Systems and methods of autonomously driving a vehicle to one or more locations, or repositioning the vehicle, to achieve optimal solar exposure are provided. Operating conditions of the vehicle, environmental conditions, as well as road conditions may be considered when determining whether or not to move, relocate, or reposition the vehicle to achieve optimal solar exposure. The optimal solar exposure is that which allows a power storage device of the vehicle to be charged to a desired state of charge. Additional considerations, such as the time needed to travel to a new location(s) and return from the location(s) in time for a next use of the vehicle, may be taken into account. Any energy expenditures that may result from traveling to/from the new location(s) may also be considered.

A solar vehicle carport with LED sensor light, including a carport top cover, a horizontal pipe assembly, a foot pipe assembly, an LED light module, and a solar receiving module. The horizontal pipe assembly is disposed on two sides of the carport top cover. The foot pipe assembly is engaged with the horizontal pipe assembly to support the carport top cover. The LED light module includes at least one LED light and LED sensor module electrically connected. The solar receiving module is disposed above the carport top cover and electrically connected with the LED light module. The solar vehicle carport with LED sensor light provided by this invention can utilize the solar energy to supply power to the LED light module, which is green and environment friendly. In addition, the LED light is turned on or turned off by a way of sensing, which is energy efficient and humanized.

This invention provides for a multi-disciplinary energy harnessing mechanism for outfitting a vehicle. Accordingly, sub-systems for harnessing energy from various sources of renewable energy occurring in vicinity of/incidental to the vehicle, such as 5 solar, waste heat, miming water, flowing wind, mechanical impacts, heat from the road surface being traversed are integrated into a vehicle whereby the effective range of the vehicle is increased while reducing the frequency and amount of charging otherwise required from the electric grid.

Methods and systems for substantially continual electrical power generation for a moving vehicle are disclosed herein. According to the various embodiments discussed herein, the battery range can be increased significantly using a variety of energy sources. The energy sources are configured to facilitate continual electricity generation based on: (i) one or more generators positioned around predetermined vehicle parts; (ii) wind energy created by the motion of the vehicle in relation to the surrounding medium, and (iii) solar energy. According to an embodiment, the system for continual electrical power generation in a moving vehicle comprises a generator having a coil-and-magnet arrangement around one or more vehicle components/modified components. In another embodiment, the system comprises an energy generator for converting solar energy and wind energy into electricity.

A method of fabricating an airfoil, and the airfoil or airfoil skin so fabricated, including a solar cell array arranged on the surface of the airfoil by providing and utilizing an assembly fixture having a smooth, concave surface. An uncured supporting film composed of a composite material (such as a carbon fiber composite) is mounted directly on the back side of the solar cells; and the film of composite material is co-cured on the assembly fixture so that the array of interconnected solar cells is bonded to the supporting film. The bonded and cured film of composite material and an array of interconnected solar cells is then removed from the assembly fixture.

Methods and systems for substantially continual electrical power generation for a moving vehicle are disclosed herein. According to the various embodiments discussed herein, the battery range can be increased significantly using a variety of energy sources. The energy sources are configured to facilitate continual electricity generation based on: (i) one or more generators positioned around predetermined vehicle parts; (ii) wind energy created by the motion of the vehicle in relation to the surrounding medium, and (iii) solar energy. According to an embodiment, the system for continual electrical power generation in a moving vehicle comprises a generator having a coil-and-magnet arrangement around one or more vehicle components/modified components. In another embodiment, the system comprises an energy generator for converting solar energy and wind energy into electricity.

A multimodal renewable energy generation system for generating electric power from more than one renewable energy source is disclosed herein. The system includes two or more spinner units configured on a vertical pillar. The spinner units are configured for rotation under influence of a stream of a corresponding fluid. A set of electric power generators is operatively coupled to each of the two or more spinner units to generate electric power when the corresponding spinner unit rotates. At least one of the two or more spinner units is configured close to a base portion of the pillar to harness power from sea waves and remaining of the two or more spinner units are configured with an upper portion of the pillar for harnessing power from wind. The spinner units are configured for rotation in a horizontal plane which provides an advantage of turning even at less powerful winds or water streams.

A storage unit intended for mounting on the rear of a golf cart type vehicle is designed to protrude from the rear of the golf cart to provide more storage space. The storage unit is further designed to be removable, and may be subdivided with movable partitions. Several features are described for its attachment onto the rear of the golf cart in different ways, including specific types of attachments and frameworks for use with and without rear shelf wells on the golf cart. These are designed for greater security in holding the storage unit onto the golf cart, and include adjustable or removable bottom protrusions for use with a rear shelf well, or the attachment frame system without a rear shelf well. In addition, a system is described to allow greater interior volume in the storage unit by stepping the side of the unit which faces the rear of the golf card.

A vehicle includes a roof that is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Two solar panels are arranged on the roof along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle such that they are spaced from each other longitudinally. A lidar transmitter-receiver is disposed between the two solar panels.

A solar-powered vehicle that includes a body having opposing sides and defining a cavity; two or more wheels; a first and second solar panel assembly respectively disposed on the opposing sides of the body; one or more electric motor disposed within the cavity of the body between the first and second solar panel assemblies, the one or more electric motors configured to rotate at least one of the two or more wheels; and one or more electric battery disposed within the cavity of the body between the first and second solar panel assemblies, the one or more electric batteries configured to power the one or more electric motors and to be charged by electric current generated by the first and second solar panel assemblies.