DE102019129743B4 - Flow wheel device for an electric vehicle, and electric vehicle with flow wheel device - Google Patents

Abstract

Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) for a vehicle, in particular for an electric vehicle (1), with an electrical energy storage device, comprising a housing (5), at least one flow wheel (6, 6'), at least one electrical generator (14) and a bearing unit (18), wherein the flow wheel (6, 6') comprises arms (9) arranged in a star shape with blade elements (10) and is arranged in the bearing unit (18) in the housing (5) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (8), wherein the flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) has a flow guide device (15), wherein the flow wheel (6) is arranged in the housing (5) in such a way that a circular segment of a circle formed by the arms (9) and blade elements (10) extends through a longitudinal opening (5a) of the housing (5) into the flow guide device (15), characterized in that the longitudinal opening (5a) of the housing (5) has a slope (24) on an inlet side, wherein the slope (24) runs from one end of a lower edge of the longitudinal opening (5a) at a predetermined angle, for example in the range of approximately 10° to 40°, upwards to an upper edge of the longitudinal opening (5a), wherein the longitudinal opening (5a) of the housing (5) has an arrow section (25) on an outlet side, the tip of which points towards the other side of the longitudinal opening (5a), and wherein a guide element (23) in the form of a flat strip with a pointed free end is attached to the longitudinal opening (5a) at a distance from the longitudinal opening (5a), wherein the pointed end points downwards and extends parallel to a rotation axis (8, 8') of the flow wheel (6, 6').

Description

The invention relates to a flow wheel device for an electric vehicle. The invention also relates to an electric vehicle with a flow wheel device.

Electric vehicles with electric motors that draw their energy from electrical energy storage units are (still) limited in their range. There are various solutions to increase the range, such as an additional small combustion engine that drives a generator to provide charging power for the electrical energy storage unit. Versions with fuel cells are also known, for example.

EN 10 2012 014 814 A1 describes energy recovery in motor vehicles, particularly in vehicles that have a radiator through which air flows. Wind energy is generated from the airflow that flows through the radiator grille using a wind turbine. The disadvantage is the space required for installation.

EN 10 2009 056 309 A1 relates to a motor vehicle with at least one airstream turbine which is driven by the airstream while the motor vehicle is traveling and drives a generator for generating electrical energy, wherein at least one air duct is provided on the motor vehicle through which the airstream is guided to the airstream turbine, and the airstream turbine is arranged on the roof of the motor vehicle and/or on the floor of the motor vehicle and/or on the hood of the motor vehicle and the axis of the airstream turbine runs in a vertical direction.

DE 20 2011 105 431 U1 specifies a wind generator for all types of vehicles, which is a funnel system that is driven by a pipe system, a fan wheel with a connected generator that is located in a turbine housing. The closed system is installed in the front area of vehicles. In hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles, the batteries can also be charged while driving.

DE 16 30 064 A describes a vehicle electrically propelled by means of storage batteries. A plurality of generators, electrical connections between the generators and the storage batteries supplying power to the vehicle are arranged on a front portion of the vehicle. Each generator has a drive shaft and on each drive shaft a propeller arranged to be rotated by the air displacement created by the forward motion of the vehicle. The drive shafts are arranged vertically and the propellers rotate in a horizontal plane. Each propeller consists of a plurality of radial arms with a hemispherical cup-shaped blade arranged near the ends of each arm.

EP 3 027 898 B1 relates to an auxiliary power generator comprising an outer shell provided with at least one inlet opening for a fluid and at least one outlet opening for the fluid; a rotor housed inside the shell along the path of the fluid from the inlet opening to the outlet opening; the rotor being provided with a plurality of blades for intercepting the fluid and an output shaft; an electric power generator housed inside the shell, provided with an input shaft mechanically connected to the output shaft of the rotor and provided with at least one electrical output terminal; and at least one electrical energy accumulator electrically connected to the electrical output terminal, the auxiliary generator further comprising a multiplier housed inside the shell and mechanically located between the output shaft of the rotor and the input shaft of the electric power generator. The rotor is provided with at least two sections, each provided with a corresponding configuration of blades for intercepting the fluid, the configuration of the blades of one section being different from those of the axially adjacent section.

DE 20 2015 006 247 U1 indicates a wind generator that supplies energy. The device can be provided with an air duct wind tunnel housing that directs the air into a narrow system where it is guided to a blade wheel to set it in rotation. The energy supplied by the wind generator can be stored. The wind generator can be installed or attached to the side of, under or on top of a vehicle. It has electronics for control and regulation.

There is an ever-increasing need to extend the ranges of electric vehicles.

Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to improve a flow wheel device for an electric vehicle, whereby the use of the air flows on the moving vehicle for conversion into electrical energy can be increased.

The object is achieved by a flow wheel device having the features of claim 1.

The object is also achieved by an electric vehicle having the features of claim 18.

A flow wheel device according to the invention for a vehicle, in particular for an electric vehicle, with an electrical energy storage device has a housing, at least one flow wheel, at least one electrical generator and a bearing unit. The flow wheel comprises star-shaped arms with blade elements and is arranged in the bearing unit in the housing so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation.

A particular advantage is that the flow wheel device forms a ready-to-install unit with the housing.

An electric vehicle according to the invention with at least one electrical energy storage device and at least one flow wheel device is equipped with the flow wheel device according to the invention described above.

This provides an electric vehicle whose electrical energy storage device can be recharged by the flow wheel device while the electric vehicle is driving. The range is thus advantageously extended.

In one embodiment, the arms of the flow wheel are each attached centrally to a disk at one end and extend radially outwards, with at least one blade element attached to the other end of each arm. This results in an advantageous modular structure that can be easily adapted to different installation positions in a vehicle.

In one embodiment, the blade element can have a rotational geometry, e.g. paraboloid, hyperboloid, and/or hemisphere, with an axis. The blade element can also be elliptical. This is advantageous because such shapes can be easily manufactured as molded parts, e.g. from metallic materials. For non-metallic materials or composite materials, these parts can also be easily manufactured, e.g. as injection molded parts.

It is advantageous if the blade element is attached to the other end of the arm with a fastening element, as this not only enables easy assembly but also adaptation to different applications with different shapes and/or sizes of blade elements.

In another embodiment, the fastening element can be a screw with a head designed as a weight. This makes it easier to balance the flow wheel.

In an alternative embodiment, the blade element can be designed as a wing profile. A wing profile can be designed for certain flow patterns and thus not only advantageously expand the application area but also increase the efficiency of the flow wheel.

In yet another embodiment, the flow wheel device has a flow guide device. A particular advantage here is that the air flow occurring due to a driving movement of the associated vehicle is directed in a targeted manner onto the flow wheel, in particular onto the blade elements. The flow guide device can be designed in such a way that losses of flow energy, e.g. due to turbulence in the air flow, can be largely prevented.

A particularly advantageous compact design according to the invention results when the flow wheel is arranged in the housing in such a way that a circular segment of a circle formed by the arms and blade elements extends through a longitudinal opening of the housing into the flow guide device.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the flow guide device has at least one controllable flap. This is advantageous if the flow wheel device is provided with a control device which can influence the direction and quantity of the air flow, for which a controllable flap can be suitable.

Another special advantage for a compact and lightweight design is that at least one electrical generator is a hub generator.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one electrical generator can be a disk generator, which also offers advantages in assembly and installation space.

A further embodiment provides that the flow wheel device has a control device which is designed to adapt the electrical power supplied by the generator to the electrical storage of the associated electric vehicle and to This control device can be part of the structural unit of the flow wheel device or can be arranged additionally. It is also conceivable that such a control device is part of a charging management/charging control of the electrical energy storage device of the associated electric vehicle.

It is advantageous if the control device influences the flow wheel device via a control output in such a way that an air flow in the flow guide device is changed by means of at least one flap.

For an advantageously flat design, the at least one flow wheel device can be designed as a horizontal flow wheel device in order to be arranged in a space-saving manner, for example, in a roof area and/or in an underbody area of an associated vehicle.

If the at least one flow wheel device is designed as a vertical flow wheel device, an advantageous extension of the possibilities for installation in a vehicle can be achieved.

However, it is also conceivable that other designs and installation positions besides a horizontal or vertical design may be possible.

In the embodiment according to the invention, the longitudinal opening of the housing has a slope on an inlet side, wherein the slope runs from one end of a lower edge of the longitudinal opening at a predetermined angle, for example in the range of approximately 10° to 40°, upwards to an upper edge of the longitudinal opening. This is advantageous because the flow can be concentrated on the blade elements, i.e. efficiency can be increased.

According to the invention, an advantageous improvement in the flow of the blade elements is achieved in that the longitudinal opening of the housing has an arrow section on one outlet side, the tip of which points towards the other side of the longitudinal opening.

In a further embodiment according to the invention, a guide element in the form of a flat strip with a tapered free end is attached to the longitudinal opening at a distance from the longitudinal opening, the tapered end pointing downwards and extending parallel to an axis of rotation of the flow wheel. This allows a further advantageous improvement in the flow to the blade elements to be achieved.

Another embodiment provides that the housing with the flow wheel device can be pivoted about a pivot axis that runs parallel to a center axis of an associated vehicle. This results in the advantage of improved flow to the blade elements.

If the at least one flow wheel device is arranged on a swivel plate which can be swiveled about a longitudinal axis which runs parallel to a central axis of an associated vehicle, the flow in the direction of travel of the associated vehicle can be advantageously used more effectively. For this purpose, the swivel plate can be advantageously adjusted by the control device, e.g. depending on parameters of the flow.

A further embodiment provides that at least one flow wheel device is arranged on a base plate which can be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation. This is advantageous because the flow wheel device can also be operated by air currents which do not run in the direction of travel of the associated vehicle, e.g. crosswind when the vehicle is not moving, if the base plate is rotated by the control device, e.g. depending on the direction of the air currents.

In another embodiment, at least one guide element is arranged as an elongated web in a flow guide device, wherein the guide element extends in a central axis of the flow guide device. This allows advantageous separation of flows, whereby mixing of the flows can be prevented.

If at least one pivotable guide element is arranged in a flow guide device, this can be adjusted by means of the control device depending on parameters of the air flow and the associated flow wheel for an advantageous optimization of the flow to the blade elements of the flow wheel.

In one embodiment of the electric vehicle, the flow guide device can have at least one outlet opening. The advantage of this is that no congestion of air flows occurs in the flow guide devices or congestion can be reduced.

• 1 eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Elektrofahrzeugs mit erfindungsgemäßen Strömungsradvorrichtungen;
• 2 eine schematische Draufsicht auf ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Strömungsradvorrichtung;
• 3 eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines beispielhaften Schaufelelementes;
• 4-5a schematische Draufsichten von erfindungsgemäßen Strömungsradvorrichtungen nach 2;
• 6 eine schematische Seitenansicht einer weiteren Variante des Ausführungsbeispiels nach 2;
• 7-9 schematische Perspektivansichten einer Variante der erfindungsgemäßen Strömungsradvorrichtung mit einem Gehäuse;
• 10-11 schematische Perspektivansichten eines weiteren Elektrofahrzeugs;
• 12-13 schematische Perspektivansichten einer Variante der Strömungsradvorrichtung nach 5a;
• 14-15 schematische Perspektivansichten einer Unterseite des Elektrofahrzeugs nach 10-11;
• 16-18 weitere schematische Ansichten des Elektrofahrzeugs nach 10-11;
• 19 eine schematische Ansicht einer Variante des Schaufelelementes nach 3; und
• 20 eine schematische Perspektivansicht von Leitelementen.

The invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 a schematic side view of an electric vehicle with flow wheel devices according to the invention;
• 2 a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a flow wheel device according to the invention;
• 3 a schematic perspective view of an exemplary blade element;
• 4-5a schematic plan views of flow wheel devices according to the invention 2 ;
• 6 a schematic side view of a further variant of the embodiment according to 2 ;
• 7-9 schematic perspective views of a variant of the flow wheel device according to the invention with a housing;
• 10-11 schematic perspective views of another electric vehicle;
• 12-13 schematic perspective views of a variant of the flow wheel device according to 5a ;
• 14-15 schematic perspective views of a bottom of the electric vehicle according to 10-11 ;
• 16-18 further schematic views of the electric vehicle after 10-11 ;
• 19 a schematic view of a variant of the blade element according to 3 ; and
• 20 a schematic perspective view of guiding elements.

In 1 a schematic side view of an electric vehicle 1 with flow wheel devices 2, 3 according to the invention is shown.

Coordinates x, y, z are used for orientation. The x-coordinate points in the direction of travel of the electric vehicle 1. The y-coordinate runs along the width of the vehicle and the z-coordinate is vertical.

The arrangement and the number of flow wheel devices 2, 3 are shown only as examples. A horizontal flow wheel device 2 is arranged in the roof area, another in the front area and one on the underside of the electric vehicle 1. Vertical flow wheel devices 3 are indicated in the area of the wheels of the electric vehicle.

The term "horizontal" flow wheel device 2 means that the flow wheel device 2 lies in a horizontal plane, whereas the "vertical" flow wheel device 3 lies in a vertical plane. Of course, other intermediate positions are also conceivable.

The electric vehicle 1 is equipped with at least one electrical energy storage device and at least one electric drive. The energy storage device and drive are not shown, but are easy to imagine.

The flow wheel devices 2, 3 each convert energy from air flows 4 during the travel movement of the electric vehicle 1 in the direction of travel in the direction of the x-axis into electrical energy, which is made available to the electrical energy storage device of the electric vehicle 1 as charging energy.

In 2 a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a flow wheel device 2 according to the invention is shown.

The flow wheel device 2 comprises a housing 5, a flow wheel 6, an electric generator 14, a flow guide device 15 and a bearing unit 18 (see 6 ).

The air flow 4 causes a rotational movement of the flow wheel 6 about a rotation axis 8. The rotational movement of the flow wheel 6 is transmitted to the generator 14. In this way, the generator 14 converts flow energy of the air flow 4 into electrical energy, which is stored in the electrical storage of the electric vehicle 1.

In the example shown, the flow wheel device 2 is arranged in a horizontal x-y plane, with a rotation axis 8 of the flow wheel 6 lying here in the z-axis.

The housing 5 surrounds the flow wheel 6, which is mounted in the housing 5 in at least one bearing unit 18 (see 6 ) is rotatably mounted about the rotation axis 8. The housing 5 has a longitudinal opening 5a on one side of the housing in the x-direction in the plane of the flow wheel 6.

The flow wheel 6 comprises star-shaped arms 9 with blade elements 10. In the embodiment shown, the arms 9 are centrally attached to a disk 7 or a hub or a hub element.

The disc 7 is arranged centrally coaxially to the rotation axis 8, e.g. in connection with a bearing shaft (not shown) of the bearing unit 18.

In the embodiment shown, the flow wheel 6 has sixteen arms 9. Each arm 9 is attached centrally to the disk 7 with a first end, which is also referred to as the inner end, and extends radially outward. A blade element 10 is attached to the other end of each arm 9. The blade element 10 is fixed to the arm 9 with a fastening element 11.

The flow wheel 6 is arranged in the housing 5 such that a circular segment of a circle formed by the arms 9 and blade elements 10 extends through the longitudinal opening 5a of the housing 5 into the flow guide device 15.

The flow guide device 15 has an inlet 16, 16a, a central section 15a and an outlet 17, 17a. Parts of the inlet 16a and the outlet 17a are sections of the housing 5. A section of the side of the housing 5 in which the longitudinal opening 5a is made can also be a part or section of the central section 15a of the flow guide device 15. It is also possible for the flow guide device 15 and the housing 5 to be formed in one piece. The flow guide device 15 can be attached to the housing 5.

The air flow 4 that occurs when the electric vehicle 1 moves in the x-direction is captured by the inlet 16, 16a, which has a funnel shape that narrows inwards and forms a nozzle, compressed and directed into an air flow section 4a that is directed onto the blade elements 10. This flow is then directed as a further directed air flow section 4b tangentially onto the blade elements 10 of the flow wheel 6. The air flow sections 4a, 4b are only shown schematically in a simplified manner.

In this way, the flow wheel 6 is driven by the air flow 4 and causes the rotational movement 8a of the flow wheel 6 about the rotation axis 8, here in the counterclockwise direction.

The air flow 4 leaves the flow guide device 15 as outlet flow 4c through the outlet 17, 17a of the flow guide device 15. The outlet 17, 17a is here funnel-shaped and widens outwards.

In this example, the rotary motion 8a of the flow wheel 6 is transmitted to a generator 14 by means of a gear 12. The gear 12 has the disk 7 with a toothing 7a as a drive wheel, a toothed belt as the first traction means 12a, an intermediate wheel 13 and another toothed belt as the second traction means 13a. The disk 7 transmits the rotary motion 8a via the first traction means 12a to the intermediate wheel 13, which transmits its rotary motion to the generator 14 via the second traction means 13a. The speed of the generator 14 can be adjusted by means of the gear 12. In addition, the arrangement of the intermediate wheel 13 enables the generator 14 to be positioned at any point in the housing 5.

3 represents a schematic perspective view of an exemplary blade element 10.

The blade element 10 here has a rotational geometry, e.g. paraboloid or hyperboloid, with an axis 10a and is attached to the outer end of the arm 9 with the fastening element 11. The fastening element 11 here is a screw with a head designed as a weight. Such a weight can also be attached as an additional component. The flow wheel 6 can be balanced using such weights.

The flow guide device 15 is designed here such that the flow section 4b runs parallel to the axis 10a of the blade elements 10.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, the blade element 10 can be a hemisphere, for example. Other shapes are of course possible. For example, the outer ends of the arms 9 can be designed as wing profile sections. This is not shown but is easy to imagine.

In 4 and 5 are schematic plan views of flow wheel devices 2 according to the invention 2 shown.

4 shows a variant of the embodiment according to 2 , whereby instead of the disk 7 a hub (not shown in detail) is connected to the inner ends of the arms 9. This hub can be designed as a hub generator, for example. A separately arranged generator 14 is therefore not necessary.

The housing 5 is provided here with a cylindrical wall, the diameter of which corresponds to the flow wheel 6. In addition, the housing 5 is connected to the flow guide device 15 in a suitable manner.

The variant according to 5 shows two flow wheel devices 2 and 2' arranged next to each other, which are mirrored on the x-axis. The flow wheel devices 2, 2' are arranged according to the 4 shown embodiment. The flow wheels 6, 6' have counter-rotating movements 8a, 8'a. Such an arrangement can be used on an electric vehicle 1 as in 1 shown eg in the roof area and/or in the floor area. In this case, a lateral air flow 4 is provided on both sides of the electric vehicle 1 to drive the flow wheels 6, 6'.

In 5a is the variant according to 5 shown in a sub-variant.

The sub-variant according to 5a differs from the variant according to 5 in the arrangement of the flow guide device 15. This is arranged centrally between the two flow wheel devices 2, 2' and has a common inlet 16 and a common outlet 17 for both flow wheel devices 2, 2'. An imaginary center line of the flow guide device 15 is in the 5a indicated by dash-dotted lines, runs parallel to an imaginary center line of the associated electric vehicle 1 and lies in an xy-plane.

The middle section 15a comprises sections of the side walls of both housings 2, 2' of the two flow wheel devices 2, 2'.

In a further embodiment, not shown but easily conceivable, a partition wall can be arranged in the middle section 15a in the area of the imaginary center line of the flow guide device 15 between the flow wheels 6 and 6'. This partition wall runs in the direction of the imaginary center line and in an x-z plane. By means of this partition wall, the middle section 15a is divided into two flow channels, which have the common inlet 15 and outlet 17, but do not influence each other.

This arrangement according to 5a can be used on an electric vehicle 1 as in 1 shown, e.g. in the roof area and/or in the floor area. The central air flow 4 of the electric vehicle 1 is used to drive both flow wheels 6, 6'.

6 shows a schematic side view of a further variant of the embodiment according to 2

In this variant, the generator 14 is designed as a so-called disk generator and is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation 8 of the flow wheel 6.

Here, the disk 7 of the flow wheel 6 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a rotor 14a of the generator 14, wherein a stator 14b of the generator 14 is connected in a fixed position, e.g. to the housing 5 (not shown here, but easily imaginable).

The length of an arm 9 of the flow wheel 6 is referred to here as a radius r. Depending on the force of the air flow 4, which (simplifying assumption) acts on the respective axis 10a of a blade element 10, and on the radius r, a certain torque results around the axis of rotation 8, which acts on the generator 14 and influences its electrical power. The electrical power provided by the generator 14 is also dependent on the speed of the flow wheel 6 around the axis of rotation 8.

Below the generator 14, the bearing unit 18 is also mounted coaxially to the axis of rotation 8, which here fixes the stator 14b of the generator 14 in place and has a suitable rotary bearing for the flow wheel 6. This is not shown further here.

In an embodiment not shown but conceivable, the generator 14 can form a common unit together with the bearing unit 18. The generator 14 can be integrated in the bearing unit 18.

The generator 14 as a disk generator is connected to a control device 20 via an electrically conductive cable 19. The control device 20 in turn has a charging output 21 and a control output 22.

The control device 20 is designed to adapt the electrical power supplied by the generator 14 to the electrical storage device of the electric vehicle 1 and to make it available to it accordingly. For this purpose, the charging output 21 of the control device 20 is connected to the electrical storage device of the electric vehicle 1 or to a control unit of this electrical storage device.

The control device 20 can adapt the electrical voltage supplied by the generator 14 to a voltage suitable for the electrical storage of the electric vehicle 1. The control device 20 can also adapt a current supplied by the generator 14 to a charging current suitable for the electrical storage of the electric vehicle 1.

In this way, the energy converted from the flow energy of the air flow 4 into electrical energy by the flow wheel device 2, 2' (or by several flow wheel devices 2, 2', 3) and the generator 14 coupled to the flow wheel device 2, 2', 3 is used to charge, maintain and/or recharge the electrical storage device of the electric vehicle 1. This increases the range of the electric vehicle 1.

The control device 20 can also control the flow wheel device 2, 2', 3 in different Way via the control output 22. For example, it is possible that the air flow 4, for example in orientation and/or quantity, in the flow guide device 15 can be influenced by means of the control output 22. For this purpose, the flow guide device 15 can have flaps, for example in the inlet 16, 16a, which change the direction of the air flow 4. These flaps can close the inlet 16, 16a completely, e.g. when no charging current is required from the generator 14. Instead of closing the inlet 16, 16a, the flaps can direct the air flow past the blade elements 10 into a bypass line. It is also possible that such flaps are provided to guide the air flow 4, 4a, 4b in its direction and thus in its impact on the blade elements 10 for the purpose of optimizing and/or reducing performance.

The control device 20 can also brake or block the flow wheel 6, for example, by influencing the generator 14 in this regard. This can be achieved, for example, by an electrically controlled mechanical lock. It is also conceivable to electrically influence the output of the generator 14 by connecting various load resistors.

The flow guiding device 15 itself or parts thereof can also be integrated into a body of the electric vehicle 1.

The flow wheel device 2, 2', 3 can be a ready-to-install unit together with the housing 5. The flow guide device 15 can also be part of such an installation unit.

7-9 represent schematic perspective views of a variant of the flow wheel device 2, 2', 3 according to the invention with a housing 5. 7 shows an inlet side. 8th shows a top view of the longitudinal opening 5a. In 9 a run-out page is shown.

The variant of the flow wheel device 2, 2', 3 according to the invention shown here is a compact unit. The flow wheel 6 is mounted in the circular-cylindrical housing 5 so that it can rotate in the direction of rotation 8a about the axis of rotation 8, 8'. Above and below the housing 5, at least one disk generator can be mounted in a rotary connection with the flow wheel 6. This is not shown here, but is easy to imagine.

The housing 5 has the longitudinal opening 5a, which is formed in the circular cylindrical side wall. This makes it possible for the air flow 4 to strike the blade elements 10 of the flow wheel 6 tangentially.

Tests have shown that a slope 24 on the inlet side of the longitudinal opening 5a has a positive effect on the flow of the blade elements 10. This slope 24 runs from one end of a lower edge of the longitudinal opening 5a at an angle in the range of approximately 10° to 40° upwards to an upper edge of the longitudinal opening 5a.

Furthermore, tests have shown that the flow to the blade elements 10 is further improved if the end of the longitudinal opening 5a is on the outlet side (see 9 ) is provided with an arrow section 25. The tip of the arrow section 25 points towards the inlet side. The arrow section 25 is located in a middle plane of the longitudinal opening.

A further positive influence on the flow of the blade elements 10 of the flow wheel 6 can be achieved by a guide element 23.

The guide element 23 is designed as a flat strip, e.g. made of metal, with a tapered free end. The other end of the strip is bent by 90° and attached to the housing 5. The section of the strip is located at a distance in front of the longitudinal opening 5a such that the tapered end points downwards and extends parallel to the axis of rotation 8, 8'. The width of the strip of the guide element 23 corresponds approximately to the width of the longitudinal opening 5a in the direction of the axis of rotation 8, 8'.

In 9 a pivotable mounting of the housing 5 by means of a holder 26 is also shown. The housing 5 with the flow wheel device 2, 2', 3 can be pivoted in this way about an axis 26a which runs in the direction of the air flow 4. Tests have shown that the flow of the blade elements 10 can be influenced by pivoting the plane of the flow wheel 6 in order to achieve a maximum speed of the flow wheel 6.

10-11 show schematic perspective views of another electric vehicle 1'.

The electric vehicle 1' is equipped in its roof area in a roof 28 with two flow wheel devices 2, which in a basic position according to 5a are arranged.

Each flow wheel device 2 is arranged under a pivot plate 27. The pivot plates 27 can each be rotated by a Pivoting axis 27a can be pivoted in order to influence the flow of the flow wheels 6. 11 shows a pivoted-up position of the pivot plates 27. The pivot axes 27a run parallel to each other and parallel to an imaginary central axis of the electric vehicle 1' in the x-direction.

The pivot plates 27 are here semicircular and are arranged in openings in the roof 28 corresponding to their shape in the basic position, whereby they form a common surface with the roof 28.

A pivoting of the pivot plates 27 about the pivot axes 27a can be carried out automatically by the control device 20, which determines the rotational speed of the flow wheels 6 and the flow parameters of the air flow 4.

The electric vehicle 1' also has two flow wheel devices 2 under a front hood 29. These two flow wheel devices 2 are also 5a The flow takes place through inlet openings on both sides of the flow guide devices 15 at the front of the electric vehicle 1'. A front section 15b of the flow guide device 15 is designed in such a way that the air resistance of the electric vehicle 1' is reduced (see also 17 ).

12-13 show schematic perspective views of a variant of the flow wheel device 2, 2' according to 5a .

The flow wheels 6 are arranged with associated flow guide devices 15 on a circular base plate 31. A guide element 32 runs between the two flow wheels 6. It can have different heights in the z-direction. The guide element 32 is designed here as an elongated, narrow web that is rounded at the end.

The base plate 31 is in turn mounted on a base 30 so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation 31a. The base 30 also has flow guide devices 15 which are each adapted to the flow guide devices 15 of the base plate 31 in different positions of the base plate 31.

12 shows a first position of the base plate 31 with the flow wheel devices 2, in which the guide element 32 runs in the x-direction, ie in the direction of travel. This position is assumed when the electric vehicle 1' travels in the direction of travel in the x-direction.

In the position that 13 shows, the base plate 31 is rotated by an angle >90° to the x-direction. This position can be adopted when the electric vehicle is stationary or parked and side wind or air currents acting from the side are to be utilized. In this way, the flow wheel device 2, 2' can also be operated when the vehicle is stationary. Of course, this also applies in the first position when there is a front or tail wind and the vehicle is stationary.

The underside of the electric vehicle 1' also has four flow wheel devices 2. 14-15 schematic perspective views of a bottom of the electric vehicle 1' according to 10-11 . 16-18 show further schematic views of the electric vehicle 1' after 10-11 . 16 a partial page view, 17 a front view and 18 a rear view of the electric vehicle 1'.

On each side of the electric vehicle 1', two consecutive flow wheel devices 2, 2' are arranged according to 5a arranged on a floor 33 of the electric vehicle 1'. A guide element 32 is designed as an elongated web, extends in the center axis of the vehicle in the x-direction on the floor 33 and serves to guide, divide and delimit the flows. Side outlet openings 15c, 15'c and rear outlet openings 34, 34' (see 18 ) of the flow guide device 15, 15' allow an unhindered outlet of the outlet flow(s) 4c of the flow wheels 6, 6', whereby an air resistance of the electric vehicle 1' is kept low.

The 14-15 show in their views the flow wheel devices 2 under the floor 33 of the electric vehicle 1'. Not shown is a cover of the entire floor space, which provides closure and protection of the 14-15 shown area to the roadway.

In the x-direction in front of the rear wheels there is a vertical flow wheel device 3, which 16 is clearly visible.

The front view according to 17 also shows add-on elements 35, which here are side rear-view mirrors. It is also conceivable that the electric vehicle 1' is only equipped with cameras instead of side rear-view mirrors. In the front view, the bow can be clearly seen as the front section 15b of the electric vehicle 1' with a flow-optimized shape. The inlet openings of the flow guide device 15 are arranged on both sides of the front section 15b.

19 shows a schematic view of a variant of the blade element 10 according to 3 represents.

In this variant, the blade element 10 is elliptical. This shape has proven to be particularly advantageous due to extensive testing.

Finally, 20 two guide elements 36 in a schematic perspective view. The guide elements 36 each have a flat rectangular base and a semicircular cross-section. The guide elements 36 can each be pivoted about a pivot axis 36a in certain arrangements. For example, the guide elements 36 can be used on the add-on elements 35 to reduce air resistance. It is also possible for the guide elements 36 to be components of the flow guide devices 15, 15'. An adjustment, ie pivoting of the guide elements 36 about their respective pivot axis 36a can be carried out by drives that are adjusted by the control device 20 based on previously determined and/or currently recorded parameters (flow velocity, speed of the flow wheels 6, charging current of the generators 14, charge state of the electrical storage devices, etc.).

The flow wheel device 2, 2', 3 can also be used in vehicles that have an electrical energy storage device that is additionally charged by the flow wheel device 2, 2', 3. An additional electrical energy storage device can also be provided for this purpose. This is particularly advantageous in commercial vehicles if, for example, the flow wheel device 2, 2', 3 is also operated by air currents when the vehicle is stationary during the prescribed rest periods.

The invention is not limited by the embodiment described above, but can be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

It is conceivable that the blade elements 10 and the arms 9 are formed as one piece. The disk 7 can also be a component of this one-piece design.

The blade elements 10 can each consist of two or more shell sections.

The electrical storage of the electric vehicle 1, which is charged by the flow wheel device 2, 2', 3, can also be an additional electrical storage which is not used to drive the electric vehicle 1, but for example for lighting, heating, etc. As a result, the main storage of the electric vehicle 1 is not burdened by these consumers and the range of the vehicle is increased.

It is also possible for the flow guide device 15 to have means for preventing ice formation. These can be, for example, heating elements, for example on and/or in the inlet 16, 16a.

The upper sides of the swivel plates 27 and/or the front hood 29 can additionally be provided with solar cell units, which can charge the electrical storage via the control device 20, which has a suitable charging circuit for this purpose.

It is also conceivable that

List of reference symbols

1, 1'

Electric vehicle

2, 2', 3

Flow wheel device

4

Air flow

4a, 4b

Air flow section

4c

Outlet flow

5, 5'

Housing

5a, 5'a

Longitudinal opening

6, 6'

Flow wheel

7

disc

7a

Gearing

8, 8'

Rotation axis

8a, 8'a

Direction of rotation

9

poor

10

Shovel element

10a

axis

11

Fastener

12

transmission

12a

Traction device

13

Intermediate gear

13a

Traction device

14

generator

14a

runner

14b

stator

15, 15'

Flow control device

15a, 15'a

Middle section

15b

Front section

15c, 15'c

Outlet opening

16, 16'; 16a, 16'a

inlet

17, 17'; 17a, 17'a

Outlet

18

Storage unit

19

Cable

20

Control device

21

Charging output

22

Control output

23

Guide element

24

Slope

25

Arrow section

26

bracket

26a

axis

27

Swivel plate

27a

Swivel axis

28

Roof

29

Front hood

30

Base

31

Base plate

31a

Rotation axis

32

Guide element

33

Floor

34, 34'

Outlet opening

35

Add-on element

36

Guide element

36a

Swivel axis

r

radius

x, y, z

coordinate

Claims (21)

Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) for a vehicle, in particular for an electric vehicle (1), with an electrical energy storage device, comprising a housing (5), at least one flow wheel (6, 6'), at least one electrical generator (14) and a bearing unit (18), wherein the flow wheel (6, 6') comprises arms (9) arranged in a star shape with blade elements (10) and is arranged in the bearing unit (18) in the housing (5) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (8), wherein the flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) has a flow guide device (15), wherein the flow wheel (6) is arranged in the housing (5) in such a way that a circular segment of a circle formed by the arms (9) and blade elements (10) extends through a longitudinal opening (5a) of the housing (5) into the flow guide device (15), characterized in that the longitudinal opening (5a) of the housing (5) has a slope (24) on an inlet side, wherein the slope (24) runs from one end of a lower edge of the longitudinal opening (5a) at a predetermined angle, for example in the range of approximately 10° to 40°, upwards to an upper edge of the longitudinal opening (5a), wherein the longitudinal opening (5a) of the housing (5) has an arrow section (25) on an outlet side, the tip of which points towards the other side of the longitudinal opening (5a), and wherein a guide element (23) in the form of a flat strip with a pointed free end is attached to the longitudinal opening (5a) at a distance from the longitudinal opening (5a), wherein the pointed end points downwards and extends parallel to a rotation axis (8, 8') of the flow wheel (6, 6'). Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the arms (9) of the flow wheel (6, 6') are each fastened centrally at one end to a disc (7) and extend radially outwards, wherein at least one blade element (10) is attached to the respective other end of each arm (9). Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the blade element (10) has a rotational geometry, e.g. paraboloid, hyperboloid, and/or hemisphere, with an axis (10a). Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the blade element (10) is elliptical. Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to one of the Claims 2 until 4 , characterized in that the blade element (10) is attached to the other end of the arm (9) with a fastening element (11). Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the fastening element (11) is a screw with a head designed as a weight. Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to one of the Claims 3 until 6 , characterized in that the blade element (10) is designed as a wing profile. Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow guiding device (15) has at least one controllable flap. Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one electrical generator (14) is a hub generator. Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the at least one electrical generator (14) is a disk generator. Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) has a control device (20) which is designed to adapt the electrical power supplied by the generator (14) to the electrical storage device of the associated electric vehicle (1) and to make it available to the latter accordingly. Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the control device (20) influences the flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) via a control output (22) such that an air flow (4) in the flow guide device (15) is changed by means of at least one flap. Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (5) with the flow wheel device (2, 2') is pivotable about a pivot axis (26a) which runs parallel to a central axis of an associated vehicle. Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one flow wheel device (2, 2') is arranged on a pivot plate (27) which is pivotable about a longitudinal axis (27a) which runs parallel to a central axis of an associated vehicle. Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one flow wheel device (2, 2') is arranged on a base plate (31) which is rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation (31 a). Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one guide element (32) is arranged as an elongated web in a flow guide device (15, 15'), wherein the guide element (32) extends in a central axis of the flow guide device (15, 15'). Flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pivotable guide element (36) is arranged in a flow guide device (15, 15'). Electric vehicle (1, 1') with at least one electrical energy storage device and at least one flow wheel device (2, 2', 3), characterized in that the at least one flow wheel device (2, 2', 3) is designed as a flow wheel device (2) according to one of the preceding claims. Electric vehicle (1, 1') to Claim 18 , characterized in that the at least one flow wheel device (2, 2') is designed as a horizontal flow wheel device (2). Electric vehicle (1) by Claim 18 or 19 , characterized in that the at least one flow wheel device (3) is designed as a vertical flow wheel device (3). Electric vehicle (1) according to one of the Claims 18 until 20 , characterized in that the flow guiding device (15, 15') has at least one outlet opening (15c, 15', 34, 34').

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