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US 6,707,187 B1Granted
Flywheel system with tilt switch
AssigneeIndigo Energy, Inc.
InventorChristopher W. Gabrys
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flywheel energy storage system includes an energy storage flywheel supported on a bearing system for rotation about a substantially vertical axis inside in an evacuated chamber enclosed within a sealed container. A motor and a generator accelerates and decelerates the flywheel for storing and retrieving energy. A tilt sensor detects if the orientation of the axis of rotation is outside of tolerance limits from vertical and triggers a signal to signal appropriate system functions to protect the system from damage.
Claims16
A flywheel energy storage system, comprising:
- an energy storage flywheel supported on a bearing system for rotation about a substantially vertical axis inside a container with an internal low friction atmosphere, a motor and a generator for accelerating and decelerating said flywheel for storing and retrieving energy;
- and
- a tilt sensor that detects if the orientation of the axis of said bearing system for said flywheel is outside a predetermined tolerance from the direction of gravity, and produces a signal to trigger predetermined corrective actions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.