After carrying out an experimental test on May 16th, 2010, the Rick Cavallaro 'Wind Car' has proven itself to run faster than the wind. At top speeds, the vehicle was quicker than the wind by 2.86 times.
Google and Joby Energy funded the car, which was developed in conjunction with the San Jose State University aerodynamics department. The speedy vehicle consists of a 17-feet tall propeller attached to an aerodynamic foam chassis. Wind energy is used as an external power source to run the car. Check out the Rick Cavallaro 'Wind Car' in the featured gallery.
Turbine-Powered Vehicles
The Rick Cavallaro 'Wind Car' is Faster Than the Speed of Wind
Trend Themes
1. Turbine-powered Vehicles - The innovation opportunity for the automobile industry is to develop and commercialize wind-powered vehicles which will offer a renewable and sustainable mode of transportation.
2. Aerodynamic Design - The trend for aerodynamic design is set to disrupt the automotive and aerospace industries producing fuel-efficient automobiles and aircraft.
3. Wind Energy as Power Source - The trend of using wind energy as an external power source in vehicles can potentially be applied to other modes of transportation such as ships and trains for a more sustainable future.
Industry Implications
1. Automobile - The automobile industry has the opportunity to develop and commercialize wind-powered vehicles.
2. Aerospace - The aerospace industry will benefit from incorporating aerodynamic design, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
3. Sustainable Energy - The sustainable energy industry can leverage the use of wind energy as a power source for multiple modes of transportation.