the fluid back into the cylinder after a vehicle passes. Thus, the piston 60 is forced upwardly to a position suitable for engaging another vehicle. In still other embodiments, both an expansion tank and a return spring are used to recover the surface plate and piston.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSPreferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings.
Referring to
A cylinder 70 receiving the piston 60 contains hydraulic fluid, or like fluid. As the piston 60 is depressed into the cylinder, hydraulic fluid may be driven from the cylinder 70 through hydraulic lines 80 to a generator 90. The generator 90 may derive electrical energy from the forced movement of the hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic lines 80 may then carry the hydraulic fluid back to the cylinder 70 for another iteration of the process. A return spring 100 may couple the surface plate 40 to the roadbed 20 and restore the free end of the surface plate 40 to a position elevated above the roadbed 20 ready to be depressed by another passing vehicle. Alternatively, the spring 100 may secure to the piston 60, forcing the piston 60 upward, which will in turn force the surface plate 40 upward to its original position.
Referring to
Referring to
In practice, a vehicle may quickly drive over the surface plate 40 whereas the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid makes forcing the fluid through the generator 90 a much slower process. Accordingly, positioning the expansion tank 220 between the cylinder 70 and generator 90 enables the fluid to quickly flow into the expansion tank 220 from the cylinder 70 in response to a passing vehicle. The diaphragm 230 and spring 240 may then force the fluid through the hydraulic generator 90 and back into the cylinder 70. In some embodiments, the spring 240 and diaphragm forcing fluid into the cylinder 70 may also serve to recover the piston 60 and surface plate 40, such that a return spring 100 is not needed.
In some embodiments, a reservoir 400 may be interposed between the check valve 250 and the hydraulic generator 90. The piston 60 may draw fluid from the reservoir 260 whereas the hydraulic generator 90 expels fluid into the reservoir 400. The Piston 60 is typically in fluid communication with the lower portion of the reservoir 400 such that hydraulic fluid, rather than air will be drawn into the cylinder 70.
Referring to
Referring to
The method 350 may also include converting 370 mechanical to electrical energy. Various conversion means are contemplated by the invention. For example, the surface plate 40 may be mechanically coupled to permanent magnets such that depression of the surface plate 40 causes the magnets to move through wire coils and thereby generate electricity.
The method 350 may include collecting 380 electrical energy. The energy may be collected in a battery, high capacity capacitor, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, collecting 380 electrical energy involves collecting energy from multiple roadbed collectors 30, which are not all simultaneously active. Accordingly, collecting 380 electrical energy may include blending the output of the various roadbed collectors 30 to provide a substantially constant voltage output.
The method 350 may include passing 390 electricity to a load, such as lighting systems or an electrical power grid. Passing 390 may take place substantially simultaneously with generation of the electricity or may be deferred. For example, the collecting step 380 may include storing the energy to be retrieved when it is needed. For example, a roadbed collector 30 may be coupled to an emergency radio or phone that is only occasionally used.
Referring to
Referring to
In some embodiments of the invention, a lip 501 may be formed on or secured to the free end of the surface plate 40. The lip 501 may serve to prevent tire damage to those driving over the free end of the surface plate 40 first, rather than the fixed end. The lip 501 may be planar or arcuate having a radius of curvature approximating the distance between the fixed end of the surface plate 40 and the free end.
Referring to
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely to the claims that follow.
Claims
1. A generator for a roadbed having a driving surface comprising:
- a surface element at least partially moveable relative to the roadbed;
- a mechanical collector positioned below the driving surface and being actutated by the surface element; and
- a generator coupled to the mechanical collector to convert mechanical movement of the mechanical collector into electrical energy.
2. The generator of claim 1, wherein the generator is electrically coupled to a power grid.
3. The generator of claim 1, wherein the generator is electrically coupled to an auxiliary roadway system.
4. The generator of claim 1, wherein the surface element comprises a plate having a fixed end pivotally secured to the roadbed.
5. The generator of claim 4, wherein the plate comprises a free end having a lip extending downwardly therefrom.
6. The generator of claim 4, wherein the mechanical collector comprises a piston and cylinder, the piston being slidably positioned within the cylinder and engaging the plate to be actuated thereby, the generator comprising a hydraulic generator in fluid communication with the cylinder.
7. The generator of claim 6, wherein a first channel connects the cylinder to an inlet of the hydraulic generator, an expansion tank being connected to the first channel.
8. The generator of claim 7, further comprising a reservoir in fluid communication with an outlet of the hydraulic generator.
9. The generator of claim 8, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with the cylinder having a first check valve interposed therebetween permitting outward flow from the reservoir.
10. The generator of claim 9, further comprising a second check valve interposed between the cylinder and the expansion tank permitting outward flow from the cylinder.
11. The generator of claim 1, wherein the surface element comprises a domed structure having an uppermost portion thereof positionable above the roadbed.
12. The generator of claim 10, wherein the mechanical collector comprises a piston and cylinder, the piston being slidably positioned within the cylinder and engaging the domed structure to be actuated thereby, the generator comprising a hydraulic generator in fluid communication with the cylinder.
13. A generator for a roadbed, comprising:
- a surface element hingedly secured to the roadbed;
- a piston engaging the surface element to be actuated thereby;
- a cylinder receiving a portion of the piston, the piston being slidable within the cylinder; and
- a hydraulic generator in fluid communication with the cylinder.
14. The generator of claim 13, wherein a first channel connects the cylinder to an inlet of the generator, an expansion tank being connected to the first channel.
15. The generator of claim 14, further comprising a reservoir in fluid communication with an outlet of the generator.
16. The generator of claim 15, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with the cylinder having a check valve interposed therebetween permitting outward flow from the reservoir.
17. The generator of claim 16, further comprising a check valve interposed between the cylinder and the expansion tank permitting outward flow from the cylinder.
18. A method for collecting electricity from travel over a roadbed, the method comprising:
- providing a roadbed collector positioned within the roadbed;
- providing a generator coupled to the roadbed collector to receive kinetic energy therefrom and convert the kinetic energy to electrical energy;
- passing a vehicle over the roadbed collector, the roadbed collector directly engaging a portion of the vehicle; and
- actuating the generator to generate electrical energy.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising supplying the electrical energy to a power grid.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising, supplying the electrical energy to an auxiliary roadway system.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 21, 2005
Publication Date: Jan 25, 2007
Inventor: Sarah Adair (Seattle, WA)
Application Number: 11/186,297
International Classification: E01C 7/00 (20060101);