Vehicle movement activated electrical power generator, and method for providing electrical power for roadside applications

摘要

Electrical power generation from vehicle movement where there is limited or no access to a power grid. A turbine disposed alongside, above, or under the road, harnesses the wind currents generated by a vehicle to drive an electrical power generator connected to a local electrical power system providing electrical power for roadside devices on the road ahead. Alternatively, pedals may be disposed on the road such that when a vehicle runs over them, the vertical motion of the pedals is translated into a rotational motion to drive an electrical power generator. The local electrical power system is used to supply power for roadside LEDs placed along the road ahead of the vehicle to illuminate the boundaries and perimeter, or for a roadside sign, camera, or deer whistle. The activation of the roadside devices is controlled based on whether it is day or night and the remaining charge of a battery.

主权项

1. A vehicle movement activated electrical power system comprising:
a turbine that harnesses wind currents generated by a movement of a vehicle on a road, said movement of said vehicle causing said turbine to rotate; a generator coupled to the turbine, said generator configured to generate electricity from a rotation of the turbine; a self-contained local electrical power network that is not connected to a public utility power grid and is driven by the generator and extending along the road ahead of the turbine and the vehicle; a plurality of electrical LED illumination devices connected to the local electrical power network and disposed along an edge of the road ahead of the turbine and the vehicle so as to provide visual guidance of the edge of the road at nighttime; a battery connected to the turbine and to the self-contained local electrical power network, said battery configured to be charged by the turbine and to provide primary or supplementary power for the self-contained local electrical power network; and a controller connected to said self-contained local electrical power network, said battery, and the plurality of electrical LED illumination devices, said controller including a static data storage device and configured to control an activation state of the plurality of electrical LED illumination devices according to a look up table stored on said static data storage device of said controller, said look up table including activation information used by the controller to control an illumination state of the plurality of electrical LED illumination devices, said activation information including at least one of a time of the day and a remaining charge level of said battery.