Diffuser and turbine for vehicle
A diffuser system for a vehicle comprises a diffuser component mounted on the vehicle in a position to receive airflow when the vehicle is in motion. Further, a turbine component is provided in or associated with the diffuser component. The turbine component is driven by the airflow when the vehicle is in motion.
1. A diffuser system for a vehicle comprising:
a diffuser housing component mounted on the vehicle in a position to receive airflow when the vehicle is in motion, the diffuser housing component having a generally horizontal wall portion and an angled wall portion wherein the airflow has a substantially linear airflow pathway at the horizontal wall portion and a substantially nonlinear airflow pathway at the angled wall portion; and
a turbine component in or associated with the diffuser housing component, and moveable between a raised or lowered position relative to the diffuser housing component, the turbine component being driven by the airflow when the vehicle is in motion.
2. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the diffuser housing component is configured so as to create a first substantially linear airflow pathway and a second nonlinear airflow pathway, the turbine component being located in the second nonlinear airflow pathway.
3. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component comprises at least one roller having a series of peripheral fins thereon, the fins being positioned to receive airflow when the vehicle is in motion.
4. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component comprises a central spindle having a plurality of circumferential blades thereon, the circumferential blades being positioned to receive airflow when the vehicle is in motion.
5. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 3 wherein a pair of lateral rollers are provided.
6. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is contained wholly within the diffuser housing component.
7. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is contained partially within the diffuser housing component and partially outside of the diffuser housing component.
8. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is located on the outside of the diffuser housing component.
9. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is mounted on a frame selectively moveable relative to the diffuser housing component depending upon the speed of the vehicle and to optimize performance.
10. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is moveable between a raised or lowered relative to the diffuser housing component.
11. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 when incorporated as an integrated component during vehicle manufacture.
12. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 configured as an add-on device to a manufactured vehicle.
13. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an air shroud, the air shroud housing at least a portion of the turbine component.
14. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a generator, the turbine component and generator being connected to each other by a belt.
15. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is movable via pulleys, a continuously variable transmission, gears, and a combination thereof.
16. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is driven by airflow and provides energy for charging a battery of a vehicle.
17. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a battery for providing power to a hybrid or electrically driven vehicle.
18. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the turbine component is selectively engaged or disengaged.
19. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the turbine component is engaged or disengaged means of a clutch.
20. A diffuser system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the turbine component is retracted when in the disengaged position.