Energy Harvesting From Suspension System of Vehicle

Abstract

For us humans main source of energy for past many years have been fossil fuels. As the population of world is ever increasing so is the consumption of fossil fuels. Due to the limited sources of fossil fuels their life has always been concern for humanity as fossil fuels are very dense energy source therefore are mostly relied by humans. With continued depletion humanity shall need either to find alternate sources or to increase efficiency of existing systems such that fate could be prolonged. Another concerning situation associated with the use of fossil fuels is the effect on the environment. Fossil fuels when burnt release emissions which have proved to be harmful to the atmosphere. These effects include, but are not limited to, global warming, acid rain and ozone depletion. All three have direct impact on the human life. My effort in this regard is to use the mechanical energy of the suspension system of vehicle to remove load of alternator from the engine to increase efficiency of engine. Harvesting energy from suspension system of vehicle shall be a viable option as energy generated is essentially lost to environment as heat which is of no use. Suspension has been essential part of vehicle for ages now. Along with the essential use for providing comfort and reliability, suspension will now be giving energy output. Internal combustion engines are not highly efficient. Petrol engines have an efficiency of about 25% while diesel engines are only 35% efficient which is quite limited. This means larger portion of the energy stored is being wasted as heat and other forms of energy. Though efforts are being made to improve efficiency yet no major breakthrough has been achieved in the field. In my work I shall be using vibrational energy of the suspension to generate electricity for the vehicle so that load on engine of the alternator could be removed. When vehicle moves there will be motion in suspension system which will have air pump attached. Due to motion air shall be pumped and stored into container which will have non return valve on inlet and pressure relief valve on the outlet. Non return valve will not let air escape while pressure relief valve will only open at set pressure which is required to operate next in line component piston. Piston cylinder assembly will be used. Piston shall have rack attached in the place of connecting rod. Rack in turn will rotate a pinion which shall be attached with a generator thus energy generation cycle will be complete. Energy generated shall then be used to power components of the vehicle and also recharge battery for starting of the vehicle.