Vacuum regeneration method for a flywheel system
US6585490B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2119
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A vacuum management and regeneration apparatus and method for operating an energy storage flywheel system having a flywheel supported by a bearing system inside an evacuated chamber enclosed within a container. A motor/generator stores and retrieves energy by accelerating and decelerating the flywheel. A vacuum is maintained in the container with a vacuum level sufficient to reduce the aerodynamic drag on the flywheel, typically between 10−1 Torr to 10−3 Torr depending on the flywheel construction and its operating tip speed. The vacuum management system, including a vacuum pump and a timer, maintains the vacuum level in the container. The timer periodically enables operation of the vacuum pump, such as a mechanical vacuum pump or a getter pump, to reduce the pressure in the container. A vacuum gauge can be used, periodically activated by the timer, to measure the internal vacuum; if the internal pressure is above a certain allowable level, the vacuum pump can be started or activated to restore the vacuum. If the vacuum gauge is omitted, the timer periodically activates the vacuum pump directly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.