US20180097136A1 - Multiple layer solar energy harvesting composition and method, solar energy harvesting buckyball, inductive coupling device; vehicle chassis; atmospheric intake hydrogen motor; electrical energy generating tire; and mechanical energy harvesting device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a multiple layer composition and method for deposition of a solar energy harvesting strip onto a driving surface that will allow electric cars to charge by an inductive coupling. The multiple layer composition includes at least one magnetic material for generating a magnetic field, wherein at least one of the multiple layers comprises the magnetic material. Further, the a multiple layer composition includes at least one solar energy harvesting material for converting at least one of thermal and photonic energy into electrical energy, wherein at least one of the multiple layers comprises the at least one solar energy harvesting material and wherein the at least one solar energy harvesting material is located within a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic material. An alternative multiple layer composition includes a thermal energy harvesting material for converting thermal energy into electrical energy, wherein at least one layer comprises the thermal energy harvesting material, and a photonic energy harvesting material for converting photonic energy into electrical energy, wherein at least one layer comprises the thermal energy harvesting material. Additionally provided is a solar energy harvesting buckyball, inductive coupling device, vehicle chassis for storing electrical energy, atmospheric intake hydrogen motor, electrical energy generating tire and mechanical energy harvesting device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Provisional Patent Application No. 60/705,484, filed Aug. 5, 2005, Provisional Patent Application No. 60/810,162, filed Jun. 2, 2006, and is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of patent application Ser. No. 11/498,759, filed Aug. 4, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention
• The present invention relates to the generation of electrical energy from solar energy for applications such as powering electric vehicles by inductive coupling. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multiple layer solar energy harvesting composition and method used to form a solar energy harvesting strip along a road surface that allows passing electric vehicles to be powered by an inductive coupling thereto. Further, the present invention relates to a solar energy harvesting buckyball. Still further, the present invention relates to an inductive coupling device. Even further, the present invention relates to a vehicle chassis for storing electrical energy. Additionally, the present invention relates to an atmospheric intake hydrogen motor. Also, the present invention relates to an electrical energy generating tire. Further, the present invention relates to a mechanical energy harvesting device.
Description of the Related Art
• As expanding energy use and environmental concerns have become of greater importance, interest has grown in available energy sources that are alternatives to fossil fuels, hydroelectric power and nuclear power. In today's alternate energy market, there are a number of different alternative energy systems being used. There are solar cells, known in the industry as photovoltaic cells, wind turbines which generate electricity using electrical generators driven by blades that catch the wind, solar furnaces which generate electricity using electrical generators driven by steam that is produced by catching and magnifying heat from the sun, hydrogen fuel cells which derive hydrogen from gasoline or methane, straight hydrogen motors for vehicles which burn hydrogen that is stored thereon, and electric cars which rely on batteries to power them. All of these technologies have significant hurdles to overcome.
• A significant problem with solar cell technology is that large areas of land are needed to establish solar fields with a high enough yield to be practical. Solar cells have been improved over the years to be more effective at converting sunlight into electricity, but even the best solar cells are only about 20% efficient at conversion. Further, solar cells have limited wave length efficiency and on cloudy or rainy days, there is little or no generation of electricity. This means that in order to compete with other methods of electrical generation, large numbers of solar arrays must be directed at the sun during the daylight hours. It is very expensive to build these arrays and they require extensive amounts of land.
• Like solar energy, wind fields are constructed to take advantage of a natural process to generate electricity. The disadvantages of wind generation are the amount of land required, costs of construction, and inconsistent nature of wind. These disadvantages all add up to, as with solar cell technology, relying on natural processes that are undependable.
• Solar furnaces also rely on the sun to fuel them. At night and on cloudy days they become ineffective. Thus the generation of electricity during a rainstorm becomes substantially impossible. As with solar energy and wind fields, solar furnaces are inefficient because they only generate energy for a part of a day.
• Much has been written about the conversion of vehicles to burn hydrogen or other natural gases to help curb the use of oil. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are now being constructed by every major car manufacturer. Hydrogen's major drawbacks are production and storage. In a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle the range is only about 90 miles at best. Hydrogen fuel cells require hydrogen which when produced generates greenhouse gases. Additionally, storing hydrogen for consumption on a vehicle is complicated due to the nature of hydrogen in its gaseous state. Thus, liquefying hydrogen creates the problem of putting cold storage tanks in vehicles which would vastly increase the cost of the vehicle. Also, a cold storage tank would occupy a significant amount of space within a vehicle so as to store enough hydrogen to get near the number of miles per tank the average car gets now.
• Electric vehicles which rely solely on batteries to power them suffer from problems such as limited range, and this has forced most auto producers to abandon the purely electric car as an alternative to the internal combustion engine. Even when electric vehicles are coupled with solar cell technology, most solar cells are inefficient because of a number of limiting factors, including wave refraction and reflection, weather problems, and so forth, and therefore fall short of delivering enough energy. Hybrid cars combine an internal combustion engine with a generator, electric motors and batteries. However, such cars still produce greenhouse gases, and other harmful pollutants.
• In addition to the growing interest in alternative energy sources, interest is growing in an energy economy of increased efficiency. In a conventional energy economy, an open loop consumption process is practiced. In the open loop energy consumption process energy is purchased as it is utilized from a centralized energy system. However, the open loop system is inefficient as the energy consumer never generates and adds energy to the system. On the other hand, in a closed loop consumption process, the inefficiencies of the open loop system can be avoided by having the consumer generate and add energy to the energy system. By way of example, in the context of vehicles, if 20 million of the 100 million vehicles in the U.S. operated to supplement one hour of electricity to the centralized energy system, that would total 20 million hours a day of usable electricity.
• Accordingly, a need exists for an improved means to generate energy where the generated energy could be used for a vehicle. Additionally, a need exists for a system that allows for a practical closed loop energy consumption process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• An aspect of the invention is to provide a multiple layer solar energy harvesting composition and method used to form a solar energy harvesting strip on a road surface that allows passing electric vehicles to be powered by an inductive coupling thereto. Solar energy includes at least thermal and/or photonic energy.
• Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a solar energy harvesting buckyball for use in a solar energy harvesting strip and an electric vehicle for use with the solar energy harvesting strip.
• A further aspect is to provide a method for harvesting solar energy comprising depositing a plurality of layers onto a surface area that is incident to solar energy, wherein at least one of the plurality of layers comprises at least one solar energy harvesting material and at least one of the plurality of layers comprises at least one magnetic material. Further, the method comprises converting at least one of thermal and photonic energy into electrical energy by the at least one solar energy harvesting material, wherein the at least one solar energy harvesting material is located within a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic material.
• A still further exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a multiple layer solar energy harvesting composition for deposition onto a surface area that is incident to solar energy, comprising at least one magnetic material for generating a magnetic field, wherein at least one of the multiple layers comprises the magnetic material. Further, the composition comprises at least one solar energy harvesting material for converting at least one of thermal and photonic energy into electrical energy, wherein at least one of the multiple layers comprises the at least one solar energy harvesting material and wherein the at least one solar energy harvesting material is located within a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic material.
• A yet further exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for harvesting solar energy, comprising depositing a plurality of layers onto a surface area that is incident to solar energy, wherein at least one of the plurality of layers comprises thermal energy harvesting material and at least one of the plurality of layers comprises a photonic energy harvesting material. Further, the method comprises converting thermal and photonic energy into electrical energy by the thermal and photonic energy harvesting materials, respectively.
• An additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a multilayer solar energy harvesting composition for deposition onto a surface area that is incident to solar energy, comprising a thermal energy harvesting material for converting thermal energy into electrical energy, wherein at least one layer comprises the thermal energy harvesting material. Further, the composition comprises a photonic energy harvesting material for converting photonic energy into electrical energy, wherein at least one layer comprises the thermal energy harvesting material.
• Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a carbon buckyball for harvesting solar energy, comprising a thermal energy harvesting material on at least a portion of the exterior of the buckyball for converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Further, the buckyball comprises a photonic energy harvesting material on at least a portion of the exterior of the buckyball for converting photonic energy into electrical energy.
• Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an inductive coupling device for a vehicle, said vehicle being at least partially powered by electrical energy, the inductive coupling device comprises a spherical inductive coupler for inducing current in a magnetic field.
• A further exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle chassis for storing electrical energy for use in a vehicle that is at least partially powered by electrical energy, the vehicle chassis comprises a first conductor; a second conductor; and a material for energy storage disposed between the first and second conductors, wherein the chassis supports a body of the vehicle.
• An additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an atmospheric intake hydrogen motor that obtains hydrogen fuel from condensed atmospheric water vapor, the atmospheric intake hydrogen motor comprises an atmospheric intake for intaking air; at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of the intaken air; a condensation bladder for condensing water from the air; and a cooling and/or heating device for cooling or heating the condensation bladder according to the sensed at least one characteristic of the intaken air, wherein the cooling and/or heating device cools or heats the condensation bladder to condensate the water from the air.
• Yet an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electrical energy generating tire for a vehicle, the electrical energy generating tire comprises a first reinforcement strip formed circumferentially on the tire, the first reinforcement strip comprising a conductive material and forming as a positive conductor; a second reinforcement strip formed circumferentially on the tire, formed circumferentially on the tire, the second reinforcement strip comprising the conductor material and forming as a negative conductor; a annular strip comprised of piezo ceramic material and/or thermal harvesting material that is disposed between the first and second reinforcement strip; and at least one sidewall conductor coupled to at least one of the first and second reinforcement strips.
• Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a mechanical energy harvesting device for converting mechanical motion into electrical current for use in a vehicle, the mechanical energy harvesting device comprises an electrical winding; a magnetic travel rod surrounded by the winding and moveable relative to the winding; wherein electrical current is induced when the magnetic travel rod moves relative to the winding
• Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The above and other objects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 illustrates a solar energy harvesting strip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of the solar energy harvesting strip in elemental form;
• FIG. 3A illustrates a detailed view of the bonding layer and magnetic layer;
• FIG. 3B illustrates a detailed view of the bonding layer and magnetic layer in an exemplary embodiment where the bonding layer and magnetic layer are used to convey information;
• FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate cross sectional views of alternative embodiments for the conductive layer;
• FIGS. 4D-4F illustrate perspective views of the alternative embodiments for the conductive layer illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4C;
• FIG. 5A depicts a cross sectional view of the first exemplary embodiment of the solar energy harvesting strip;
• FIG. 5B depicts the magnetic field of the first exemplary embodiment of the solar energy harvesting strip from a top view;
• FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of the first exemplary embodiment of the solar energy harvesting strip including the effects of soft iron deposits on the magnetic field;
• FIG. 7 illustrates the magnetic fields for each of the layers of the first exemplary embodiment of the solar energy harvesting strip;
• FIG. 8 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the solar energy harvesting strip in elemental form;
• FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of a buckyball for use with the second exemplary embodiment of the solar energy harvesting strip;
• FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of a second exemplary embodiment of a buckyball for use with the second exemplary embodiment of the solar energy harvesting strip;
• FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed view of the second exemplary embodiment of the buckyball illustrated inFIG. 10;
• FIG. 12 illustrates an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 13 illustrates a conventional induction coupling device;
• FIG. 14 illustrates an induction coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 15 illustrates an induction coupling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 16 illustrates conductions lines on the body panels of the electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 17 illustrates the body panels and chassis of the electric vehicle in elemental form according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an atmospheric intake hydrogen motor in elemental form.
• FIG. 19 illustrates a shock absorber for converting linear mechanical motion into electrical energy according an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 20 illustrates an electrical energy generating tire according an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• Throughout the drawings, the same drawing reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
• The matters defined in the description such as a detailed construction and elements are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the invention and are merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
• Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include apparatuses, systems and methods for harvesting solar energy. Solar energy includes both thermal and photonic energy. Preferably, a multiple layer solar energy harvesting composition is embodied as a strip provided on a driving surface that allows electric vehicles to inductively receive energy as they traverse the driving surface.FIG. 1 illustrates a solar energy harvesting strip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 1, a solarenergy harvesting strip110 between about 1″ to about 24″ wide is provided at the center of drivingsurface120. The position at the center of the drivingsurface120 is presented as an example only, and the solarenergy harvesting strip110 could be positioned at any suitable position on the drivingsurface120. Further, the width of about 1″ to about 24″ is merely exemplary, and in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention the width can be varied as required by the application or location. Additionally, while solarenergy harvesting strip110 is shown inFIG. 1 as being provided on the drivingsurface120, the solar energy harvesting composition could be provided on any other permanent surface and could be embodied in any form, as required by the application or location. For example, the solar energy harvesting composition could be applied to roadways, barrier walls, lampposts, rooftops, curbs, and so forth and be formed according to the surface it is applied on.
• According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of application for the solarenergy harvesting strip110, described in greater detail below, comprises the steps of spraying multiple coats in rapid succession onto the drivingsurface120. However any number of methods of deposition, such as hand application, film deposition, and so forth, can be used for any one or all of the constituent components of the solar energy harvesting composition.
• The above solarenergy harvesting strip110, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, merges solar harvesting and linear magnetic generation technologies. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, photonic harvesting materials could be used for the conversion of photonic energy into electrical energy. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, thermal harvesting materials could be used to convert thermal energy into electrical energy. The solar energy harvesting composition may comprise only one or both of the photonic and thermal harvesting materials. When using both photonic and thermal energy to generate electricity, embodiments of the present invention are up to 50% more efficient than conventional solar cells. Conventional solar cells become less efficient as they heat up, whereas embodiments of the present invention using both photonic and thermal energy become more efficient.
• In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a solarenergy harvesting strip110 comprises a linear magnetic field generator for generating electrical flow. A linear magnetic field generator requires great distances in order to create a magnetic field capable of generating any appreciable current. Such distances could be achieved by the placement of the solarenergy harvesting strip110 on a length of drivingsurface120 so as to produce a linear magnetic field generator. In this case, since the magnetic fields could be created over long distances, very little current would be needed from the solar harvesting materials. Even weak current flow creates magnetic fields of sufficient strength. Further, since magnetic fields are unaffected by ice, snow, dirt and so forth, keeping the surface clean and well maintained is of less importance. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention a vehicle passes over the solarenergy harvesting strip110 to power the vehicle. The vehicle receives power by having an inductive coupling device affixed thereto that passes through the magnetic field thereby producing electrical flow.
First Exemplary Embodiment of the Solar Energy Harvesting Strip
• A first exemplary embodiment of the solarenergy harvesting strip110 in elemental form is illustrated in detail inFIG. 2. The solarenergy harvesting strip110 comprises a multiple layer solar energy harvesting composition comprised of abonding layer210,magnetic layer220, athermal harvesting layer230, aconductive layer240, aphotonic harvesting layer250, and asealing layer260. These components are shown and arranged as one example, and in other embodiments of the present invention, components can be combined, added, removed and/or rearranged as required by the application or location. Further, all of the layers may be formed having the same width or the layers may be formed such that each layer positioned on top of another layer is narrower than the layer beneath it. Still further, the edged of any of the layers may be squared, rounded, or tapered. InFIG. 2, the energy harvesting composition is embodied as a strip, but may be formed in any configuration as required by the application or location.
• In operation, thethermal harvesting layer230 and/orphotonic harvesting layer250 convert thermal and/or photonic energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy migrates across and/or between the layers of the energy harvesting composition. In one embodiment, the electrical energy migrates along conductive traces on any of the layers and/or conductive ladders between any of the layers. In another embodiment, electrical energy flows through and between the layers of the energy harvesting composition without any conductive traces or ladders.
• When aconductive layer240 is included, the electrical energy migrates to theconductive layer240 under the influence of a magnetic field generated by themagnetic layer220 and/orbonding layer210.Conductive layer240 stores the electrical energy and generates an electric field which augments the magnetic field. Further,conductive layer240 may be attached to an electrical energy consumption, transmission and/or storage device. When the energy harvesting composition is embodied as a strip andconductive layer240 is attached to an electrical energy consumption, transmission and/or storage device, one or more attachments may occur along the strip.
• When aconductive layer240 is not included, electrical flow occurs within and/or between the layers and generates an electric field which augments the magnetic field. With or withoutconductive layer240, the augmented magnetic field couples the energy harvested by thethermal harvesting layer230 and/orphotonic harvesting layer250 to an electric vehicle and/or other remote devices. In another embodiment, the electrical energy is used to energize inductive coils that are used to couple the energy harvested by thethermal harvesting layer230 and/orphotonic harvesting layer250 to an electric vehicle and/or other remote devices. A better understanding of the first exemplary embodiment of the solarenergy harvesting strip110 will be achieved through the following detailed discussion.
• Bonding layer210 is preferably comprised of a rubber or asphalt type adhesive and functions as a bonding agent between a surface on which the solar energy harvesting strip is applied and a subsequent layer. Further, thebonding layer210 may additionally function to fill any cracks and/or fissures in the surface it is applied to, such as drivingsurface120. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,bonding layer210 comprises a soft ferromagnetic material suspended in a rubberized material. When bondinglayer210 comprises the soft ferromagnetic material, thebonding layer210 additionally functions to generate a magnetic field that becomes magnetized bymagnetic layer220. Further,bonding layer210 may function to electrically insulate the other layers from the surface it is applied to. Exemplary soft ferromagnetic materials include iron, soft iron, steel and magnetite. However, any magnetic material may be used.
• Magnetic layer220 is comprised of a permanent magnetic material. Themagnetic layer220 has a magnetic field that is perpendicular to the field in place, such as the field generated by thebonding layer210 when thebonding layer210 includes a soft ferromagnetic material.Magnetic layer220 functions to generate a magnetic field, which will be described in greater detail below. The permanent magnetic material ofmagnetic layer220 may be a permanent hard ferromagnetic material. Exemplary hard ferromagnetic materials include strontium ferrite, strontium ferrite powder, strontium ferrite powder in a polymer base, steel, iron, nickel, cobalt, suspensions of magnetite, soft iron in epoxy, iron nickel alloy, ceramic, alnico, and rare earth magnetic materials. However, any permanent magnetic material may be used.
• Thermal harvesting layer230 is comprised of a thermal electric and/or thermionic material. Thethermal harvesting layer230 converts thermal energy into electrical energy. It is not necessary for the thermal energy to originate as solar energy.Thermal harvesting layer230 may be combined with one or both of thebonding layer210 andmagnetic layer220. Exemplary thermal electric and/or thermionic materials include strontium and barium strontium titanates. Barium strontium titanates is a material that when heated causes electrical current to flow. Beside the above exemplary thermal electric and/or thermionic materials, any thermal electric and/or thermionic materials may be used.
• Conductive layer240 is comprised of at least two conductors separated by a dielectric or insulative material. The conductors collect the electrical energy from thethermal harvesting layer230 and thephotonic harvesting layer250. When used with a dielectric, the conductors form a parallel plate discharge capacitor. One of the conductors functions as a positively charged plate whereas the other functions as a negatively charged plate. Preferably, ifthermal harvesting layer230 is comprised of a thermionic material and is positioned adjacent toconductive layer240, the conductor closest to thethermal harvesting layer230 may function as the positively charged plate. Exemplary materials for the conductors include aluminum oxide, aluminum dioxide, indium tin oxide, indium tin oxide laced with graphite, any conducting metal, and thin film mono pole plastics such as a polyamide. Additionally, the conductor may be comprised of carbon modified epoxies or silicate modified crynoacrylates, which have been developed to cope with strength and durability issues. The conductors may be comprised of the same material or may each be comprised of different materials. Exemplary dielectric materials include graphite, carbon and activated carbon. Further, it is preferred thatconductive layer240 is attached to an electrical energy consumption, transmission and/or storage device so as to be part of a complete circuit. Examples of which includes street lights, power grids and batteries, respectively. Attachments to theconductive layer240 for the purpose of drawing energy from it may occur at one or more positions. Further, one of the plates of the conductors may be coupled to earth ground.
• Photonic harvesting layer250 is comprised of a photonic harvesting material and converts photonic energy into electrical energy. The photonic harvesting material may be a photovoltaic material that comprises solid state junction diodes which comprise an NPN type diode of purified silicon, doped with impurities such as germanium. However, other impurities may be used as a dopant in addition to or instead of germanium. In addition, the photonic harvesting material may be MgZn oxides that are dye sensitized, dirty silicates, polymer films laced with nanocrystals, and organic based films such as phenylene. Moreover, the photonic harvesting material may comprise a film deposition of the phototonic harvesting material on a plastic that supports monopole charges. In such an arrangement the film can then be bonded to theconductive layer240. In yet another example, the photonic harvesting material may be comprised of conventional type solar cells that are bonded to theconductive layer240 and which have an N layer of silicon applied by spray or film deposition. Alternatively, the photonic harvesting material may be a composition that makes use of dye sensitized zinc oxide enriched with magnesium. This composition pushes the useable wavelength to 800 nanometers, thereby allowing energy to be harvested from the infrared spectrum. Furthermore,photonic harvesting layer250 may comprise a fractal lens structure or include clear N layers to allow for the transmission of photons through the substrate to be used again on a second NPN type diode and so forth.
• Sealing layer260 is comprised of a sealing material. Exemplary sealing materials include PFTEE which is a member of the Teflon family. However, certain epoxies modified by silicates or carbon may be used as well. Additionally, a combination of cynoacrylates and silicates may be used as well.
• The layers described above with reference toFIG. 2 are merely one exemplary arrangement. In other embodiments of the present invention, components can be combined, added, removed and/or rearranged as required by the application or location. For instance, the use of strontium as a magnetic as well as thermal electrical material may eliminate the need for the application of a separate thermal harvesting layer. In other words, by using a material that functions as both a magnetic as well as thermal electrical material, the structures and/or functions of two or more of thebonding layer210,magnetic layer220 and athermal harvesting layer230 may be combined. Additionally, it is not necessary for thethermal harvesting layer230 to be located between themagnetic layer220 and thethermal harvesting layer230, as thethermal harvesting layer230 may be located at any point in the layered structure of the solar energy harvesting composition which forms the solarenergy harvesting strip110. Furthermore, the structure and/or function of one or more of thebonding layer210,magnetic layer220,thermal harvesting layer230,conductive layer240,photonic harvesting layer250, and sealinglayer260 may be omitted or combined. Additionally, other layers with redundant and/or additional functions and/or structures may be added.
• Exemplary Structure of Bonding Layer and Magnetic Layer:
• A better understanding of thebonding layer210 andmagnetic layer220 will be achieved through the following detailed discussion with reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B.FIG. 3A shows the structure ofbonding layer210 andmagnetic layer220 in greater detail, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 3A,bonding layer210 comprises a soft ferro magnetic material andmagnetic layer220 comprises a hard ferro magnetic material. The soft ferro magnetic material ofbonding layer210 generates amagnetic field310. Preferably, the hard ferro magnetic material ofmagnetic layer220 is deposited on top of the soft ferro material ofbonding layer210. However, the hard ferro magnetic material ofmagnetic layer220 may be positioned beneath or within the soft ferro material ofbonding layer210. The hard ferro magnetic material is illustrated on thebonding layer210 asmagnetic surfaces340 and350 that resemble bar magnets whose polar regions lie in a substantially perpendicular state with regards to the outer edge of the solarenergy harvesting strip110. In other words, the magnetic field of the hard anisotropic ferro magnetic material lies substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field of the soft ferro magnetic material. While it is preferred that the polar regions of themagnetic surfaces340 and350 lie in a substantially perpendicular state with respect to the outer edge of the solarenergy harvesting strip110, themagnetic surfaces340 and350 may be applied so that their polar regions align in a direction parallel to the solarenergy harvesting strip110. Preferably, the polar regions of adjacentmagnetic surfaces340 and350 are oriented in opposite directions as shown inFIG. 3A. However, the polar regions of adjacentmagnetic surfaces340 and350 may be oriented in the same direction. Further, while onlymagnetic surfaces340 and350 are illustrated, it is preferred that the hard ferro magnetic material be applied along most of length of solarenergy harvesting strip110.
• The hard ferro magnetic material ofmagnetic layer220 generatesmagnetic fields320 and330. The magnetic field strength of the hard ferro magnetic material correlates to the mass of the magnetic material. Accordingly, by way of example, amagnetic field330 of half strength, as compared tomagnetic field320, is generated atmagnetic surface350 by using a hard ferro magnetic material that is half as thick. Accordingly, any thickness of hard ferro magnetic material may be utilized as required by the application or location. Animage charge360 is generated as a result of the hard ferro magnetic material being in proximity of the soft ferro magnetic material. By way of example,image charge360 is depicted for the hard ferro magnetic material ofmagnetic surface340. The polar regions of theimage charge340 are opposite of the polar regions for the hard ferro magnetic material ofmagnetic surface340.
• In an exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3B, in place of thehard ferro material340, adiagmagnetic material370 such as bismuth may be substituted. Areas of thesoft ferro material210 that are covered withdiagmagnetic material370 significantly decrease the coercive and inductive forces of themagnetic field380 generated by thesoft ferro material210 in those areas. Use of these magnetic field modifiers in certain patterns along the along the length of the strip allow information to be encoded in a pattern. Devices that are able to sense the variations of the magnetic field along the length of the strip will thereby be able to ascertain the information. By way of example, for an electric vehicle traveling along the length of the strip, the encoded information may comprise traffic signals, speed limits, driver assist programs, and so forth.
Exemplary Structure of Conductive Layer
• A better understanding of theconductive layer240 will be achieved through the following detailed discussion with reference toFIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F which illustrate exemplary structures of theconductive layer240.FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate crosssectional views of the exemplary structures of theconductive layer240.FIGS. 4D, 4E and 4F illustrate perspective views of the exemplary structures of theconductive layer240. InFIGS. 4A-4C and 4D-4F, afirst conductor410A,410B and410C is spaced apart from asecond conductor420A,420B and420C with a dielectric orinsulative material430A,430B,430C formed between. When used with a dielectric, the conductors form a parallel plate discharge capacitor. One of thefirst conductor410A,410B and410C andsecond conductor420A,420B and420C functions as an electrically positive plate while the other functions as an electrically negative plate. Additionally, dielectric or insulative material may additionally be formed adjacent to any combination of the top, bottom, left or right side of the structures shown inFIGS. 3A-3B. Moreover, any number of thebonding layer210,magnetic layer220,thermal harvesting layer230,conductive layer240,photonic harvesting layer250, and sealinglayer260 may be form between thefirst conductor410A,410B and410C andsecond conductor420A,420B and420C instead of or in addition to the dielectric orinsulative material430A,430B and430C, and may have a cross sectional width that is less than, greater than or equal to theinsulative material430A,430B and430C. The cross sectional height for each of the first andsecond conductors410A,410B and410C and420A,420B and420C and dielectric orinsulative material430A,430B and430C are shown as being the same. However, the height of each can vary according to the application.FIGS. 4A and 4B are similar in thatfirst conductors410A and410B are situated below the dielectric orinsulative material410A and410B which is below thesecond conductor420A and420B.FIGS. 4D and 4E are similar for the same reasons asFIGS. 4A and 4B.FIGS. 4B and 4C are similar in that thefirst conductor410B and410C andsecond conductor420B and420C are parallel, spaced apart and at least one of thefirst conductor410B and410C andsecond conductor420B and420C has a cross sectional width less than the width of the strip.FIGS. 4E and 4F are similar for the same reasons asFIGS. 4B and 4C. WhileFIGS. 4A-4C show particular exemplary structures of theconductive layer240,conductive layer240 may be formed in other ways as the application requires.
• FIGS. 4A and 4D illustratesconductive layer240 formed so as to have thesecond conductor420A formed on top of the dielectric orinsulative material430A which is formed on top of thefirst conductor410A. Each of the first andsecond conductors410A and420A and dielectric orinsulative material430A are substantially planer, with each lying in different planes, and each have substantially the same cross sectional width. However, the first andsecond conductors410A and420A and dielectric orinsulative material430A may also be form so that dielectric orinsulative material430A is narrower than thefirst conductor410A but wider than thesecond conductor420A.
• FIGS. 4B and 4E illustratesconductive layer240 having parallel spaced apart first andsecond conductors410B and420B formed side by side with the dielectric orinsulative material430B formed in between.Second conductor420B is formed on top of the dielectric orinsulative material430B which is formed on top of thefirst conductor410B. First andsecond conductors410B and420B at least partially lie in different planes. Dielectric orinsulative material430B is continuous and may have a cross sectional width equal to or less than width of the strip. In an alternative implementation, thefirst conductor410B may be positioned over the dielectric orinsulative material430B with thesecond conductor420B position beneath the dielectric orinsulative material430B. The cross sectional width of at least one of the first andsecond conductors410B and420B is less than the cross sectional width of the strip.
• FIGS. 4C and 4F illustratesconductive layer240 having parallel spaced apart co-planer first andsecond conductors410C and420C formed side by side with a co-planer dielectric orinsulative material430C formed in between. The cross sectional width of each of the first andsecond conductors410C and420C and dielectric orinsulative material430B is less then the cross sectional width of the strip.
• FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate particular exemplary structures of theconductive layer240, however,conductive layer240 may formed in other ways as the application requires.
Exemplary Embodiment of Operation of Solar Energy Harvesting Strip
• In order to better understand the operation of the solarenergy harvesting strip110, a study of the magnetic fields of the individual elements is in order.FIGS. 5A and 5B depict the magnetic field lines of solarenergy harvesting strip110 when the layers of the solar energy harvesting composition are in place.
• InFIG. 5A, a cross sectional view of the solarenergy harvesting strip110 formed onsurface530 is shown. The magnetic poles of the solarenergy harvesting strip110 are shown in the cross sectional view. Uppermagnetic field lines510 are shown oriented in direction A. Further, lowermagnetic field lines520 are shown passing throughsurface530.
• InFIG. 5B the orientation of the magnetic field from a top view is shown. As can be seen in this view, themagnetic moments550 are aligned parallel to the outer edge of the strip and have a magnetic orientation such that their north pole points in direction B. As a result of this method of polarization, a number of small anisotropic regions are created whose net field effect emulates that of a bar magnet. Further, a net field effect of the combined components of the solarenergy harvesting strip110 along the length of the solarenergy harvesting strip110 is ahelical field540 along the length of the solarenergy harvesting strip110. Thehelical field540 orientation resembles a torus and the net effect on an unbounded electron is torrisional. This torrisional effect influences electron flow in the solarenergy harvesting strip110.
• The magnetic fields depicted inFIGS. 5A and 5B are merely exemplary and are shown in the absence of any magnetic interference. However, as is exemplified inFIG. 6,soft iron deposits610 may be located beneath thesurface530 that interfere with the magnetic fields of thesolar harvesting strip110. These soft iron deposits form image charges620 above the anisotropic permanent magnetic material. As a result,spike lines630 are created above the magnetic field that are random modifiers of the field at large. In order to facilitate an ease of understanding, the effects of thesoft iron deposits610 located beneath thesurface530 will be omitted from further discussions.
• The individual magnetic fields of the components ofsolar harvesting strip110 will now be discussed.FIG. 7 depicts the magnetic field lines for each successive layer including alternative embodiments forconductive layer240 that are exemplified inFIGS. 4A-4D and 4C-4F. The magnetic field lines for theconductive layers240 exemplified in FIG.4B are substantially similar to the magnetic field lines illustrated with respect toFIG. 4C, and therefore a discussion thereof is omitted.
• Themagnetic field320 generated bybonding layer210 and/ormagnetic layer220 has been discussed above with reference toFIG. 3 and therefore any further discussion will be omitted for the sake of brevity. Thethermal harvesting layer230 alters the magnetic field generated bybonding layer210 and/ormagnetic layer220 and results in altered magnetic field lines710.
• Theconductive layer240 generates a magnetic field when current flows through the conductors. However, the current flow is affected byconductive layer240 being located within the magnetic field generated by thebonding layer210 and/ormagnetic layer220. The net effect on electron flow due to the magnetic field generated by thebonding layer210 and/ormagnetic layer220 is to force the electrons to the outer edges of the conductors. This phenomenon is known in the art as magnetic field line fringing and becomes important when using mono-pole plastics because many of the available electrons become trapped by the atoms of the other constituent elements. The use of an external magnetic field to force electron flow out to the edge of the conductors overcomes the tendency of electrons to be randomized in their migration. The magnetic field generated by theconductive layer240 increases the net magnetic field strength due to the electromagnetic force in the conductors. Thereby, the potential of the magnetic inductance field is increased.
• The magnetic fields generated around the conductors of theconductive layer240 vary according to the structure of theconductive layer240. By way of example, exemplaryconductive layers240 of the embodiments shown inFIGS. 4A-4D and 4C-4E are depicted inFIG. 7.
• In theconductive layer240 of the type exemplified inFIGS. 4A and 4D,magnetic field lines720 follow a circular pattern around the flat conductors. A spike in the magnetic field strength occurs at the midpoint of the separation between the two conductors. However, when saturation occurs, the spike collapses at the meridian and forms in the direction of the current flow in the conductors.
• In theconductive layer240 of the type exemplified inFIGS. 4C and 4E,magnetic field lines730 reach a max spike at the center of the max distance between the two conductors that are separated by a dielectric. A secondary field spike occurs between the anisotropic and dielectric material at the midpoint between the two conductors.
• The dielectric of theconductive layer240 further results in a modified magnetic field740 which is a magnetic field of thebonding layer210 and/ormagnetic layer220 which has been modified by thethermal harvesting layer230.
• When all the layers ofenergy harvesting strip110 are in place, the magnetic fields of the various conductors and the magnetic layers produce a linearmagnetic field750 that follows the right hand rule of field direction when there is a current present in the conductors.
Second Exemplary Embodiment of Solar Energy Harvesting Strip
• A second exemplary embodiment of the solarenergy harvesting strip110 in elemental form is illustrated in detail inFIG. 8. The solar energy harvesting device, according to the second exemplary embodiment, comprises a second multiple layer solar energy harvesting composition comprising abonding layer210, amagnetic layer220, aconductive layer240, a thermal-photonic harvesting layer810, and asealing layer260. When the components of the thermal-photonic harvesting layer810 are combined as shown inFIG. 8, they form N type solid state junction diodes. These components are shown and arranged as one example, and in other embodiments of the present invention, components can be combined, added, removed and/or rearranged as required by the application or location. InFIG. 8, theenergy harvesting strip110 is embodied as a strip, but may be formed in any configuration as required by the application or location. Further, all of the layers may be formed having the same width or the layers may be formed such that each layer positioned on top of another layer is narrower than the layer beneath it. Still further, the edged of any of the layers may be squared, rounded, or tapered. In the second exemplary embodiment,bonding layer210,magnetic layer220,conductive layer240, and sealinglayer260 are identical to their respective layer in the first exemplary embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. It is further noted thatthermal harvesting layer230 and/orphotonic harvesting layer250, as described with respect to the first exemplary embodiment, may be provided in the second exemplary embodiment.
• In operation, the thermal-photonic harvesting layer810 converts thermal and/or photonic energy into electrical energy. When aconductive layer240 is included, the electrical energy migrates to theconductive layer240 under the influence of a magnetic field generated by themagnetic layer220 and/orbonding layer210.Conductive layer240 stores the electrical energy and generates an electric field which augments the magnetic field. Further,conductive layer240 may be attached to an electrical energy consumption, transmission and/or storage device. When the energy harvesting composition is embodied as a strip andconductive layer240 is attached to an electrical energy consumption, transmission and/or storage device, one or more attachments may occur along the strip.
• When aconductive layer240 is not included, electrical flow occurs within and/or between the layers and generates an electric field which augments the magnetic field. With or withoutconductive layer240, the augmented magnetic field couples the energy harvested by thethermal harvesting layer230 and/orphotonic harvesting layer250 to an electric vehicle and/or other remote devices. In another embodiment, the electrical energy is used to energize inductive coils that are used to couple the energy harvested by the thermal-photonic harvesting layer810 to an electric vehicle and/or other remote devices. A better understanding of the first exemplary embodiment of the solarenergy harvesting strip110 will be achieved through the following detailed discussion.
• As shown inFIG. 8, thermal-photonic harvesting layer810 comprises a doped silicatebarrier solution layer830, a clear N typesilicate barrier layer840 and a plurality of nanostructures. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the nanostructures are 60sided carbon buckyballs820. Preferably, at least a portion of the lower hemisphere of thebuckyballs820 is suspended within the doped silicatebarrier solution layer830 and at last a portion of the upper hemisphere of thebuckyballs820 is suspended within clear N typesilicate barrier layer840.Buckyballs820 carry a structurally negative charge, and therefore are preferable for forming solid state junction diodes of the NPN type.
• Thebuckyballs820 are situated in the thermal-photonic harvesting layer810 such that electrical fields generated by thebuckyballs820 align in a perpendicular manner with respect to the magnetic field produced by themagnetic layer220 and/orbonding layer210. The individual buckyball structures generate electrical flow, behaving like parallel plate discharge capacitors in series. Because electrical fields generate magnetic fields, the field strength of the solarenergy harvesting strip110 will be augmented.
• Thebuckyballs820 have had solid state junction diodes formed on the facets of their exterior structure for the conversation of thermal and/or photonic energy into electrical energy which is discharged into thesolar harvesting strip110. In order to convert the thermal and/or photonic energy into electrical energy, thermal and/or photonic energy harvesting materials are deposited on the facets of thebuckyball820. The thermal and photonic energy harvesting materials could be any of the material discussed above with respect to thethermal harvesting layer230 andphotonic harvesting layer250 ofFIG. 2. Further, the photonic energy harvesting material could include doping the facets of thebuckyball820 with nanocrystals that are doped by any number of dopants, such as germanium, phosphorous and boron, and the like. Preferably, a lower hemisphere of thebuckyballs820 comprises the thermal harvesting material and an upper hemisphere of thebuckyballs820 comprises the photonic energy harvesting material. However, the thermal and photonic energy harvesting materials may be comprised on any of, and include any number of, the facets of thebuckyballs820. Moreover,buckyballs820 may comprise only thermal or photonic energy harvesting materials. Additionally, any combination of thermal only, photonic only and mixed thermal-photonic buckyballs820 may be utilized. Thebuckyballs820 are prepared by conventional methods known to the art.
• Preferably, the facets of thebuckyballs820 comprise spacing between the applications of thermal and/or photonic harvesting material so as to provide excellent electron path migration. The advantages of cutting channels in silicon for electron migration occurs naturally in this structure.
• The structure of thebuckyballs820 are advantageous in that when applied to thesolar harvesting strip110, they have up to 30 facets that face the sky at every angle to catch sunlight from dusk to dawn, thereby eliminating the need to constantly reorient solar cells. While embodiments of the present invention are described utilizing 60sided carbon buckyballs820, epoxy and carbon microballs could be substituted for thebuckyballs820. For example, hollow carbon microballs with a dielectric having poles formed from nanotubes would substantially perform the same function as the buckyballs.
First Exemplary Embodiment of a Buckyball
• FIG. 9 illustrates a first exemplary construction of abuckyball820 of the thermal-photonic harvesting layer810 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 9, acarbon nanotube910 is located in theupper hemisphere920 of thebuckyball820 and functions as an electrode for thebuckyball820. Thenanotube910 comprises a hollow interior and may contain silicon nanocrystals and/or a magnetic material within its hollow interior.FIG. 9 further illustrates asecond electrode930 at a lower hemisphere of thebuckyball820. Depending on the composition of thebuckyballs820 they may operate as either a nanobattery or a nanocapacitor.
• Whenbuckyballs820 are formed as a nanobattery the buckyballs are filled with an electrical energy storing chemical and are provided with thecarbon nanotubes910 and940 to form a nanobattery. These nanobatteries use thermal and/or photonic energy to produce electricity, which is discharged into solarenergy harvesting strip110, then recharged and discharged repeatedly. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the rate of discharge and recharge is on the order of millions of times a second.
• When thebuckyballs820 are formed as nanocapacitors, thebuckyballs820 comprise the tunedcarbon nanotubes910 and940 and a dielectric material introduced to the interior of the hollow carbon structure. Exemplary dielectric materials include tantalum pentoxide (Ta₂O₅) and manganese dioxide (MnO₂). However, any other dielectric material may be used. When tantalum pentoxide (Ta₂O₅) and/or manganese dioxide (MnO₂) is used as the dielectric material, thebuckyball820 is formed as a nanoelectrolytic nanocapacitor. Whenbuckyballs820 are formed as a nanocapacitor they use thermal and/or photonic energy to produce electricity, which is then discharged into thesolar harvesting strip110.
Second Exemplary Embodiment of a Buckyball
• FIG. 10 illustrates a second exemplary structure ofcarbon buckyball820, which is illustrated in a partially exploded view. InFIG. 10, a tunedcarbon nanotube1010 is located at the upper pole of anupper hemisphere1020 of thebuckyball820. Further, a tunedcarbon nanotube1050 is located at a lower pole in thelower hemisphere1040 of thebuckyball820. Additionally, acarbon barrier1030 is equatorially placed within the hollow center of thebuckyball820.Carbon barrier1020 preferably comprises a coating of a dielectric material that serves as a collection medium for electrons flowing into the solarenergy harvesting strip110.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a comprehensive exploded view of the second embodiment fromFIG. 10 shown in greater detail. Adielectric coating1120, is located on the upper side ofbarrier1030. An exemplary dielectric coating includes tantalum pentoxide, however any other dielectric material could alternatively be used.Barrier1030 further comprises adielectric coating1130 on the bottom of thebarrier1030.Dielectric coating1120,barrier1030 anddielectric coating1130 perform the function of a parallel plate discharge capacitor with a high leakage rate.
• As illustrated inFIG. 11, tunedcarbon nanotube1010 functions as an electrode with anode and cathode termination points. Thenanotube1010 exits the carbon structure ofbuckyball820 at the upper pole and includes a protrudingportion1110 with a cathode termination point. Further,carbon nanotube1010 includes an anode termination point located atdielectric coating1120. Protrudingportion1110 illustrates an exemplary length for the portion ofnanotube1010 exiting thebuckyball820. Likewise, tunedcarbon nanotube1050 functions as an electrode with anode and cathode termination points. Thenanotube1050 exits the carbon structure ofbuckyball820 at the lower pole and includes a protrudingportion1110 with an anode termination point. Further,carbon nanotube1050 includes a cathode termination point located atdielectric coating1130. Protrudingportion1150 illustrates an exemplary length for the portion ofnanotube1050 exiting thebuckyball820.
• In operation, electrical field charges migrate to the exterior of thebuckyball820. Alignment of electrical field lines occurs at thedielectric coating1120 which functions as a collection plate for the anode termination point ofnanotube1010 and thereby carries a net negative charge which saturates thebarrier1030. Thebarrier1030 is also saturated bydielectric coating1130 which functions as a collection plate for the cathode termination point ofnanotube1050 and thereby carries a net positive charge.
• Amagnetic material1140, whose field is opposite of the magnetic field of themagnetic layer220 and/orbonding layer210, is shown filling the hollow portion of the lower hemisphere of thebuckyball820. The purpose of themagnetic material1140, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is to orient thebuckyball820 so that facts comprising the photonic harvesting material are oriented upward. For example, if thenanostructure820 is being sprayed upon a surface, the magnetic material1170 within the sphere is attracted to the magnetic material inbonding layer210 and/ormagnetic layer220 and rotates the sphere to a proper or desired orientation. Magnetic material may also be deposited in the hollow anode as well. To further ensure alignment, a diamagnetic material may be placed in the cathode.
• As noted above, theindividual buckyballs820 generate electrical flow, behaving like parallel plate discharge capacitors in series. Because electrical fields generate magnetic fields, the magnetic field strength of the solar energy harvesting strip is augmented for inductance. The electrons flow to the conductive layer140 which itself acts as a parallel plate capacitor.
First Exemplary Embodiment of a Method of Application of a Solar Energy Harvesting Composition
• In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the solar energy harvesting strip comprises a solar energy harvesting composition for use with an applicator to spray apply the layers of the solar energy harvesting composition on a driving surface. The solar energy harvesting composition comprises about 10% to about 20% rubber type adhesive to act as bonding agent between the driving surface and subsequent applications, about 20% to about 60% magnetic material, about 20% to about 40% specially prepared solid state junction diodes, a conduction material where used comprise about 20% to about 30% graphite/epoxy and about 20% to about 30% of a metallic conductor such as Aluminum Dioxide. The film is then sealed by a type of transparent material, such as a transparent TEFLON material. These layers can be configured and arranged in a number of manners. For example, a permanent magnet rubber bonding strip can be applied, followed by a first and second conductor application, an epoxy/graphite dielectric conduction strip, a thermal electric converter, a photonic energy harvesting material conduction film, and completed with a clear topcoat. In another example, an aluminum dioxide plate conductor can be applied, followed by a graphite/epoxy dielectric, an aluminum dioxide plate conductor, barium strontium titanates, a photonic energy harvesting material conduction film, and completed with a clear nonstick topcoat. In the above examples, thermal energy harvesting materials may substituted for any of materials or be separately applied.
Second Exemplary Embodiment of a Method of Application of a Solar Energy Harvesting Composition
• Use of an apparatus such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,251 of Retti entitled “Pulseless Pump Apparatus”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, is preferable for applying the chemical coating of yet another embodiment of the present invention, in three somewhat simultaneous overcoatings. In the first application, a rubber-based, asphalt cement which combines permanently magnetized material, preferably about 75% magnetic material to about 25% cement, is applied to the surface providing electrical insulation as well as a bonding agent for the subsequent overcoatings. In a somewhat simultaneous application, graphite, preferably in a solution of 65% graphite 65%, and 35% epoxy or ACC (superglue), is applied to the bonding agent in two separate but parallel lines to form conductors representing the positive and negative leads in a circuit. In the third application of material, specially formed solid state junction diodes are deposited by air jet onto the surface of the magnetic-graphite strip, forming a solid overcoating of the base materials producing photovoltaic strips on the surface of the road. A final deposition comprised of PFTEE can then be achieved by direct spray onto the surface of the strips, so as to protect the composition from the effects of the elements. In the above example, thermal energy harvesting materials may substituted for any of materials or be separately applied.
Exemplary Short Capture Energy System
• In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an energy system can be provided and is referred to for purposes of discussion as a short capture energy system. The short capture energy system comprises installing a solar energy harvesting strip in a road surface under a protective coating that electric vehicles may use to recharge onboard batteries by means of an inductive coupling. The solar cells used in the short capture energy system, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, are basically the same PNP gates formed on silicon wafers that are in use today. The short capture energy system is different in that after the formation of the gates, the product is bonded with a rubberized magnetic material and then ground or broken up so as to be air blasted onto a rubber based adhesive strip previously applied to a driving surface. A magnet is then passed over the solution so as to “flip” the cells so that the gates are upward and form a fractal surface pointed skyward.
• After the cells are oriented correctly, a PFTEE coating is liquid applied to the surface creating a protective coating that passes more sunlight in the coned spectrum then does glass. No conductor is needed since the cells will only capture the current for a short period before release to the onboard auto batteries by means of induction. Given the expansion rates of concrete as well as asphalt, the normal fissuring of these surfaces will harmlessly translate to the strip surface without effect as there is no need to maintain a continuous conductor. The gates may be broken, cut, or ground to any shape with the embodiment being triangular shaped silicon gates bonded to rubberized magnetic material. In the above example, thermal energy harvesting materials may substituted for any of materials or be separately applied. Alternatively, the materials, layers, and/or composition of the first and second exemplary embodiments of solar energy harvesting strip may be formed and/or operate according the small capture energy system.
Exemplary Small Capture Energy System
• In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an energy systems can be provided and is referred to for purposes of discussion as a small capture energy system. The small capture energy system involves the use of a material similar to that describe above with respect to the solarenergy harvesting strip110. However, instead of a driving surface, the solar energy harvesting composition is applied to the separation walls found on highways. Further, it utilizes a continuous conductor that will allow the photonic and/or thermionic energy harvesting materials to pass and store electricity for a variety of uses. The electricity of a 6 inch solar energy harvesting strip on all of the existing driving surfaces as well as on the barrier walls, would out produce all the current solar capture devices in use today.
• In the small capture energy system, a rubber type cement is applied, for example, to the surface of barrier walls on the highway. However, the composition could alternatively be applied to rooftops, bridges, light poles, and so forth, onto which a conductor could be applied. Over the conductor, a coating of an electrolytic epoxy is sprayed while receiving a somewhat simultaneous application of the solar cells. Like the short capture energy system, a magnet is used to orient the PNP gates skyward. The strips of cells could be linked together to run a variety of applications. Alternatively, the materials, layers, and/or composition of the first and second exemplary embodiments of solar energy harvesting strip may be formed and/or operate according the small capture energy system.
Exemplary Use of Small and Short Capture Energy Systems
• Exemplary embodiments of the present invention could be used to charge vehicle batteries. For example, solar harvesting strips110 can be installed in parking lots. The solar harvesting strips110 could be laid out in a parking lot on space dividers to determine field generation strength as well as basic durability. These strips could be comprised of the small capture energy system embodiment, having continuous conductors tied to collection batteries. Vehicles having electric batteries could charge at these stations. Further, solar harvesting strips110 could be applied on major highways. Additionally,solar harvesting strip110 could be applied to the separation wall, that is, the concrete barrier between lanes, and tied to a continuous conductor including collection batteries to run highway lights, lighting for signs, and so forth. Once in place and operating, the small and short capture energy systems can be utilized to augment thesolar harvesting strip110.
Third Exemplary Embodiment of the Method of Application of Solar Energy Harvesting Material
• In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, any ferris metal capable of magnetization can be ground to the consistency of iron filings. Preferably, ferris metal is comprised primarily of reclaimed recyclables. These metals can be generally magnetized by field polarization in this process. Once magnetized, the material can be combined with an electrolytic substance while receiving a somewhat simultaneous overcoating of thermal and/or photonic harvesting materials. Encasement can be finalized by an application of a film. Flow of current through the solar energy harvesting composition would augment the field produced by the already magnetized layer. Since there is a layer of magnetic material, times of little or no sunshine, ice, dirt, and nighttime, would have less of an affect on the system than they would on conventional photovoltaic cell systems. The solar harvesting strips of this composition can receive field augmentation in the energy system. In an exemplary system, the same type of laminations can be used, with the exception of providing a continuous conductor, so that the current flow could be directed to either collection batteries or directed to the roadway strips. Further electrical energy from the collection batteries and/or electric grid my add electricity of the conductors so as to augment the magnetic field.
• In such applications, the thermal and/or photonic harvesting materials are basically applied in a suspended solution. In an exemplary embodiment, the application to the road surface can be a four step process that can be accomplished simultaneously from a truck bearing the proper equipment. The application can be much like painting lines on the road. The conducting strips can be applied in much the same way, except that conductors for collection are used. Possible uses for this composition would be barrier walls, the inside of guard rails, jackets for over head wires, and so forth. Since the substrate may be dyed or colored, the lines dividing the lanes on a road could be “repainted” with the material and be made to be conducting or nonconducting.
• A use of the above embodiments further comprises uses on rooftops. The same materials for the road can be used to coat existing rooftops. Further, instead of collecting voltage from a dense concentration of cells, collection of the magnetic field is possible to drive a small generator by magnetic inductance.
Further Exemplary Embodiments
• In yet other embodiments of the present invention, an indestructible solar cell can be designed to be embedded in the roadway and provide a system and method of power generation for electrical vehicles by use of electrical inductance principles, whereby the vehicles passing over the cells may draw current from them for onboard charging of fuel cells. The embodiments can further comprise a system and method for a digital, as well as a fiber optic network, allowing the concurrent construction of a global communications network. Also, the embodiments can comprise a system and method for recharging and discharging the related network so as to produce an electrical surplus, which may be used to power any and all foreseeable technologies which use electricity. The thermal and/or photonic harvesting materials of the embodiments may also be used in general housing construction applications, as the surface of these solar cells may be constructed to resemble any surface such as shingles, bricks, siding, glass films, and so forth. Further. the embodiment can comprise a method of photo nonreluctant dying so that the solar cells may be dyed without consequence to the cells electrical conducting properties. Also, the embodiments can further comprise a method of photoluminescence magnification to multiply the net effect of the charging cycle by a factor of 4 to produce ultra efficient charging, and include a system and method for lighting the roadway at night with little consequential discharge of the network.
• An application of an embodiment of the present invention can entail installation of conventional photovoltaics on the surface of barrier walls, guard rails, and so forth. Methods of doing this have been devised so as to be able to transfer electrical current to ferris bearing substrates attached to the road surfaces via electrical coils to create magnetic fields. Electric cars can then be provided having an inductive coupling device attached to the subframe, and which are tied electrically through diodes to an onboard charging device. Since the charging medium is a long range magnetic field, having an inductive coupling device that is maintained at certain heights with regards to the charging medium is not as necessary as it is for a short distance charging system, such as buried electrical cable in the roads.
• In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the introduction of thermal and/or photonic harvesting materials bonded to any type of magnetic material via the use of electrolytic material such as certain epoxies, can occur. Like the first application, a film of rubber and a Ferris substrate would precede the application of an electrolytic and photovoltaics covered over by a film of PFTEE that passes more of the correct wavelength than does glass. Provisions can then be made to use augmentation by photovoltaics. Application of the photovoltaics to the substrate can yield a Fractal surface, proven to be more effective at wave length capture than a flat or parabolic conformity.
• In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the composition could be air blasted onto a quick setting solution that would contain all conductors and/or magnetic material in the solution. Magnetic field orientation could be a one time process by passing a magnet over the solar harvesting strips. If the gates are bonded to a magnetic material on the negative side of the gates, positive gate orientation could be accomplished by passing a magnet over the semi-viscous strip to orient the gates upwards.
Exemplary Embodiment of the Inductively Coupled Electric Vehicle
• InFIG. 12, anelectric vehicle1200 is illustrated that is operable with the solarenergy harvesting strip110, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Electric vehicle1200 may comprise a number of features that increase its efficiency. For instance,electric vehicle1200 may comprise aregenerative braking system1210. Aregenerative braking system1210 generates electrical energy by converting breaking force into electrical energy that may be used to power theelectric vehicle1200. Further,electric vehicle1200 may incorporate independentelectric motors1220 at each wheel. The configuration of having one electric motor at each wheel minimizes the vehicle's weight thereby reducing the amount of energy needed to propel the vehicle. Thebody panels1230 may be constructed to function as parallel plate discharge capacitors. Further, a solar energy harvesting material that converts photonic and/or thermal energy into electricity may be used for the finish coating on allbody panels1230. Additionally, all of thewindow glass1240 may be coated with a clear or tinted photonic and/or thermal energy harvesting material. Further,electric vehicle1200 includes aninductive coupling device1250 which uses a sphere-type inductive coupling device for induction instead of a conventional plate-type inductive coupling device. Preferably,electric vehicle1200 includes ancillary or backup electrical generation devices. Such ancillary or backup electrical generation devices may covert mechanical motion associated with theelectric vehicle1200 into electricity. For example, when you open the door, a magnetic rod travels through a series of windings which produces electrical current. In addition, theregenerative braking system1210 described above is another example of an ancillary or backup electrical generation device. Further,electric vehicle1200 may be provided with ahydrogen motor1260 that generates electricity.Electric vehicle1200 may further include channels to collect rain water stored and used byhydrogen motor1260. Still further,electric vehicle1200 may be provided with photonic harvesting material underneath the chassis to allow for the conversion into electricity of photonic energy received from lights sources that are coupled to solarenergy harvesting strip110. The light sources may be embedded in thedriving service120 and/or solarenergy harvesting strip110. Whileelectric vehicle1200 may include all of the above features,electric vehicle1200 may alternatively include any combination of any number of the above features as well as other features that increase its efficiency.
• A conventional plate-type inductive coupling device is illustrated inFIG. 13. In operation, the conventional plate-type inductive coupling device usesflat metal plates1310 that must be lowered from a raisedposition1330 to a loweredposition1340 so as to be placed in thefield1350 of charging medium1320 in order to cause current flow across the surface of theplates1310. This configuration has a number of disadvantages, including potential damage to the plates due to snow, ice, debris or the like. This configuration is further problematic in that theplates1310 must be centered over the charging medium1320 for maximum inductive coupling.
• A sphere-typeinductive coupling device1250 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown inFIG. 14. Theinductive coupling device1250 includes aninductance sphere1410 that does not need to be raised or lowered and so may be fixed at a permanent height well above the charging medium. A sphere-type inductive coupling device is beneficial in that it has a far greater surface area than a plate-type inductive coupling device. Theinductance sphere1410 may be made of a great range of materials including any, or any combination of, soft or hard magnetic materials, dielectric materials and electo-conductive materials. Further, any type of motor, including a hydrogen motor or small internal combustion engine, may be used to spin theinductance sphere1410 for the generation of electrical energy. When theinductance sphere1410 is spun in thefield1420 over the solarenergy harvesting strip110, theinductance sphere1410 accumulates a charge on its surface which in turn is transferred to the battery/storage area1450. Theinductance sphere1410 accumulates a charge on its surface by inductance through the coil ofconductors1440 around its center. Thus, if thebattery storage areas1450 are low in charge and the vehicle is not moving, theinductance sphere1410 may be spun to charge its batteries.
• The use of multiple spheres of the same size or of different sizes results in the ability to multiply the charge effect over a large area no matter what the vehicle's position is in relation to thesolar harvesting strip110. In one exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 15, alarge sphere1510 comprised of magnetic material is surrounded by severalsmaller spheres1520 comprised of a dielectric material. Thelarger sphere1510 may be attached to motorized or mechanical movements causing them to spin. In yet another exemplary embodiment, several large spheres may be used instead of a single large sphere. When the storage capacity of the vehicle is saturated, a super corona discharge may reintroduce charge to thesolar harvesting strip110. Thus, avehicle1200 coated with a solar energy harvesting material, sitting in the sun will collect a charge up to its storage capacity. The excess charge will be discharged to the solarenergy harvesting strip110. Furthermore, electrical current will be introduced across the surface of the small inductance spheres when thelarge sphere1510 is spun. The net effect on the smalldielectric spheres1520 will be to cause a predominate charge on the faces that will discharge into the solarenergy harvesting strip110, causing a point of charge accumulation that will increase the overall electric charge on the conducting layer130. This in turn will increase the overall magnetic field of the solarenergy harvesting strip110 that is available for charging. This arrangement provides a means for vehicle charge sharing. For example, a vehicle sitting in a traffic jam with a full charge may increase the magnetic field available for the motorist in front or behind him who may not have a full charge.
• The spheres will preferably be constructed as part of a permanent chassis of thevehicle1200. The chassis will be formed like a parallel plate discharge capacitor with positive1530 and negative1540 plates and a dielectric orelectrolyte material1550 in between.Positive plate1530 andnegative plate1540 are connected to theprimary storage batteries1450 as well as capacitors in thebody panels1230. Additionally, any backup or ancillary electrical generation devices could be electrically coupled to the chassis for providing electrical charge to the chassis. For example, anelectrical generating tire1560, discussed below, could be electrically coupled to the chassis. In an exemplary embodiment of the chassis, the chassis is a carbon fiber filament enclosure surrounding thenegative plate1540. As thespheres1510 and1520 accumulate charge, the positive charges will be attracted to thenegative plate1540, and the negative charges will flow to thepositive plate1530. Excess charges will accumulate across the dielectric material and migrate to the negative electrode of the battery1430 creating a current. When all the storage systems reach saturation, the current will flow to ground, in this case, thesolar harvesting strip110.
• Preferably, the entire body of thevehicle1200 is constructed to capture, convert and use thermal and photonic energy to either charge thevehicle1200 or add charge to thesolar harvesting strip110. Therefore, when the vehicle is parked over asolar harvesting strip110, the parked vehicle is adding charge to thesolar harvesting strip110. The body panels will be described with reference toFIGS. 16 and 17. The chassis and the body panels are first constructed of acarbon fiber sheet1700, followed by ahoneycomb structure1710 and then topped off by acarbon fiber sheet1720. Thehoneycomb structure1710 may be filled with an electrolyte suspended in a polymer creating a gel type rechargeable battery or may contain a dielectric material. This composition creates a thin, lightweight structure that is much stronger than steel. It also creates five times the charging area found in a conventional electric vehicle, while decreasing the overall weight of the vehicle. Thebody panels1230 of thevehicle1200 further comprise preformed conduction areas including, but not limited to,electrical feeder lines1610,graphite feeder lines1620, preformedgraphite conduction areas1630 and preformedfeeder lines1640. Any of the conduction areas may be used for one or more of the headlights, side lamps, electric motors or the like. The use of preformed conduction areas to connect various components and charging devices drastically reduces the weight and cost of the vehicle. Further, the use of preformed conduction areas eliminates the need for a costly wiring harness, and allows for a completely modular construction of the vehicle. The body panels will simply plug into the electrical system in case of replacement and may be recycled.
• Thebody panels1230 will further be finished in a series of steps. The first coat will be aconductor material1730 which functions as a negative conductor for the panel. Exemplary materials for theconductive material1730 include graphite or powered metal. However, other materials may be used including the materials used for the conductors ofconductive layer240 of thesolar harvesting strip110. The next coat is comprised of athermal harvesting material1740. The thermal harvesting material may be the same material used forthermal harvesting layer230 of the solar harvesting strip. The next coat is adielectric material1750, such as activated carbon or any other suitable dielectric material. Further,dielectric material1750 may be the same material used as the dielectric material utilized in theconducting layer240 ofsolar harvesting strip110. Further, aconductive material1760 will be applied over the thermal harvesting material and functions as a positively biased conductor. Theconductive material1760 may be the same material asconductor material1730 or may be a different material. Theconductor material1730,dielectric material1750 andconductor material1760 form a parallel plate discharge capacitor. Aphotonic harvesting material1770 is applied next. Thephotonic harvesting material1770 could be any known photovoltaic material such as titanium or zinc oxides or dye sensitized photovoltaic materials. Dye sensitized photovoltaic materials could give the vehicle its color. Additionally,photonic harvesting material1770 may comprise any of the materials used inphotonic harvesting layer250 or thermal-photonic harvesting layer810 of thesolar harvesting strip110. Further,photonic harvesting material1770 may be an amorphous thin film deposition of silicates. Next, aclear conductor1780, such as indium tin oxide or mono-pole plastic, is applied having a negative bias. Thefinal sealer1790 is applied next, thereby completing the body of theelectric vehicle1200 that is a battery, a giant discharge capacitor and an electrical generator. Thefinal sealer1790 may be comprised of the same materials used for sealinglayer260 of thesolar harvesting strip110 or any other suitable material. These components are shown and arranged as one example, and in other embodiments of the present invention, components can be combined, added, removed and/or rearranged as required by the application or location.
Exemplary Embodiment of the Hydrogen Motor
• FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an atmospheric intake hydrogen motor in elemental form. The atmospheric intake hydrogen motor according to the exemplary embodiment uses a condensation electrolysis system to glean water from the atmosphere to be used as a source of hydrogen. By using atmosphere as the source of water, large heavy water stores are not required. While it is preferred that the atmospheric intake hydrogen motor be used ashydrogen motor1260,hydrogen motor1260 may be any other type of hydrogen motor. Further, while it is preferred that the atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 be used for driving a charging system of an electric vehicle, the atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 may be used in any other application requiring a motor. For example, the atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 could be used for the generation of electricity at the utilities level.
• The atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 intakes atmosphere through an atmospheric intake. When used withelectric vehicle1200, atmosphere is introduced to a venting1805 at the front of the generator. It is preferred but not required that atmospheric intake occur at a predetermined rate. It is further preferable that the atmospheric intake occur through a small intake fan (not shown) at the venting1805 in front of themotor1260. When the air travels through the venting1805 the air is sampled by one ormore sensors1810 including air temperature, air speed, vacuum pressure, and barometric pressure sensors. The air temperature sensor determines the outside air temperature and/or temperature of the air passing through thevent1805 for regulating the temperature of abladder1815. The air speed intake sensor determines the speed of incoming air. The vacuum pressure sensor determines the backflow pressure of themotor1260. Preferably, the atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 is controlled by a microprocessor (not shown) located on replaceable computer boards. However, the atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 may be controlled by other means, including manual, mechanical, and other control means. The microprocessor receives signals from the sensors and controls any of the heating andcooling systems1820, fan, andignition1845.
• Theatmospheric intake vent1805 is constructed so as to confine the atmosphere inside of abladder1815. Thebladder1815 includes a cooling and/orheating system1820 that heats and/or cools thebladder1815 based on the sensed temperature and barometric pressure of the atmosphere. The heated or cooledbladder1815, when in contact with the atmosphere, causes condensation to form in thebladder1815. Preferably, thecooling system1820 is operative to sonically cool the atmosphere, but any conventional cooling system may be used. Theheating system1820 may be any conventional heating system. The condensation is accumulated inside of acollection bladder1815.
• The water is then collected by gravity into an electrolysis chamber, preferably using agravity valve1825. In the electrolysis chamber, the water is placed on anelectrolysis screen1830 having alternating positive and negative conductors. On theelectrolysis screen1830 water droplets are electrolyzed by an electrical current which causes the separation of the hydrogen from the oxygen in the water. When atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 is used withelectric vehicle1250, it is preferred that the electrical energy needed to separate the hydrogen from the oxygen is generated using electrical generation means imbedded in thetires1560 of theelectric vehicle1250. Thetires1560 of theelectric vehicle1250 will be discussed in greater detail below. However, the electrical energy may also come from the batteries or a progressive discharge generator geared to the moving wheels. Moreover, after the atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 begins generating electrical energy, part of or all of the electrical energy required to separate the hydrogen from the oxygen may be generated by the atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260.
• After the hydrogen is separated from the oxygen, the hydrogen is collected at the top of a holdingbladder1825 and induced under vacuum pressure to anintake chamber1840 to be used as a fuel. In theintake chamber1840 the hydrogen is ignited by photon excitation or other ignition means. Preferably, the combustion is vectored along a vectored blast ridge to a rotating conical piston. In one embodiment, thecombustion chamber1850 of the engine houses a conically shaped piston which is attached to the stator of the alternator. After combustion, the conically shaped piston spins and thereby causes the alternator to generate electricity. In an alternative embodiment, the combustion chamber includes a conically shaped piston located within conically shaped piston receiver, wherein the conically shaped piston and conically shaped piston receiver each a have a magnetic orientation that is out of phase with the other. Here, once the hydrogen is ignited, the conically shaped piston spins inside the conically shaped piston receiver, thereby generating electricity. The alternative embodiment is advantageous in that efficiency is increased as the rotational speed is increased.
• For either of the above embodiments, the exhaust of the combustion comprises water vapor and may be chambered viaexhaust1860 to a pressurized tank ofsalt water1865 so as to add water to the tank. The tank ofsalt water1865 is not required, but is preferred. The tank ofsalt water1865 may be used to increases the efficiency of the electrolysis by introducing sodium to theelectrolysis screen1830. Further, the tank ofsalt water1865 may be used as an initial and/or backup supply of water for the atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 viasupply line1870. In addition the tank ofsalt water1865 may function as a collection reservoir for collected rain water.
• Preferably, the generated electricity is stored in one or more large discharge capacitors until said capacitors are completely charged. Once the discharge capacitors are completely charged they could be discharged into an electrical energy storage device. Exemplary electrical energy storage devices include battery/storage area1430 ofelectric vehicle1250, the chassis ofelectric vehicle1250 and a large hydrid electrocell. An exemplary hydrid electrocell gleans the NOX2 from the fuel source and absorbs this emission which is a by product of the combustion of hydrogen.
• The atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 is advantageous for numerous reasons. When the atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 is used in a vehicle charging system, the electrical energy storage device of the vehicle charging system can maintain a lower level of charge than is usually maintained in conventional electrical vehicles. Also, themotor1260 should prove to be almost maintenance free since it contains a small number of moving parts. Additionally, all of the functions are controlled by computer boards that are easily replaceable. Moreover, it weighs far less than the conventional motors since it is constructed mainly of high impact plastic with ceramics being used in the high heat areas. Also, the atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 does not require onboard vehicle storage of highly combustible gases. Further, no special batteries or expensive hydride reclamation units are required. In addition, themotor1260 requires no petroleum products for lubrication. Themotor1260 has zero emissions, including zero oxides since the burning of atmospheric hydrogen results in only a small amount of water vapor emissions with pure, clean, oxygen as the main byproduct. Preferably, themotor1260 is used simply as a charging unit and not as a means to propel the vehicle. Themotor1260 requires no mufflers, catalytic converters, or liquid fuels as do vehicles powered by internal combustion motors. The atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 is far quieter than conventional engines. In a production assembly scenario, the atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 is far easier to construct since it has about only twenty or so total parts, with only about three or so requiring mechanical motion. Because the atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 is much smaller than conventional power plants, it can be used in multiples if necessary to facilitate charging of an electrical system. For example, more than one atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260 may be used onelectric vehicle1200.
Exemplary Embodiment of a Mechanical Energy Harvesting Device
• As mentioned above with respect toelectric vehicle1200, ancillary or backup electrical generation devices may be included with the vehicle to generate electricity. One such device is a linear mechanical energy harvesting device for converting linear mechanical motion into electrical energy. An exemplary embodiment of the mechanical energy harvesting device is ashock absorber1900 for use in the suspension ofelectric vehicle1250.FIG. 19 illustrates a shock absorber for converting mechanical motion into electrical energy, according an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• Theshock absorber1900 includes an electrical winding1910 surrounding atravel rod1920. The electrical winding1910 may be covered by ahousing1930 and includes afirst mount1940 located on the end opposite thetravel rod1920. The electrical winding1910 further includes positive and negativeelectrical connections1950 and1960. Thetravel rod1920 is made of a magnetic material and is preferably made of magnetic stainless steel. The travel rod includes asecond mount1970 located on the end opposite the series ofwindings1910. When the travel rod moves up or down along path C in either direction there is a current introduced in the winding1910 by inductance. Preferably, path C is a linear path. A diode bridge (not shown) is used to orient the generated current with respect to movement of the travel rod along path C in either direction. Theshock absorber1900 further includes a thermal harvesting material to convert thermal energy generated in the mechanical energy harvesting device into electrical energy. The thermal harvesting material may be any of the thermal harvesting materials discussed above with respect tosolar harvesting strip110.
• While the mechanical energy harvesting device has been described as ashock absorber1900 in the above exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments, similar devices and methods are utilized to convert mechanical motion into usable electricity. Additional devices that may include a mechanical energy harvesting device include doors, hoods, hatchbacks, break and accelerator pedals, knobs, switches or any other arrangement in which atravel rod1920 and a series ofwindings1910 surrounding thetravel rod1920 are moveable relative to each other.
Exemplary Embodiment of an Electrical Energy Generating Tire
• Another ancillary or backup electrical generation device that may be included with theelectric vehicle1250 to generate electricity is an electricalenergy generating tire1560.FIG. 20 illustrates an electrical energy generating tire according an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• An electricalenergy generating tire1560 generates electricity as it rolls along a driving surface, such as drivingsurface120. The tire has a preformed cavity which houses a piezo ceramic strip and/orthermal harvesting strip2010 that is sandwiched between tworeinforcement strips2020 that are coated with a conductor material forming positive and negative conductors above and below the piezo ceramic strip and/orthermal harvesting strip2010. Piezo ceramic strip comprises a Piezo ceramic material. Thermal harvesting strip comprises a thermal harvesting material, such as any of the thermal harvesting materials discussed above with respect tosolar harvesting strip110.
• The exterior of the tire includestire tread2030. As thetire1560 contacts the driving surface, the piezo ceramic strip is compressed and emits electrons that flow to the positive conductor. Likewise, thetire1560 contacts the driving surface heat is generated in the tire from which thermal harvesting strip converts heat energy into electrical energy. Included in the tire is asidewall conductor2040. The electricity flows to the sidewall and up to the rib of the tire viasidewall conductor2040. The rib contacts the inner portion of the rim, passing the electricity to the vehicle. The rim is separated into two halves that are electrically insulated from each other. Preferably, the outer portion of the rim functions as the positive side and the inner portion functions as the negative side. However, the polarity of the sides may be switched. Further, it is preferred that the electricity generated by the tires will be used to provide electricity for the atmosphericintake hydrogen motor1260. By using the electricity generated by the tires for the hydrogen generator, the overall charge of the vehicle will not be affected by hydrogen production.
• While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (28)

What is claimed is:

1. A system for the exchange of electrical energy between a vehicle and a road surface, comprising:

a multiple layer solar energy harvesting strip deposited on the road surface, said solar energy harvesting strip further comprising:

at least one permanent magnetic material bonded to the road surface for generating a magnetic field, wherein at least one of the multiple layers comprises the permanent magnetic material; and

an energy harvesting layer bonded on top of the magnetic material for converting at least one of thermal and photonic energy into electrical energy, wherein at least one of the multiple layers comprises the at least one solar energy harvesting material and wherein the at least one solar energy harvesting material is located within a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic material; and

a vehicle at least partially powered by electrical energy, comprising:

an inductive coupling device comprising a spherical inductive coupler for inducing current in said magnetic field generated by said solar energy harvesting strip.

2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said energy harvesting layer further comprises a plurality of carbon buckyballs having a thermal energy harvesting material on at least a portion of the exterior of each buckyball, and a photonic energy harvesting material on at least a portion of each buckyball, wherein each said buckyball defines a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, and wherein the first and second hemisphere each comprise a hollow portion comprising one of a dielectric and magnetic material and a first and second carbon nanotube.

3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein at least one discharge capacitor is comprised by one or among more than one of the multiple layers, the discharge capacitor comprising at least two conductors that are spaced apart and substantially parallel and at least one dielectric material between the conductors, wherein the at least one discharge capacitor is charged by the electrical energy and augments the magnetic field.

4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein at least one layer of said multiple layer solar energy harvesting composition is deposited by spraying, hand application, or film deposition.

5. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one magnetic material is deposited as a line array of a plurality of adjacent magnet portions substantially parallel to the surface area and substantially parallel to each other, wherein opposing polar regions of each of the plurality of magnet portions are oriented such that a line between the opposing polar regions of each of the plurality of magnet portions is perpendicular to the line array, further wherein each of the plurality of magnet portions have a substantially similar or opposite magnetic field orientation.

6. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the magnetic material is at least partially used for retaining and conveying information by staggering or eliminating portions of the magnetic material, or by adding diamagnetic material to the magnetic material to act as a magnetic field modifier.

7. The system ofclaim 2, wherein one of the plurality of layers comprises a basecoat on which the magnetic material is deposited and another one of the plurality of layers comprises a transparent sealant material.

8. The system ofclaim 1, said inductive coupling device further comprising a motor for rotating the spherical inductive coupler in the magnetic field when the vehicle is stationary, wherein the spherical inductive coupler generates electrical energy when rotated in the magnetic field.

9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the spherical inductive coupler comprises a plurality of spheres.

10. The system ofclaim 9, wherein at least two of the plurality of spheres are different sizes.

11. The system ofclaim 9, wherein at least two of the plurality of spheres are the same size.

12. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the plurality of spheres comprise a first sphere surrounded by N second spheres, wherein the N second spheres are smaller than the first sphere, wherein N is greater than one.

13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the first sphere comprises a magnetic material and the N second spheres comprise a dielectric material.

14. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the inductive coupler converts electrical current into a magnetic field.

15. The system ofclaim 1, said vehicle further comprising a vehicle chassis for storing electrical energy for use in the vehicle, said vehicle chassis further comprising:

a first conductor;

a second conductor; and

a material for energy storage disposed between the first and second conductors, wherein the chassis supports a body of the vehicle.

16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein each of the first and second conductors of the chassis comprise a carbon fiber sheet.

17. The system ofclaim 16, wherein said material for energy storage further comprises a honeycomb structure filled with an electrolyte suspended in polymer, wherein the vehicle chassis is a gel type rechargeable battery.

18. The system ofclaim 16, wherein said material for energy storage further comprises a dielectric material, wherein the vehicle chassis is a parallel plate discharge capacitor.

19. The system ofclaim 1, said vehicle further comprising an atmospheric intake hydrogen motor that obtains hydrogen fuel from condensed atmospheric water vapor, the atmospheric intake hydrogen motor comprising:

an atmospheric intake for intaking air;

at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of the intaken air;

a condensation bladder for condensing water from the air; and

a cooling and/or heating device for cooling or heating the condensation bladder according to the sensed at least one characteristic of the intaken air, wherein the cooling and/or heating device cools or heats the condensation bladder to condensate the water from the air.

20. The system ofclaim 1, said vehicle further comprising an electrical energy generating tire comprising:

a first reinforcement strip formed circumferentially on the tire, the first reinforcement strip comprising a conductive material and forming as a positive conductor;

a second reinforcement strip formed circumferentially on the tire, the second reinforcement strip comprising the conductor material and forming a negative conductor;

an annular strip comprised of piezo ceramic material and/or thermal harvesting material that is disposed between the first and second reinforcement strip; and

at least one sidewall conductor coupled to at least one of the first and second reinforcement strips.

21. The system ofclaim 20, wherein the at least one sidewall conductor is further coupled to a wheel rim.

22. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the wheel rim comprises two halves that are electrically insulated from each other.

23. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the wheel rim is electrically coupled to the vehicle.

24. The system ofclaim 1, said vehicle further comprising a mechanical energy harvesting device for converting mechanical motion into electrical current for use in the vehicle, the mechanical energy harvesting device further comprising:

an electrical winding; and

a magnetic travel rod surrounded by the winding and moveable relative to the winding, wherein electrical current is induced when the magnetic travel rod moves relative to the winding.

25. The system ofclaim 24, wherein the mechanical energy harvesting device comprises a shock absorber.

26. The system ofclaim 24, wherein the travel rod moves relative to the winding as a result of movement by one of a door, hood, hatchback, break pedal, accelerator pedal, knob, switch, or car seat.

27. The system ofclaim 24, said mechanical energy harvesting device further comprising a diode bridge to orient the induced current with respect to the mechanical movement of the magnetic travel rod in either of a first or second direction.

28. The system ofclaim 24, said mechanical energy harvesting device further comprising a thermal harvesting material to convert thermal energy into electrical energy.

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