Solar powered two wheeled vehicle with energy intensifying solar collector

• US 5,489,002 A
• Filed: 10/11/1994
• Issued: 02/06/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Glenn C. Streiff
• Original Assignee: Glenn C. Streiff
• Inventors: Streiff, Glenn C.
• Primary Examiner(s): HURLEY, KEVIN
• Application Number:
  US08/320,247
• Time in Patent Office: 483 Days
• Field of Search: 180/2.2, 180/220, 180/219, 180/65.1, 180/65.2, 180/65.3, 180/65.4, 180/65.8, 180/242, 180/243, 280/210, 280/212, 280/214, 280/215
• US Class Current: 180/65.31
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/12 Bikes
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/20 using propulsion power generated by humans or animals
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 8/003 Converting light into electric energy, e.g. by using photo-voltaic systems
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 6/45 Control or actuating devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 6/55 power-driven at crank shafts parts
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 6/85 Solar cells
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 23/30 with lenses
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 10/12 Hybrid wind-PV energy systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/40 Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors

Abstract

A solar powered two wheeled vehicle having energy intensifying solar collectors includes a two wheeled moped type vehicle supporting a motor generator and pedal driven crank operatively coupled to a rear drive wheel, The vehicle further includes a rear body portion defining a pair of forwardly open air ducts having wind driven generators supported therein. A pair of rechargeable batteries are further supported within the rear body portion and an array of solar energy converters are supported by a vertical panel support in a generally horizontal planar arrangement, The solar panel includes a lens for intensifying the solar energy applied to the solar cells within the panel array,

Claims

1. An electrically powered vehicle comprising:

a frame having a plurality of wheels;

a battery power supply;

a motor/generator operatively coupled to at least one of said wheels;

a user control electrically coupling said motor/generator to said battery power supply in either a motor or generator coupling;

a pedal crank rotatable by a user operatively coupled to said at least one wheel;

a body supported by said frame and defining a forwardly open air duct;

an impeller and generator supported within said air duct electrically coupled to said battery power supply;

a solar panel supported by said frame having an array of solar cells; and

an energy intensifying lens supported upon said panel and operative to gather solar energy and concentrate it upon said solar cells.

2. An electrically powered vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of wheels is a pair having a front wheel and a rear wheel.

3. An electrically powered vehicle as set forth in claim 2 wherein said at least one wheel is said rear wheel.

4. An electrically powered vehicle as set forth in claim 3 wherein said frame includes a seat support and a vertically extending solar panel support and wherein said solar panel is secured to said solar panel support.

5. An electrically powered vehicle as set forth in claim 4 wherein vehicle is a moped having said seat support positioned between said wheels and wherein said solar panel is supported in a generally horizontal orientation.

6. An electrically powered vehicle as set forth in claim 5 wherein said solar panel extends above said seat support.