A system for harnessing wind energy to charge the electric storage battery of a vehicle, whether the vehicle is parked or in motion. While the vehicle is being driven, a roof-mounted, internal wind turbine harnesses wind energy and causes rotation of the shaft of an electric generator mounted to an interior surface of the roof. For charging the battery while the vehicle is parked, an external wind turbine is storable in the vehicle when not in use and attaches to the internal wind turbine. Cups of the kind used in cup anemometers are attached to radial arms that extend from an external shaft of the external wind turbine and catch ambient wind currents while the vehicle is parked, causing the external shaft and the generator shaft to rotate.

A vehicle has a plurality of turbines. Each turbine includes a housing with a spindle. Each spindle has a central axis and a rotor with outwardly extending blades. Each turbine also includes a stator positioned adjacent to an associated rotor.

The present invention relates to an electrically driven single-axle tractor for coupling with, and powering of, various pieces of equipment, comprising: a frame; a drive axle, connected to the tractor frame, provided with one pair of wheels; a primary electric motor coupled to the drive axle; at least a secondary electric motor coupled to an equipment drive shaft for releasable coupling with a piece of equipment; and, at least one electrical energy source, as power supply of the primary and secondary electric motor. The invention also provides an assembly of such a tractor and a piece of equipment as well as a method for driving such a tractor.

The present invention relates to an electrically driven single-axle tractor for coupling with, and powering of, various pieces of equipment, comprising: a frame; a drive axle, connected to the tractor frame, provided with one pair of wheels; a primary electric motor coupled to the drive axle; at least a secondary electric motor coupled to an equipment drive shaft for releasable coupling with a piece of equipment; and, at least one electrical energy source, as power supply of the primary and secondary electric motor. The invention also provides an assembly of such a tractor and a piece of equipment as well as a method for driving such a tractor.

A powered implement system having a ground utility robot, at least one three-point hitch, a means to connect the at least one three-point hitch to at least one end of the ground utility robot, at least one power take-off on the ground utility robot that is connectable to at least one implement, and where the ground utility robot controls and powers the at least one power take-off.

A charge capacity variable control apparatus using an external energy source for a vehicle, may include an external energy source for generating an external charge power, a main battery for receiving the external charge power to be charged, and a controller for generating a change target charge capacity by changing an existing target charge capacity based on an external charge capacity of the external energy source and a battery charge capacity of the main battery depending upon the driving state of the vehicle, and performing a variable control using the change target charge capacity.

A solar cell module includes: a sealing layer in which power generating elements are sealed; a front surface layer formed from resin and joined to a light-receiving surface side of the power generating elements in the sealing layer; and a rear surface layer joined to an opposite side from the light-receiving surface side of the power generating elements in the sealing layer, wherein the front surface layer has a solar cell installation area that forms a portion of a solar cell, and an antenna installation area that extends at a vehicle front side or a vehicle rear side of the solar cell installation area.

A solar cell module includes: a sealing layer in which power generating elements are sealed; a front surface layer formed from resin and joined to a light-receiving surface side of the power generating elements in the sealing layer; and a rear surface layer joined to an opposite side from the light-receiving surface side of the power generating elements in the sealing layer, wherein the front surface layer has a solar cell installation area that forms a portion of a solar cell, and an antenna installation area that extends at a vehicle front side or a vehicle rear side of the solar cell installation area.

Wheel assembles using integrated motors and speed reducers for electric vehicles are disclosed for providing improved structural efficiency. A wheel assembly may include a motor for providing power to a wheel, a leading or trailing type or similar suspension link, a caliper mounted to the suspension link and configured to engage a friction brake rotor on the wheel, and a synchronous belt mounted off-axis for implementing speed reducing. In certain embodiments, the respective components of the wheel assembly are nested to fit into a minimal volume. In other embodiments, the wheel assembly includes a motor that is not nested and that is configured to supply power to the wheel via a belt and pulley system.

A hydraulic mobile cart for produce harvesting that provides shade and places an operator in close proximity to a ground surface for efficient and relatively low impact harvesting of produce. An upper canopy covers the operator and picking areas adjacent to the sides of the hydraulic mobile cart, and also includes solar panels for charging a battery which powers a hydraulic drive motor. The seating area includes a cushioned sliding seat for the comfort of the operator, a footrest with a motion push button, a steering wheel for directional control, and a hand lever for forward and reverse operation. An oil catch pan is positioned underneath the battery and the drive motor to catch any liquids that could possibly leak from the motor or the battery to protect crops from contamination. The frame also supports harvesting containers and may include interchangeable plates for various harvesting container types.