Lift magnet mechanism for flywheel power storage systems
US7679247B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/16
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Electric power is stored in a flywheel assembly, from a dc power buss, and supplied to the buss, through electronics associated with a motor/generator, its rotor integral with a flywheel supported by magnetic bearings. Upon operation, the flywheel assembly is released by mechanical backup bearings which then normally remain disengaged until shutdown as the flywheel assembly is levitated by the axial magnetic field. Enhancements developed herein smooth the flux density across discontinuities or segments present in permanent magnets due to presently limited capability for manufacture of large annular magnetic members. Herein, the introduction of a medium such as a steel cylindrical member to directly interface with the rotor as opposed to the segmented permanent magnet, greatly eradicates induced eddy current and heat on the rotor. In addition, exhibited is an annularly slotted rotor which allows for greater surface area for flux absorption.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.