Wind-Powered Vehicle: New Idea & Input Welcome

  • Context: Automotive 
  • Thread starter Thread starter jaroadshow
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    Vehicle Wind
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of a wind-powered vehicle concept, specifically the idea of using a crossflow fan mounted on the roof to recharge a battery pack while driving. Participants explore the theoretical and practical implications of this idea, including efficiency and energy recovery concerns.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • A participant proposes a design involving a crossflow fan on the vehicle's roof to harness airflow for recharging a battery pack.
  • Another participant challenges the idea, arguing that the energy used to propel the vehicle would negate any gains from the fan, suggesting it could be an example of a perpetual motion machine.
  • A reference is made to Airbus's consideration of wind turbines on aircraft wings, indicating a potential application of similar principles in aviation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the feasibility of the proposed wind-powered vehicle concept, with some asserting that it is not viable due to efficiency losses, while others remain open to the exploration of the idea.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations regarding the efficiency of energy recovery and the fundamental principles of energy conservation, but do not resolve these issues within the discussion.

jaroadshow
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Hi : I am new here but have been thinking about this for a while. I am attaching a drawing to hopefully explain my idea. I think a crossflow fan mounted at the rear of the vehicle's roof ( Accross the width of the car's roof ) , protruding partially above it and setup to allow air flow through it and escaping out the back of the vehicle just behind the blades will recharge a battery pack. I think if setup right, as you drive the blades spinning due to the airflow past the roof will recharge a battery pack through of course a generator and alternator system. I am not an electrician or electrical engineer, so I do not know how to properly set it up properly or if it would work but with the crossflow blades spinning on precision bearings and the proper airflow setup , I believe it has a chance.

Any input is appreciated.

jaroadshow
 

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And you are geting the power to push the car through the air from where? It is scupperd because you are supplying the power that you recapure at less than 100% efficiency. This would actually be worse than running the car from a battery alone.


The whole reason wind turbines work is because the air is moving past it (whilst it is stationary). The wind is doing the work.

Do you think they would work as well if you were pushing them throuh static air? Obviously not, because you are doing the work to it.


As you can't get out what you put in due to efficiency, this is an example of a perpetual motion machine.
 
Airbus had thought to put wind turbines behind the tips of the wings to make good use of the wortex there and to get power even if the engines had stalled.
 
jaroadshow said:
Hi : I am new here but have been thinking about this for a while. I am attaching a drawing to hopefully explain my idea. I think a crossflow fan mounted at the rear of the vehicle's roof ( Accross the width of the car's roof ) , protruding partially above it and setup to allow air flow through it and escaping out the back of the vehicle just behind the blades will recharge a battery pack. I think if setup right, as you drive the blades spinning due to the airflow past the roof will recharge a battery pack through of course a generator and alternator system. I am not an electrician or electrical engineer, so I do not know how to properly set it up properly or if it would work but with the crossflow blades spinning on precision bearings and the proper airflow setup , I believe it has a chance.

Any input is appreciated.

jaroadshow

Welcome to the PF.

I think xxChrisxx has explained very well why this is not done. You can't get something for nothing. Thread is closed.
 

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