Hydraulic roadbed electricity generating apparatus and method

Abstract

A roadbed generator provides a roadbed collector positioned within a roadbed. The roadbed collector engages passing vehicles collecting kinetic energy therefrom, which is converted to electrical energy that is collected and passed to a load for use. In one embodiment a roadbed collector is a piston positioned below a hinged surface plate that forms part of the roadbed. Passing vehicles drive the plate and piston down into a cylinder containing hydraulic fluid, driving the hydraulic fluid from the cylinder to a hydraulic generator. A return spring coupled to the surface plate force the plate back into an elevated position after a vehicle has passed on. In some embodiments an expansion tank interposed between the cylinder and generator forces fluid back into the cylinder causing the piston to move upwardly in preparation for engaging another vehicle.

1 . A generator for a roadbed having a driving surface comprising: 
 a surface element at least partially moveable relative to the roadbed;    a mechanical collector positioned below the driving surface and being actutated by the surface element; and    a generator coupled to the mechanical collector to convert mechanical movement of the mechanical collector into electrical energy.    
   
   
       2 . The generator of  claim 1 , wherein the generator is electrically coupled to a power grid.  
   
   
       3 . The generator of  claim 1 , wherein the generator is electrically coupled to an auxiliary roadway system.  
   
   
       4 . The generator of  claim 1 , wherein the surface element comprises a plate having a fixed end pivotally secured to the roadbed.  
   
   
       5 . The generator of  claim 4 , wherein the plate comprises a free end having a lip extending downwardly therefrom.  
   
   
       6 . The generator of  claim 4 , wherein the mechanical collector comprises a piston and cylinder, the piston being slidably positioned within the cylinder and engaging the plate to be actuated thereby, the generator comprising a hydraulic generator in fluid communication with the cylinder.  
   
   
       7 . The generator of  claim 6 , wherein a first channel connects the cylinder to an inlet of the hydraulic generator, an expansion tank being connected to the first channel.  
   
   
       8 . The generator of  claim 7 , further comprising a reservoir in fluid communication with an outlet of the hydraulic generator.  
   
   
       9 . The generator of  claim 8 , wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with the cylinder having a first check valve interposed therebetween permitting outward flow from the reservoir.  
   
   
       10 . The generator of  claim 9 , further comprising a second check valve interposed between the cylinder and the expansion tank permitting outward flow from the cylinder.  
   
   
       11 . The generator of  claim 1 , wherein the surface element comprises a domed structure having an uppermost portion thereof positionable above the roadbed.  
   
   
       12 . The generator of  claim 10 , wherein the mechanical collector comprises a piston and cylinder, the piston being slidably positioned within the cylinder and engaging the domed structure to be actuated thereby, the generator comprising a hydraulic generator in fluid communication with the cylinder.  
   
   
       13 . A generator for a roadbed, comprising: 
 a surface element hingedly secured to the roadbed;    a piston engaging the surface element to be actuated thereby;    a cylinder receiving a portion of the piston, the piston being slidable within the cylinder; and    a hydraulic generator in fluid communication with the cylinder.    
   
   
       14 . The generator of  claim 13 , wherein a first channel connects the cylinder to an inlet of the generator, an expansion tank being connected to the first channel.  
   
   
       15 . The generator of  claim 14 , further comprising a reservoir in fluid communication with an outlet of the generator.  
   
   
       16 . The generator of  claim 15 , wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with the cylinder having a check valve interposed therebetween permitting outward flow from the reservoir.  
   
   
       17 . The generator of  claim 16 , further comprising a check valve interposed between the cylinder and the expansion tank permitting outward flow from the cylinder.  
   
   
       18 . A method for collecting electricity from travel over a roadbed, the method comprising: 
 providing a roadbed collector positioned within the roadbed;    providing a generator coupled to the roadbed collector to receive kinetic energy therefrom and convert the kinetic energy to electrical energy;    passing a vehicle over the roadbed collector, the roadbed collector directly engaging a portion of the vehicle; and    actuating the generator to generate electrical energy.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising supplying the electrical energy to a power grid.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising, supplying the electrical energy to an auxiliary roadway system.