This application is directed to an apparatus for providing electrical charge to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a driven mass, a generator, a charger, a hardware controller, and a communication circuit. The driven mass rotates in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle and is coupled to a shaft such that rotation of the driven mass causes the shaft to rotate. The driven mass exists in one of (1) an extended position and (2) a retracted position. The generator generates an electrical output based on a mechanical input coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes the mechanical input to rotate. The charger is electrically coupled to the generator and: receives the electrical output, generates a charge output based on the electrical output, and conveys the charge output to the vehicle. The controller controls whether the driven mass is in the extended position or the retracted position in response to a signal received from the communication circuit.

A smart tonneau cover for a pickup truck includes an input system that receives information concerning a route and the weather forecast for the route to a destination, the height of a cargo, a precipitation sensor, a wind sensor, and to determine the limits to the height, position, and orientation of the portions of a tonneau cover, which can include solar panels that can be moved to optimize power generation and minimize power consumption while protecting the cargo. The solar panels can be positioned when stationary, such as while parked, and repositioned as needed during transit to maintain an optimal power efficiency.

A system for generating electricity using wind power for an electric vehicle (EV). The system converts wind to electricity for charging the EV's primary batteries, or to provide supplemental electricity to other EV systems, such as heating and cooling. The system comprises an air intake that compresses air along a narrowing path to a turbine component. The turbine component comprises a cylinder housing a turbine for capturing the compressed air. As the turbine rotates due to airflow, it engages at least one alternator to generate electricity. The at least one alternator is then connected to the EV's batteries or other vehicle systems for charging or immediate use.

A vehicular wind turbine system includes a vehicle having a propulsion system. The vehicular wind turbine system further includes a first wind turbine attached to the vehicle. The first wind turbine includes a plurality of turbine blades coupled to an electric generator. The first wind turbine is configured to convert energy from a relative wind into electrical energy via the electric generator. The system further includes a battery disposed within the vehicle to store electrical energy from the first wind turbine. The system further includes an electric motor configured to convert electrical energy stored in the battery into kinetic energy. The vehicle is to be propelled by at least the electric motor.

A transportation vehicle may be equipped with electrical energy harvesting systems to harvest electrical energy for use. By way of example, in the transportation vehicle, a Venturi system may be used to receive an air flow and the speed of the air flow increase in a constricted area of the Venturi system, the air flow containing a large amount of kinetic energy. A plurality of electrical energy harvesting systems is disposed in the Venturi system and is configured to convert the kinetic energy contained in the accelerated air flow into electrical energy that can be used to power on-board electronics as well as one or more on-board batteries in the transportation vehicle, as the transportation vehicle is in motion.

A solar and wind powered vehicle for use with an all electric or hybrid electric vehicle. The solar and wind vehicle comprises a plurality of solar panels arranged on an outside surface of the vehicle and a wind turbine mounted to a surface of the vehicle. Both the plurality of solar panels and wind turbine are electrically connected to the battery pack of the vehicle and charge the battery pack when the sun and wind activate the solar panels and wind turbine.

An embodiment solar cell system includes a first photovoltaic (PV) module and a second PV module connected in series with each other, a differential power processing (DPP) converter configured to convert electricity generated by the first PV module and the second PV module, using a magnetic material having a multi-winding structure, and to provide the converted electricity to a battery, and a control signal generator configured to generate a control signal that controls a main switch for controlling an input-side current path and an output-side current path of the DPP converter, and to adjust a pulse width of the control signal such that a magnetizing current of the DPP converter becomes substantially zero.

A flying apparatus includes a main structure and a rotative wing surface, the rotation of the wing surface allowing stabilizing the apparatus (100). A fuselage hangs from the wing surface around a hanging point, allowing the wing surface and the fuselage be moveable independently with respect to each other and the wing surface is configured as a disc to manoeuvre the apparatus and including one or more elements acting as security and secondary command and control surfaces, orienting the apparatus in desired directions. The main structure and wing surface can overwrap at least partially the the fuselage in order to improve the aerodynamic performance. The airframe or fuselage and the wing surface are rotatable around any of three rotational axes independently.

This application is directed to an apparatus for providing electrical charge to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a driven mass configured to rotate in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle, the driven mass coupled to a shaft, where rotation of the driven mass causes the shaft to rotate. The apparatus further comprises a hardware controller. The hardware controller identifies output power parameters for the vehicle and generate a control signal based on the identified output power parameters for the vehicle. The apparatus also comprises a generator that generates an electrical output based on a mechanical input and a conditioning circuit electrically coupled to the generator. The conditioning circuit receives the electrical output from the generator and the control signal from the hardware controller, generates a charge output based on the electrical output and the control signal, and conveys the charge output to the vehicle.

Air stream-driven power-generating systems for electric vehicles have been described and illustrated.