Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Wind turbine systems and air channels in vehicles for enhancing energy generation, cooling, and aerodynamics
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Application No.: US14863277Application Date: 2015-09-23
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Publication No.: US09863403B2Publication Date: 2018-01-09
- Inventor: Geoffrey Gaither
- Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
- Applicant Address: US KY Erlanger
- Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Current Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Current Assignee Address: US KY Erlanger
- Agency: Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
- Main IPC: B60K11/06
- IPC: B60K11/06 ; F03D9/32 ; F03D9/00 ; F03D9/11 ; B60T5/00 ; B60R19/48 ; B60K11/08 ; B60K16/00 ; B62D35/00 ; B60L8/00 ; F03D9/25 ; F16D65/847

Abstract:
Air channels and wind turbines systems are provided for cooling vehicle parts and storing electrical energy in a vehicle battery. The vehicle may have a battery, a braking system, an air duct with wind turbines and a generator. The air duct has an inlet portion for receiving an airflow, a body portion having wind turbines, and an outlet portion for directing the airflow to the braking system. A generator converts kinetic energy of the wind turbines to electrical energy stored in the battery. The wind turbines can be positioned in an air duct extending from a front bumper to an area proximal to one or more wheels to enhance vehicle aerodynamics. Alternatively, the wind turbines can be positioned in openings between grill shutters to generate energy and cool a radiator. Alternatively, the wind turbines can be positioned proximal to powertrain or drivetrain components for cooling and generating electrical energy.
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