With Flywheels Or Massive Moving Parts Patents (Class 322/4)
  • Patent number: 11705777
    Abstract: This disclosure describes novel hybrid energy storage systems for providing short-term and long-term storage and delivery of electricity generated by any energy source including renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind energy. The hybrid energy storage systems described herein have a higher overall real-world efficiency than energy storage systems currently available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Higher Dimension Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Young-Hwa Kim, Richard Dale Olmsted
  • Patent number: 11374428
    Abstract: A renewable energy generation system includes a drive motor, a flywheel in mechanical communication with the drive motor, a generator in mechanical communication with the flywheel, a charge controller in electrical communication with the generator, a plurality of charge controller switches in electrical communication with the charge controller, a plurality of batteries in electrical communication with a respective charge controller switch, and a power management module in electrical communication with the plurality of charge controller switches. The drive motor effectuates rotation of the flywheel to generate stored rotational energy which is transferred to the generator as a load is placed upon the generator to maintain a constant speed of the drive motor. The power management module selectively opens or closes a charge controller switch to permit or inhibit the flow of electrical energy to a respective battery to reduce the electrical load placed upon the generator and drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: PHOS GLOBAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Victor Bica
  • Patent number: 10195474
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated bicycle trainer includes a base, a support assembly disposed on the base, and a hysteresis resistance generating module. The support assembly includes a support arm, and a fastening member disposed on the support arm and for securing an axle of a pedaling wheel. The hysteresis resistance generating module includes an inner magnetic stationary member and an outer magnetic stationary member, a semi-hard magnetic rotating member between the inner magnetic stationary member and the outer magnetic stationary member, and a conductive coil. The conductive coil receives an electric power and senses opposite magnetisms that the inner magnetic stationary member and the outer magnetic stationary member generate. Thus, the semi-hard magnetic rotating member is caused to generate a hysteresis resistance when rotated in response to hysteresis effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: GIANT MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsaio-Wen Hsu, Chih-Hsiang Shen
  • Patent number: 9871411
    Abstract: A natural gas or liquified propane powered generator incorporated into a HVAC unit, for supplying emergency power to a residence or commercial business. The generator is contained within an exterior cabinet that houses HVAC components for both packaged and split systems. The packaged unit is arranged so that the generator is included within the exterior cabinet and the split unit is arranged so that the generator is positioned beneath the split unit. The generator operates from natural gas or liquified propane supplied to the home or from a portable liquified propane tank, if the supply of natural gas or liquified propane is terminated. In the event of a power failure, the user manually operates the generator or an automatic transfer switch can be utilized. On-site electronics are included to allow a user to monitor the system from a smart phone or other electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Charles R Ortner
  • Patent number: 9811486
    Abstract: A programmable controller according to an embodiment includes: a bus for data transmission and reception; a synchronous-control signal line that transmits a synchronous control signal; a synchronous-control-signal generating unit that is connected to the synchronous-control signal line and generates the synchronous control signal on a basis of an external signal; a data holding unit that is connected to the bus and the synchronous-control signal line and latches a signal from an external device in an internal memory in synchronization with the synchronous control signal; and a CPU unit that is connected to the bus and the synchronous-control signal line and reads a value in the internal memory via the bus in synchronization with the synchronous control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tomo Ikuyama, Junji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9450533
    Abstract: An electric fan has a drive motor having a fan rotor, an apparatus for generating a rotation speed signal (n_i), an apparatus for generating a power level signal (P_i) that represents power consumed; a first regulator (n_RGL) for regulating the rotation speed signal (n_i) to a predefined target value (n_s); a second regulator (P_RGL) for regulating the power level signal (P_i) to a predefined power level signal target value (P_s) that corresponds to a predefined minimum consumed power level (P_min), where the first regulator (n_RGL) and the second regulator (P_RGL) apply at least one control output signal (SW) to the drive motor and interact in such a way that, during operation, the at least one control value (SW) in a first state is determined by the first regulator (n_RGL), and in a second state is determined by the second regulator (n_RGL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: EBM-PAPST ST. GEORGEN GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Arno Karwath, Tobias Maier, Harald Schmid, Richard Kienzler, Stefan Schneider, Frank Heller, Martin Mueller, Gerald Hogg
  • Patent number: 9369077
    Abstract: A differential speed control apparatus is provided having an input shaft in connection with a transmission, a speed reducer, and a planetary gear unit acting in concert to generate a constant rotational output, which is transferred to an electrical generator. The apparatus controls and converts a varying input speed to a constant output speed through a feedback system to automatically adjust the transmission based upon rotational speed of the output shaft. This feedback system enables continuous adjustment of the transmission to produce a constant output where the input is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel M. Gates
  • Patent number: 9359991
    Abstract: An energy conversion system may include a stationary structure, a rotatable structure configured to rotate relative to the stationary structure, wherein the rotatable structure defines an axis of rotation. The system may further include at least one blade member mounted to and extending radially outward from the rotatable structure, the at least one blade member being configured to interact with fluid currents flowing in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation to cause the rotatable structure to rotate about the axis of rotation, and at least one bearing mechanism disposed to provide at least one of a radial and axial bearing between the rotatable structure and the stationary structure as the rotatable structure rotates about the stationary structure. The system may be configured to convert rotation of the rotatable structure to at least one of electricity and hydrogen production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Oceana Energy Company
    Inventors: Kent Davey, Ned R. Hansen, Daniel E. Power, III
  • Patent number: 9046148
    Abstract: A method and device for reducing vibratory noise in a system with an integral rotating member includes independently operable drive systems for controlling the angular velocity of at least two independently rotatable masses. Control signals manipulate the drive system to rotate each mass at optimal speed, direction and phase to reduce noise induced in the system by the rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: William A. Welsh
  • Patent number: 8957641
    Abstract: A magnetic controlled power generator provides a magnetic controlled loading device, power generator and flywheel device to form two independent modules which are easily assembled and disassembled for easy manufacture and maintenance. Besides, the magnetic controlled power generator has simple installation and lightweight components to generate a radial displacement for magnetic flux control, achieving continuous adjustment of the load resistance, thereby having the effect of reducing the cost and weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Chi Hua Fitness Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Chien Hsu
  • Patent number: 8866314
    Abstract: The invention relates to inertial systems for the accumulation and conversion of energy, and can be used as a power unit to drive various machines and vehicles. According to the disclosed method, a source of mechanical oscillations is used to generate an alternating rotational torque which is applied to the working train made capable of unidirectional rotational motion. An inertial vibrator disposed axially on the working train is used as the oscillation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Permotors GmbH
    Inventor: Edvid Ivanovich Linevich
  • Patent number: 8803487
    Abstract: A rotating device for multi-megawatt, fast response frequency regulation for the electric grid. The device generally has a main shaft coupled to a motor-generator, a main spring concentric to the main shaft, and several radially-symmetric arms, each connected to the main spring via a four-bar mechanism. As the rotational speed of the device increases, centrifugal force acting on the arms causes them to rise, the four-bar mechanism compresses the main spring, and energy is stored in the device as a combination of kinetic rotational energy, elastic potential energy, and gravitational potential energy. The device can be configured with additional springs, which can be compression springs, tension springs, or a combination thereof, in order to increase the amount of energy produced. Symmetrically-spaced gliding masses can be arranged on the arms as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Dehlsen Associates, LLC
    Inventors: James G. P. Dehlsen, Mauricio Quintana
  • Publication number: 20140210424
    Abstract: A high speed energy storage flywheel comprises a rotor which is located in a vacuum chamber provided in a stator housing and is supported by magnetic bearings with respect to the stator housing. A fluid tank used for releasing in a controlled manner, a fluid inside the vacuum chamber and therefore create a braking effect on the rotor by friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SKF MAGNETIC MECHATRONICS
    Inventor: Ulrich Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20140062423
    Abstract: A rotating device for multi-megawatt, fast response frequency regulation for the electric grid. The device generally has a main shaft coupled to a motor-generator, a main spring concentric to the main shaft, and several radially-symmetric arms, each connected to the main spring via a four-bar mechanism. As the rotational speed of the device increases, centrifugal force acting on the arms causes them to rise, the four-bar mechanism compresses the main spring, and energy is stored in the device as a combination of kinetic rotational energy, elastic potential energy, and gravitational potential energy. The device can be configured with additional springs, which can be compression springs, tension springs, or a combination thereof, in order to increase the amount of energy produced. Symmetrically-spaced gliding masses can be arranged on the arms as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: James G. P. Delhsen, Mauricio Quintana
  • Publication number: 20130015825
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flywheel apparatus for use as an energy storage system, the apparatus comprising: a housing unit having a base; a flywheel assembly mounted within the housing unit, the assembly comprising a flywheel supported by a rotatable axle arranged to enable rotation of the assembly within the housing, the axle defining an axis of rotation; stabilising means located within the housing unit arranged to stabilise rotation of the flywheel assembly about the rotation axis; and levitation means arranged to levitate the flywheel assembly above the base of the housing unit, in order to create a clearance between the flywheel assembly and the base of the housing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: THE CITY UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Keith Pullen
  • Patent number: 8294392
    Abstract: An arrangement for supplying power to a system includes a first electric drive unit constructed to supply mechanical power to or receive mechanical power from a first coupled system of machines and a second electric drive unit constructed to supply mechanical power to or receive mechanical power from a second coupled system of machines. The first and second coupled system of machines are constructed to receive mechanical power or mechanical energy or to supply mechanical power or mechanical energy. The arrangement further includes a first kinetic energy storage device having a first electrical energy exchange machine which is electrically connected to the first electric drive unit, and a second kinetic energy storage device having a second electrical energy exchange machine which is electrically connected to the second electric drive unit. The first kinetic energy storage device is coupled to the second kinetic energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Krejtschi, Elmar Schäfers
  • Patent number: 8269470
    Abstract: A mechanical flow battery comprises a flywheel system in which a spinning axis can be driven by an air-powered motor and the structure of the gyroscope is employed in the mechanical flow battery. The structure of the gyroscope can be constructed by coupling the housing of the flywheel system with a nutation frame which couples a precession frame so that the spinning axis in the flywheel can be isolated from any outside gyroscopic torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Whei Chyou Wu, Yen-Wei Hsu
  • Patent number: 8258640
    Abstract: A power system is disclosed. The power system may have an engine with a desired operating speed range, and a generator mechanically driven by the engine to produce electrical power directed to an external load. The power system may also have a power storage device associated with at least one of the engine and the generator, and a controller in communication with the engine and the power storage device. The controller may be configured to determine a speed of the engine deviating from the desired operating range, and to activate the power storage device to absorb or supplement at least a portion of the electrical power directed to the external load based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Robert Conway, Bryan Matthew Fore
  • Publication number: 20120187922
    Abstract: An system for storing electrical energy over at least a medium term duration. The energy storage system comprises a motor assembly operatively connectable to at least one of an electrical energy source and an electrical distribution network for providing kinetic energy, a flywheel device operatively connectable to the motor assembly for storing at least one part of the kinetic energy, a generator assembly operatively connectable to the flywheel device for receiving at least one portion of the part of the kinetic energy and generating regenerated electrical energy in response thereto, and a control unit for controlling operation of the energy storage system, which enables an energy storage operating mode for storing the part of the kinetic energy into the flywheel device, and an energy supply operating mode for providing at least one portion of the regenerated energy to at least one of the electrical distribution network and an electrical appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Maxime R. DUBOIS, Michael Desjardins, Louis Tremblay
  • Patent number: 8203316
    Abstract: A generator rotor torsional damper system includes a prime mover for generating rotational force, a generator stator, a generator rotor rotatably supported relative to the generator stator and configured to receive a rotational force input from the prime mover, a flywheel rotationally supported relative to the generator rotor by bearings, and an eddy current coupling operably connected between the flywheel and the generator rotor such that rotation of the generator rotor induces rotation of the flywheel in a common rotational direction through engagement by the eddy current coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120074930
    Abstract: A moving magnetic field generating apparatus includes a magnet array including magnets disposed at a first pitch such that N and S poles of adjacent magnets in the magnet array are alternated, and first and second magnetic pole piece arrays extending along the magnet array to interpose the magnet array therebetween with a gap from the magnet array. The first and second magnetic pole piece arrays are disposed with a predetermined phase difference therebetween. The first magnetic pole piece array includes first magnetic pole pieces disposed at a second pitch in an array and each having a length enough to face at least two adjacent magnets in the magnet array. The second magnetic pole piece array is configured similarly to the first magnetic pole piece array. One of the first and second magnetic pole piece arrays and the magnet array is relatively moved to the other at a predetermined speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: SANYO DENKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Sugita, Yasushi Misawa, Yuqi Tang, Shigenori Miyairi
  • Patent number: 8080888
    Abstract: A hydraulic generator drive system. The drive system has a control system that utilizes a first loop control that receives a signal associated with hydraulic pump or motor output and sends a command signal to a pump controller in order to control the hydraulic pump. Simultaneously, the control system has a second loop control that receives an input signal from the generator and sends a command signal to an armature to actuate the generator. As a result, a single control system is provided to control the speed and voltage output of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
    Inventor: Christian S. Daley
  • Publication number: 20100282528
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical battery includes a support member. The electro-mechanical battery also includes a first rotating frame. The first rotating frame is supported by the support member and configured to rotate about an axis. The electro-mechanical battery also includes at least one battery, which is supported by the first rotating frame. A mechanical coupling system is configured to store rotational kinetic energy in the first rotating frame and facilitate retrieval of the rotational kinetic energy. The electro-mechanical battery also includes a rotating electrical connection between the support member and the at least one battery. The rotating electrical connection is configured to permit charging of the at least one battery and discharging of the at least one battery while the first rotating frame is rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Yoram Palti
  • Publication number: 20100244786
    Abstract: The energy storage has an electrical machine with a rotor and a stator. The stator is separated from the rotor by an air gap and has at least one stator coil which, under operating conditions, interacts with the rotor via a rotating field. In one variant, the rotor surrounds the stator and is adapted to rotate about the stator. Another variant provides for the rotor to surround the stator and to be adapted to rotate within the stator. The rotor is associated with a rotating mass with which it forms a cylindrical body with two end faces and a lateral surface. In the area of at least one of its end to faces—in the installed position of the energy storage, of the bottom end face—the cylindrical body has at least one permanent magnet which corresponds with at least one stationary permanent magnet of identical polarity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Compact Dynamics GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Gruendl, Bernhard Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 7768176
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power storage system intended to transmit power to and from a driving system of a vehicle. A power storage having a stator provided with two windings and at least one rotor provided with a magnetic-flux generating device is comprised. The rotor is connected to a flywheel intended for storage of energy. The two windings of the stator are arranged for high and low voltage, respectively. The power storage is arranged to transmit power to and from the electric apparatus as well as store energy transmitted from the electric apparatus in the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Electric Line Uppland AB
    Inventors: Mats Leijon, Hans Bernhoff, Bjorn Bolund
  • Publication number: 20100156360
    Abstract: A generator rotor torsional damper system includes a prime mover for generating rotational force, a generator stator, a generator rotor rotatably supported relative to the generator stator and configured to receive a rotational force input from the prime mover, a flywheel rotationally supported relative to the generator rotor by bearings, and an eddy current coupling operably connected between the flywheel and the generator rotor such that rotation of the generator rotor induces rotation of the flywheel in a common rotational direction through engagement by the eddy current coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn C. Lemmers, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100078938
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electrical bus leveling unit are provided. The electrical bus leveling unit includes a first power supply configured to generate electrical energy having a first set of electrical parameters and a power converter electrically coupled to said power supply. The power converter is configured to be coupled to an electrical bus couplable to a second power supply. The electrical bus leveling unit also includes a controller including a processor that is communicatively coupled to the power supply and the power converter The controller is configured to receive information relating to the operation of the electrical bus from a plurality of sensors, control an output of at least one of the power supply and the power converter to transfer electrical energy to the electrical bus when the second set of electrical parameters on the electrical bus is outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Terry L. Coons, Steve Toothman
  • Publication number: 20100013234
    Abstract: A wind turbine comprises a wind-driven rotor (100) and a drive chain for transmitting the driving force to a power converter (116), the drive chain comprising at least one rotatable driving element (102;104;106;108;110;112;114), including e.g. a gear (104) with associated input and output shafts (102;106). The rotor and the driving element of the drive chain define a torsional resonance frequency, which is controlled or influenced by a detuner (118) of the wind turbine. The detuner comprises a mass element (120) and an elastic element (122). The resonance frequency is controlled or influenced by the detuner, so that it does not coincide with frequencies occurring in the drive chain during operation of the wind turbine, so as to thereby reduce undesired loads in the drive chain and/or tonality, i.e. noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Erik Billeskov Sloth
  • Publication number: 20100001697
    Abstract: A mechanical flow battery comprises a flywheel system in which a spinning axis can be driven by an air-powered motor and the structure of the gyroscope is employed in the mechanical flow battery. The structure of the gyroscope can be constructed by coupling the housing of the flywheel system with a nutation frame which couples a precession frame so that the spinning axis in the flywheel can be isolated from any outside gyroscopic torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Yen-Wei Hsu, Whei-Chyou Wu
  • Publication number: 20090302808
    Abstract: A flywheel (magnet rotors or stators) assembly to create electricity, by attaching motor to provide kinetic energy to magnet rotors or stators, so magnet rotors or stators can run on principal of flywheel to create electricity by magnet rotors rotating like flywheel on two sides of stator, and stator rotating like flywheel in-between magnet rotors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Viral Nandkumar Patel
  • Publication number: 20090256532
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for harvesting energy in a wellbore is disclosed. In one embodiment, a harvester tool positioned in a wellbore for capturing energy in the wellbore is disclosed. The harvester tool includes a rotor comprising a magnet. The magnet is disposed eccentric to a center of the harvester tool. In addition, the rotor is rotatable around the center of the harvester tool. The harvester tool also includes a stator. Rotation of the rotor induces a voltage in the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Reinhart Ciglenec, Albert Hoefel
  • Publication number: 20090200809
    Abstract: A reconfigurable power system that includes a gas turbine, flywheel, a first electric machine coupled to the gas turbine, a second electric machine coupled to the flywheel, the first and second electric machines being substantially similar in configuration, a first power device for coupling power from the first electric machine to a power grid, a second power device coupled to the second electric machine for driving the flywheel and coupling power from the second electric machine to the power grid, and a switch for coupling either the power generated by the first electric machine or the second electric machine to the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel M. Saban, Raed Ahmad, Zhiguo Pan
  • Patent number: 7541783
    Abstract: Torque auxiliary units 30 are disposed at opposed positions outside rotary traces of the rotating permanent magnets 18 provided for the flywheel 11, in which permanent magnets 31 are arranged so as to be the same polarities as those of rotating permanent magnets 18 by being moved by cams 28 attached to a flywheel 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignees: Value Supplier & Developer Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha Fjuimi Plant
    Inventor: Keiji Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 7521901
    Abstract: Use of a common electrical power bus to which a number of electrical power generators and consumers are coupled is well known. Typically, a high electrical capacitance is provided across the bus in order to provide stabilisation in the switching of generators and consumer devices as well as differences in the operational performances of the electrical power generators. Particularly in aerospace applications provision of high capacity electrical capacitors creates problems. By providing a feedback control and an electrical power converter take primary electrical power from an electro-mechanical converter associated with a rotating component of a prime mover, electrical power stabilisation is achieved by applying torque changes through the electromechanical converter to the rotating component of the prime mover such that stored electrical power can then be drawn as required to accommodate transients in electrical power on the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: David R Trainer, John J A Cullen
  • Publication number: 20080309296
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a static excitation system for a superconducting rotor that comprises multiple brushes (12) in contact with the superconducting rotor winding (6), normally via collector rings and field leads. A power conditioning device (16) is connected to the brushes (12), and an energy storage device (18) is linked to the power conditioning device (16). The power conditioning device provides power from the energy storage device to the superconducting rotor when required, and when power to the superconducting rotor is not required, the power conditioning device takes excess power from the superconducting rotor and stores it in the energy storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Robert J. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20080297120
    Abstract: An energy storage flywheel system for a spacecraft is implemented with an electronically redundant power and attitude control system. In particular, the system includes a plurality of flywheels, and a multi-channel processing module and a multi-channel power control module associated with each flywheel. Each multi-channel processing module includes a plurality of controllers that may be operated in either an active or a standby mode, and each multi-channel power control module includes a plurality of power control circuits that may also be operated in either an active or standby mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Calvin C. Potter, David Corcino, Paul T. Wingett, Casey Hanlon
  • Patent number: 7425807
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. Transient energy systems may include a flywheel coupled the rotor of an induction motor generator. One embodiment of the disclosure refers to systems and methods for reducing loads on a bearing in a transient energy system. In another embodiment, the disclosure refers to an induction motor generator that is optimized for high power transient power generation, yet low power motor operation. Yet another embodiment of the disclosure refers to using a flywheel as a drag pump to cool components of a transient energy system. In yet another embodiment, a slip control scheme is discussed for regulating a DC bus. In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure a method is provided for reducing unnecessary turbine starts by making turbine start a function of the rotational velocity of a flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Active Power, Inc.
    Inventors: David E Perkins, James A Andrews, Scott D Logan, Karl T Schuetze, David A Badger, Robert S Hudson
  • Publication number: 20080180067
    Abstract: Torque auxiliary units 30 are disposed at opposed positions outside rotary traces of the rotating permanent magnets 18 provided for the flywheel 11, in which permanent magnets 31 are arranged so as to be the same polarities as those of rotating permanent magnets 18 by being moved by cams 28 attached to a flywheel 11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicants: VALUE SUPPLIER & DEVELOPER CORPORATION, KABUSHKI KAISHA FUJIMI PLANT
    Inventor: Keiji KUROSAWA
  • Publication number: 20080173486
    Abstract: A power system for a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, the power system comprises an electric machine (12) further comprising a first excitation source (47), a permanent magnet rotor (28) and a magnetic coupling rotor (26) spaced from the permanent magnet rotor and at least one second excitation source (43), the magnetic coupling rotor (26) also including a flywheel having an inertial mass to store kinetic energy during an initial acceleration to an operating speed; and wherein the first excitation source is electrically connected to the second excitation source for power cycling such that the flywheel rotor (26) exerts torque on the permanent magnet rotor (28) to assist braking and acceleration of the permanent magnet rotor (28) and consequently, the vehicle. An axial gap machine and a radial gap machine are disclosed and methods of the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: John S. Hsu
  • Patent number: 7400052
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. Transient energy systems may include a flywheel coupled the rotor of an induction motor generator. One embodiment of the disclosure refers to systems and methods for reducing loads on a bearing in a transient energy system. In another embodiment, the disclosure refers to an induction motor generator that is optimized for high power transient power generation, yet low power motor operation. Yet another embodiment of the disclosure refers to using a flywheel as a drag pump to cool components of a transient energy system. In yet another embodiment, a slip control scheme is discussed for regulating a DC bus. In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure a method is provided for reducing unnecessary turbine starts by making turbine start a function of the rotational velocity of a flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Active Power, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Badger
  • Publication number: 20080157534
    Abstract: An oscillating beam imparts rotation to a shaft that turns an electrical generator. The beam may be the walking beam of a pump jack, whereas the shaft may be part of a crank having a journal that is offset from the shaft, with one end of the beam being connected to the journal of the crank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Eddie K. Wilson, Sr., Linda D. Studdard
  • Publication number: 20080143302
    Abstract: An electrical power generation system includes a kinetic energy storage device that drives at least one electric generator. A starter mechanism is coupled to the kinetic energy storage device to store an initial amount of kinetic energy in the storage device. At least one drive motor is also coupled to the kinetic energy storage device. The drive motor is configured to input kinetic energy into the kinetic energy storage device after the starter mechanism has input the initial amount of kinetic energy into the storage device to maintain the amount of kinetic energy in the storage device at an operational level. Some of the electrical power from the generator is used to power the drive motor and the remainder of the electrical power is output by the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: REGEN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Charles Pierce
  • Publication number: 20080111432
    Abstract: An oscillator typically includes several pivotable oscillating arms each having a drive magnet and a follower magnet thereon so that the drive magnet on one arm drives movement of the follower magnet on another arm to oscillatingly pivot the other arm. Typically, a first repelling magnet is mounted on each oscillating arm and two repelling magnets are positioned on opposite sides of the first repelling magnet to facilitate the pivotal oscillation of the oscillating arm. A rotatable flywheel with a drive magnet thereon may drive movement of the follower magnet on one of the arms to drive pivotal movement of that arm. An electric motor may be used to drive rotation of the flywheel. A generating magnet may be mounted on each oscillating arm and movable adjacent an electrically conductive coil for producing an electric current therein. The coil may be in electrical communication with the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Michael J. Froelich
  • Publication number: 20080016940
    Abstract: In a press installation including a number of presses with servo-drives for operating the presses and auxiliary equipment such as workpiece handling devices wherein an energy management system is provided including a DC voltage intermediate circuit connected to a power supply grid via an AC/DC converter and to the servo-drives via servo-converters, a fly-wheel storage device is connected to the intermediate circuit for supplying energy thereto and recapturing energy therefrom under the control of a control arrangement which controls the flow of power between the intermediate circuit, the servo-drives, the fly-wheel storage device and the power supply grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Martin Schmeink
  • Patent number: 7230344
    Abstract: In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the present technique provides methods and apparatus for providing transient and uninterrupted power to protected loads. As one example, the present invention provides an induction device that operates as an induction motor to energize a kinetic energy storage device, such as a flywheel, during conventional operating conditions. However, in the event of a loss of primary power, the induction device, which is fed ac power at variable frequencies, begins to operate as an induction generator. For example, by varying the frequency of the input ac power such that the synchronous speed of the motor is exceeded by the rotating flywheel, the induction device acts as an induction generator and provides a transient operating power to the downstream loads until an auxiliary power source, such as a diesel generator, is brought on line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry J. Pollack, Michael J. Melfi
  • Patent number: 7129593
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply system has standby and backup modes and can change to backup mode upon detection of a grid fault. In both modes an alternator rotates at synchronous speed so that backup mode capability is ready. An energy storage unit through a DC-AC inverter remains coupled to the grid in standby mode so that it is charged, ready to supply power when changed to backup mode. In standby mode, first and third clutches are disengaged and engaged, transmitting alternator rotary motion to a flywheel but not therefrom to a heat engine. In backup mode, first and third clutch are engaged and disengaged to permit the alternator, via a second clutch, to overrun the flywheel and allow transmitting of flywheel torque to accelerate the heat engine to starting speed for driving the alternator to supply power to the grid after the engine is at operating speed and coupled to the alternator through a locked second clutch and an engaged third clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Dean King, Gautam Sinha
  • Patent number: 7078880
    Abstract: A system for regulating the voltage in an electrical distribution system includes a plurality of flywheels, motor/generators, and controllers. Each of the motor/generators is coupled to one of the energy storage flywheels and to the electrical supply system. The motor/generators each supply one or more signals representative of motor/generator operational parameters, and each motor/generator controllers receive one or more of the motor/generator operational parameter signals from each of the motor/generators. In response to the operational parameter signals, the motor/generator controllers each control the operation of one of the motor/generators in either a motor mode or a generate mode, to thereby regulate the electrical supply system voltage and equally share the electrical load between the motor/generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin C. Potter, Stephen G. Abel, George J. Klupar
  • Patent number: 7068014
    Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system for preventing power interruptions to a load from interruptions of primary power includes a flywheel supported for rotation about an axis on a bearing system, and a motor-generator having a rotor coupled with the flywheel, and having a stator with multiple armature windings and a field coil. The field coil generates flux that passes through the armature windings as the rotor rotates to produce torque for accelerating the flywheel during charging, and produces electrical power from the flywheel during discharge. The armature windings are energized by a DC buss that is supplied by a rectifier connected to primary power. The flywheel system provides instantaneous full power capability along with output control for extracting more energy from the flywheel. The field coil is oversized and is powered in standby operation to produce an armature back emf that is at least 75% of the DC buss voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher W Gabrys
  • Patent number: 7053589
    Abstract: The invention, intended primarily for use in a steel flywheel power source (30), provides a vacuum system and a method of maintaining a vacuum inside a flywheel chamber (32) for the life of the power source (30). The vacuum system combines the use of cleaning and de-gassing treatments in the chamber (32) and vacuum tempering of the steel flywheel (31) with the use of a chemical type metal alloy nonevaporable getter, such as zirconium-vanadium-iron, that cooperatively matches the outgassing of the flywheel (31) and chamber (32) by sorbing those gases that are released. The getter may be reactivated throughout the life of the flywheel system by reheating it with an integral heater that is triggered by a timer instead of a vacuum gauge to increase the system reliability, using power taken directly from the energy stored in the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher W. Gabrys, David R. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6949842
    Abstract: The centrifugal weight control is a means of regulating rpm's on the low speed shaft in a changing wind (or water) speed. As wind speed increases the weights are extended farther from their hub. This extension as wind speed increases does bring into play a greater inertial force. It is this greater inertial force that holds rpm's constant and, at the same time, increases rolling torque on the low speed shaft. With sufficient increase in rolling torque additional generators can be clutched into operation. Common knowledge in the business is that the energy content of the wind increases eight fold with each doubling of wind speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Matthew Earley