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US 6,897,587 B1Granted
Energy storage flywheel with minimum power magnetic bearings and motor/generator
AssigneeCalnetix, Inc.
InventorsPatrick T. McMullen, Co Si Huynh
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An optimized flywheel energy storage system utilizing magnetic bearings, a high speed permanent magnet motor/generator, and a flywheel member. The flywheel system is constructed using a high strength steel wheel for kinetic energy storage, high efficiency magnetic bearings configured with dual thrust acting permanent magnet combination bearings, and a high efficiency permanent magnet motor generator. The steel wheel provides a cost effective, high speed construction for the energy storage rotor.
Claims15
An energy storage flywheel system comprising:
- a rotating member;
- a stationary member;
- a magnetic bearing system for supporting said rotating member with respect to said stationary member;
- a flywheel hub section forming the energy storage portion of said system;
- a permanent magnet motor/generator with a permanent magnet integral with said rotating member and held in place by a high strength retaining ring thus forming a rigid connection between said flywheel hub section and a radial bearing end stub shaft adjacent thereto;
- a housing providing a structural link between said motor/generator and said bearing system;
- first and second members cooperating with said housing to provide a vacuum seal for said system;
- and
- a magnetic bearing controller for sensing rotor position and commanding currents to said magnetic bearing system to control the position of said rotating member.
6 more elements
An energy storage flywheel system comprising:
- a stationary member;
- a rotating member;
- a magnetic bearing system for supporting said rotating member with respect to said stationary member;
- a flywheel hub section forming the energy storage portion of the system;
- a permanent magnet motor/generator with a permanent magnet integral with said rotating member having a metal hub rigidly attached to said flywheel hub section on which permanent magnets are attached;
- a sleeve for containing said permanent magnets;
- a housing providing a structural link between motor/generator and said bearing system, first and second members cooperating with said housing to provide a vacuum seal for said system;
- and
- a magnetic bearing controller sensing rotor position commanding currents to said magnetic bearing system to control the position of said rotating member.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.