posted on Jul, 11 2008 @ 12:08 AM
A lot of folks shot this idea down, and i think that is a bit premature.
no, this isn't a stand alone solution. but it could be another weapon in our box. consider:
1. when in town, you will go, and then stop. when stopping, as the break is depressed, the turbines could be actuated and then generate some
current. It doesn't add a lot. but you also gain additional resistance, or stopping power. this reduces brake wear.
2. while on the highway, you will use cruise control. at times, while going down a hill, the cruise control won't be able to keep you below the
speed you set. being able to actuate the turbines then would also add some charge (and extend the 150 mile limit on current electrics) and maintain a
steady speed.
it is another tool to use in an electric option. maybe it won't help much...who knows.
if you want my opinion, ww need to be looking at piezoelectrics. if you could embed billions of nanogenerators in the vehicle itself, and generate
current from ambient vibrations, how much energy could you generate? Add in things like thermoelectric tires (they have a silicone material that can
act as a thermoelectric), along with solar coverings (like the Czeers solar powered boat), and the wind turbines...how long before you can
independantly generate enough clean, free energy just by the excellent engineering of the car itself?