Challenge
The airfoil-shaped blades of a wind turbine's rotor create fluid-dynamic propulsion forces that drive the rotor. Could this mechanism be used to propel a vehicle?
Invention
Thanks to the driver's muscle power, the wheels of a bicycle can turn at a speed higher than the wind itself. The RES-Winged Wheel's spokes are designed as airfoils, enabling it to convert the kinetic energy of a flow into torque. The airfoil-shaped spokes must be exposed to the incoming airflow, which positions them free from the slipstream caused by the tyre and rim of the wheel. Arranging the airfoil spokes symmetrically to the left and right of the rim ensures propulsion is created on at least one side of the wheel. Aerodynamic propulsion can be further stimulated with a swinging drive.
Advantages
- Use wind power to drive the wheels of a vehicle
- The spokes act as airfoils
- More fun with wind driven wheels
Applications
- Aerodynamic propulsion for bicycles and other vehicles
- Design of an exclusively wind driven beach roller