Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to renewable energy systems for vehicles and particularly to a hybrid vehicular power supply system that integrates solar and hydrogen power.
Description of Related Art
[002] Renewable energy is derived from natural sources that are replenished constantly, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat. These energy sources are sustainable and have minimal environmental impact compared to conventional energy sources.
[003] Relying on fossil fuels is problematic due to their finite nature and the significant environmental damage they cause, including greenhouse gas emissions leading to climate change, air pollution, and habitat destruction. Additionally, fossil fuel extraction and consumption can result in geopolitical tensions and economic instability due to fluctuating prices and supply disruptions.
[004] Current vehicular power systems primarily include internal combustion engines (ICEs) powered by gasoline or diesel, electric vehicles (EVs) powered by batteries, and hybrid vehicles that combine ICEs with electric propulsion. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) also exist, using hydrogen to generate electricity. ICEs are inefficient and produce significant emissions. EVs are limited by battery capacity, long charging times, and the environmental impact of battery production and disposal. Hybrid vehicles, while more efficient than ICEs alone, still rely on fossil fuels. FCVs face challenges with hydrogen production, storage, and infrastructure for refueling.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced hybrid vehicular power supply system that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a hybrid vehicular power supply system based on solar and hydrogen power, the system comprising solar panel integrated into a surface of a vehicle and adapted to harness sunlight and generate electrical energy; a battery adapted to store the generated electrical energy; an atmospheric water generator, by utilizing the generated electrical energy, adapted to extract water vapor from atmosphere and condense it into liquid water; a water storage cabin adapted to store the condensed liquid water, wherein the stored liquid water is undergone into an electrolysis to split the stored liquid water into hydrogen and oxygen; and a hydrogen fuel cell adapted to power an engine of the vehicle by utilizing the hydrogen from the water storage cabin.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a method for providing power to a vehicle using a hybrid vehicular power supply system, comprising steps of harnessing sunlight using solar panel integrated into the vehicle to generate electrical energy; storing the generated electrical energy in a battery; extracting water vapor from atmosphere using an atmospheric water generator powered by the stored electrical energy and condensing the extracted water vapor into a liquid water; storing the condensed liquid water in a water storage cabin; conducting electrolysis on the stored liquid water in the water storage cabin to split it into hydrogen and oxygen, and transfer the hydrogen to a hydrogen fuel cell; and powering an engine of the vehicle by utilizing the hydrogen from the hydrogen fuel cell.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid vehicular power supply system and a method for providing power to a vehicle.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid vehicular power supply system that is compatible with all kinds of vehicles.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid vehicular power supply system that is reliable in a vehicle.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid vehicular power supply system that requires no human intervention.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid vehicular power supply system that is environmentally friendly.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid vehicular power supply system that offers efficient energy conversion.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid vehicular power supply system that reduces dependency on fossil fuels. Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a hybrid vehicular power supply system that lowers operational costs over time.These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a hybrid vehicular power supply system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a functional diagram of a hybrid vehicular power supply system with a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a method for providing power to a vehicle using the hybrid vehicular power supply system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a hybrid vehicular power supply system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hybrid vehicular power supply system 100 may be designed to harness solar and hydrogen power to provide energy for a vehicle 200 (as shown in the FIG. 2). The hybrid vehicular power supply system 100 may comprise a solar panel 102, a battery 104, an atmospheric water generator 106, a water storage cabin 108, a level indicator 110, a hydrogen fuel cell 112, a load 114, and an engine 116.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel 102 may be adapted to harness sunlight and convert it into electrical energy. The solar panel 102 may comprise photovoltaic cells that are capable of efficiently capturing solar radiation. The solar panel 102 may comprise a series of interconnected solar cells arranged to maximize sunlight absorption, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel 102 may comprise parallely interconnected solar cells. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the solar panel 102 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel 102 may be arranged on a top surface of the vehicle 200. In another embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel 102 may be arranged on sides of the vehicle 200. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any arrangement of the solar panel 102 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery 104 may be adapted to store the electrical energy generated by the solar panel 102. The battery 104 may be designed to provide a stable and continuous power supply to various components of the hybrid vehicular power supply system 100. The battery 104 may be, but not limited to a lithium-ion cells battery, a nickel-metal hydride cells battery, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the battery 104 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the atmospheric water generator 106 may be adapted to extract water vapor from atmosphere and condense it into liquid water. The atmospheric water generator 106 may comprise one or more condensation units and cooling systems to facilitate the condensation process. It may be strategically positioned on the vehicle to maximize water vapor capture from the air.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the water storage cabin 108 may be adapted to store the condensed liquid water collected by the atmospheric water generator 106. The water storage cabin 108 may be constructed from materials that ensure the safe and hygienic storage of water. The water storage cabin 108 may be insulated to maintain an optimal temperature for water storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the level indicator 110 may be adapted to indicate the level of water in the water storage cabin 108. The level indicator 110 may comprise a float mechanism, electronic sensors, or other suitable devices to provide accurate readings of the water level. This information may be displayed to the vehicle operator or used to automate the electrolysis process.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen fuel cell 112 may be adapted to convert hydrogen gas into electrical energy to power the vehicle's engine 116. The hydrogen fuel cell 112 may comprise a proton exchange membrane (PEM) and catalysts to facilitate electrochemical reactions. It may also include a feedback control mechanism to regulate power output based on demand.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the load 114 may represent the various electrical and mechanical components of the vehicle 200 that require power. The load 114 may include, but not limited to, a lighting system, an infotainment system, an air conditioning unit, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the load 114 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] The hybrid vehicular power supply system 100 may ensure that all these components receive adequate power from the battery 104 and hydrogen fuel cell 112.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the engine 116 may be adapted to receive power from the hydrogen fuel cell 112. The engine 116 may be selected from a combustion engine, a fuel cell electric motor, a hybrid engine, a hydrogen internal combustion engine, or a combination thereof. The engine 116 may be designed to operate efficiently using the electrical energy provided by the hydrogen fuel cell 112 to ensure an optimal performance and reduced emissions.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a functional diagram of a hybrid vehicular power supply system with a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle 200 may be, but not limited to, a two-wheeler, a three-wheeler, a four-wheeler, a bus, a truck, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the vehicle 200 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] FIG. 3 depicts a method 300 for providing power to the vehicle 200 using the hybrid vehicular power supply system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] At step 302, the hybrid vehicular power supply system 100 may harness the sunlight using the solar panel 102 integrated into the vehicle 200 to generate the electrical energy.
[0038] At step 304, the hybrid vehicular power supply system 100 may store the generated electrical energy in the battery 104.
[0039] At step 306, the hybrid vehicular power supply system 100 may extract water vapor from the atmosphere using an atmospheric water generator 106 powered by the stored electrical energy and condense the extracted water vapor into liquid water.
[0040] At step 308, the hybrid vehicular power supply system 100 may store the condensed liquid water in the water storage cabin 108. The collected liquid water is transferred to the water storage cabin 108, where it is kept until needed for further processing.
[0041] At step 310, the hybrid vehicular power supply system 100 may conduct electrolysis on the stored liquid water in the water storage cabin 108 to split it into hydrogen and oxygen, and transfer the hydrogen to a hydrogen fuel cell 112. The electrolysis process may use the proton exchange membrane to efficiently separate the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gases. The hydrogen gas may then be directed to the hydrogen fuel cell 112.
[0042] At step 312, the hybrid vehicular power supply system 100 may power an engine 116 of the vehicle 200 by utilizing the hydrogen from the hydrogen fuel cell 112.
[0043] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0044] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A hybrid vehicular power supply system (100), based on solar and hydrogen power, the system (100) comprising:
a solar panel (102) integrated into a surface of a vehicle (200) and adapted to harness sunlight and generate electrical energy;
a battery (104) adapted to store the generated electrical energy;
an atmospheric water generator (106), by utilizing the generated electrical energy, adapted to extract water vapor from atmosphere and condense it into liquid water;
a water storage cabin (108) adapted to store the condensed liquid water, wherein the stored liquid water is undergone into an electrolysis to split the stored liquid water into hydrogen and oxygen; and
a hydrogen fuel cell (112) adapted to power an engine (116) of the vehicle (200) by utilizing the hydrogen from the water storage cabin (108).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water storage cabin (108) comprises a level indicator (110) for indicating a level of water.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrolysis process to split the stored liquid water into hydrogen and oxygen is facilitated by a proton exchange membrane.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydrogen fuel cell (112) comprises a feedback control mechanism to regulate power output based on a demand.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engine (116) is selected from a combustion engine, a fuel cell electric motor, a hybrid engine, hydrogen internal combustion engine, or a combination thereof.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solar panel (102) are arranged on a top surface of the vehicle (200).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the atmospheric water generator (106) comprises one or more condensation units positioned strategically on the vehicle (200) to efficiently extract water vapor from the atmosphere.
8. A method for providing power to a vehicle (200) using a hybrid vehicular power supply system (100), comprising steps of:
harnessing sunlight using a solar panel (102) integrated into the vehicle (200) to generate electrical energy;
storing the generated electrical energy in a battery (104);
extracting water vapor from atmosphere using an atmospheric water generator (106) powered by the stored electrical energy and condensing the extracted water vapor into a liquid water;
storing the condensed liquid water in a water storage cabin (108);
conducting electrolysis on the stored liquid water in the water storage cabin (108) to split it into hydrogen and oxygen, and transfer the hydrogen to a hydrogen fuel cell (112); and
powering an engine (116) of the vehicle (200) by utilizing the hydrogen from the hydrogen fuel cell (112).
Date: June 3, 2024
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)