Abstract: A flywheel assembly 10 comprising: at least one flywheel mass support 14, the or each said support having a shaft 19 that extends along a rotational axis 18 about which the support 14 can rotate in use, the or each said support 14 comprising a plurality of openings 24 that are each offset from said rotational axis 18, a flywheel mass 12 comprising a plurality of openings 16 that are each arranged to align with a corresponding opening in said support; and means 23 for coupling said flywheel mass 12 to the or each said support 14 so that the mass 12 can rotate with the or each support 14 in use, said coupling means 23 being configured to extend through the aligned openings in the or each support 14 and said flywheel mass 12; wherein said flywheel mass 12 comprises a plurality of generally planar flywheel mass elements sandwiched together to form a stack of elements, each said element including a plurality of openings 16 that align with the openings 24 in the or each said support 14 and with openings in neighbou

Abstract: A power flywheel motor is generally disclosed. In use, a flywheel assembly includes at least one motor-generator and a housing adapted to receive the flywheel assembly. The flywheel assembly is rotatable in the housing about a central axis. The motor-generator is configured to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy associated with a rotation of the flywheel assembly.

Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a rotor member and a plurality of permanent magnets. The rotor member has a hub with a central axis and a plurality of spokes extending radially outward relative to the hub. Each spoke has a radially inward end and a radially outward end. Each spoke also has a body section, a mounting section, and a flux barrier section. The body section extends from the radially outward end towards the radially inward end. The mounting section is interconnected to the hub. The flux barrier section is disposed between the body section and the mounting section and has at least one flux restriction web extending between the body section and the mounting section. The flux restriction web magnetically isolates the body section from the mounting section. A permanent magnet is disposed within each magnet-receiving slot between pairs of adjacent spokes. A motor with the rotor assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are described for a flywheel system incorporating a rotor made from a high-strength material in an open-core flywheel architecture with a high-temperature superconductive (HTS) bearing technology to achieve the desired high energy density in the flywheel energy storage devices, to obtain superior results and performance, and that eliminates the material growth-matching problem and obviates radial growth and bending mode issues that otherwise occur at various high frequencies and speeds.

Abstract: An example flywheel energy storage device includes a continuously curved fiber-resin composite ovoid shell. Hubs are concentrically disposed within and outside the shell at the shaft. A plurality of radially oriented, fiber-resin composite helical wraps of uniform width are used to construct the ovoid shell and couple the shell to the hubs for co-rotation and torque transfer. Integrated internal structures are attached to the external ovoid shell and provide compression support for the external ovoid shell. Upon rotation, the ovoid shell elongates slightly to increase the flywheel effective moment of inertia at operational speeds.

Abstract: An assembly for generating energy from waves, comprising a concentric ring flywheel operatively arranged to generate electrical current, the concentric ring flywheel comprising a first shaft including an input end and an output end, a plurality of rings, the plurality of rings including at least a first ring, including a first radially inward facing surface arranged to connect with the output end of the first shaft, and a first radially outward facing surface, a second ring arranged concentrically around the first ring, the second ring including a second radially inward facing surface and a second radially outward facing surface, one or more first clutch connectors arranged in a first space radially arranged between the first and second rings to non-rotatably connect the second ring and the first ring, and a wave energy capture device operatively arranged to rotate the first shaft.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are described for a flywheel system incorporating a rotor made from a high-strength material in an open-core flywheel architecture with a high-temperature superconductive (HTS) bearing technology to achieve the desired high energy density in the flywheel energy storage devices, to obtain superior results and performance, and that eliminates the material growth-matching problem and obviates radial growth and bending mode issues that otherwise occur at various high frequencies and speeds.

Abstract: A flywheel is described having a rotor constructed of wire wound onto a central form. The wire is prestressed, thus mitigating stresses that occur during operation. In another aspect, the flywheel incorporates a low-loss motor using electrically non-conducting permanent magnets.

Abstract: A system comprising a self-propelled device and an accessory device. The self-propelled device includes a spherical housing, and a drive system provided within the spherical housing to cause the self-propelled device to roll. When the self-propelled device rolls, the self-propelled device and the accessory device magnetically interact to maintain the accessory device in contact with a top position of the spherical housing relative to an underlying surface on which the spherical housing is rolling on.

Abstract: The rotation maintaining device includes a rotatable output shaft pivotally supported and provided with an axis running along a horizontal direction that is vertical to a direction of force of gravity, a rotatable rotary plate member concentrically coupled with the output shaft, a plurality of rotary weight members pivotally supported by the rotary plate member at positions near peripheral edge of the rotary plate member, respectively, so as to rotate around pivoted axes in only one direction, a guide member fixed in motionless condition to position coaxial with the output shaft, and provided with a peripheral side surface having a partially arc shape only on its one side where the rotary weight members rise when the rotary plate member rotates, and a plurality of rotation engagement members pivotally supported by the rotary plate member so as to rotate around pivoted axes, when outer circumference side surfaces of the rotation engagement members engage with and are guided by the partially arc shaped peripher

Abstract: An energy storage system is generally disclosed. An example system includes a flywheel having a substantially cylindrical flywheel portion, and a housing defining a substantially cylindrical cavity configured so as to receive the substantially cylindrical flywheel portion. The flywheel is rotatable in the cavity about a central axis of the flywheel, and an energy exchange device is configured to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy associated with rotation of the flywheel. The system may also have a magnetic restraint arranged to exert a magnetic restraining force on the flywheel in a direction towards the central axis.

Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system incorporates various embodiments in design and processing to achieve a very high ratio of energy stored per unit cost. The system uses a high-strength steel rotor rotating in a vacuum envelope. The rotor has a geometry that ensures high yield strength throughout its cross-section using various low-cost quenched and tempered alloy steels. Low-cost is also achieved by forging the rotor in a single piece with integral shafts. A high energy density is achieved with adequate safety margins through a pre-conditioning treatment. The bearing and suspension system utilizes an electromagnet that off-loads the rotor allowing for the use of low-cost, conventional rolling contact bearings over an operating lifetime of several years.

Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system incorporates various embodiments in design and processing to achieve a very high ratio of energy stored per unit cost. The system uses a high-strength steel rotor rotating in a vacuum envelope. The rotor has a geometry that ensures high yield strength throughout its cross-section using various low-cost quenched and tempered alloy steels. Low-cost is also achieved by forging the rotor in a single piece with integral shafts. A high energy density is achieved with adequate safety margins through a pre-conditioning treatment. The bearing and suspension system utilizes an electromagnet that off-loads the rotor allowing for the use of low-cost, conventional rolling contact bearings over an operating lifetime of several years.

Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system incorporates various embodiments in design and processing to achieve a very high ratio of energy stored per unit cost. The system uses a high-strength steel rotor rotating in a vacuum envelope. The rotor has a geometry that ensures high yield strength throughout its cross-section using various low-cost quenched and tempered alloy steels. Low-cost is also achieved by forging the rotor in a single piece with integral shafts. A high energy density is achieved with adequate safety margins through a pre-conditioning treatment. The bearing and suspension system utilizes an electromagnet that off-loads the rotor allowing for the use of low-cost, conventional rolling contact bearings over an operating lifetime of several years.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for incorporating a plurality of independently rotating rotors made from high-strength materials with a high-temperature superconductive (HTS) bearing technology into an open-core flywheel architecture to achieve a desired high energy density in the flywheel energy storage devices and to obtain superior results and performance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing corona discharge are provided. In one embodiment, a housing forming a vacuum includes a coil conductor comprising a grounded conductive or semi-conductive layer that is molded over a primary insulation layer molded on coil conductor which limits the occurrence of voltage drop to the primary insulating layer is disclosed.

Abstract: A flywheel assembly 10 comprising: at least one flywheel mass support 14, the or each said support having a shaft 19 that extends along a rotational axis 18 about which the support 14 can rotate in use, the or each said support 14 comprising a plurality of openings 24 that are each offset from said rotational axis 18, a flywheel mass 12 comprising a plurality of openings 16 that are each arranged to align with a corresponding opening in said support; and means 23 for coupling said flywheel mass 12 to the or each said support 14 so that the mass 12 can rotate with the or each support 14 in use, said coupling means 23 being configured to extend through the aligned openings in the or each support 14 and said flywheel mass 12; wherein said flywheel mass 12 comprises a plurality of generally planar flywheel mass elements sandwiched together to form a stack of elements, each said element including a plurality of openings 16 that align with the openings 24 in the or each said support 14 and with openings in neighbou

Abstract: An electromechanical flywheel machine includes multiple enclosures enhancing safe operation of an enclosed motor-generator and flywheel mass.

Abstract: An energy-storing flywheel assembly is provided with a flywheel having a vertically-oriented axis of rotation, a shaft connected to the flywheel, and a cageless ball thrust bearing rotatably supporting a lower end of the shaft. The flywheel may be formed from a stack of flywheel discs and is preferably relatively large-radiused and massive. The ball thrust bearing includes a stator having a set of three free-floating bearing balls contained within a cylindrical stator recess; a rotor rotatably mounted over the stator which likewise contains a set of three free-floating bearing balls within a cylindrical stator recess, and a single, middle bearing ball centrally disposed between and in mutual engagement with the three bearing balls of the stator and the three bearing balls of the rotor. In operation, the relatively massive flywheel is rotated at a peripheral speed that approaches but does not exceed the speed of sound to avoid fluid drag and the danger of explosive shattering.

Abstract: Rotors apparatus usable in energy storage devices and power systems include a plurality of laminations having a center and at least one orifice spaced a distance from the center, and at least one fastener extending through the orifice. The one or more fasteners, the one or more orifices, or combinations thereof are sized to reduce contact between the fasteners and the laminations during rotation of the rotor apparatus. The fasteners and orifices can define an envelope, corresponding to the maximum space able to be occupied by a fastener to reduce contact between the fastener and the laminations, and one or more fasteners can have a volume of material less than the volume of the envelope to reduce bending forces on the fastener.

Abstract: Rotors usable in energy storage devices and power systems are formed by orienting a thicker region of a first lamination above a thinner region of a second lamination to form a stacked pair. Multiple stacked pairs of laminations can be positioned in vertical alignment and compressively retained. Usable laminations can be removed from a sheet of material having thicker and thinner regions along its width, each lamination including a visible indicator to facilitate visual identification of the thicker and thinner regions of the lamination. Visible indicators can also be used to identify and position the top and bottom faces of the laminations in the same orientation, and to rotationally offset stacked pairs of laminations from one another to account for possible variations along the length of the sheet of material.

Abstract: Rotors assemblies usable in energy storage devices and power systems include a plurality of laminations oriented in vertical alignment, a first plate contacting a first side of the laminations, a second plate contacting a second side of the laminations, and at least one fastener engaged with the plates to compressively retain the laminations and limit relative movement of the laminations. Fasteners can engage the plates via an interference fit and pass through a clearance in the laminations sized to limit contact between the fasteners and the laminations during rotation of the rotor assembly. The laminations can be arranged with a thicker region of a first lamination above a thinner region of a second to form a stacked pair, and multiple stacked pairs can be rotationally offset from one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for accumulating inertial energy, comprising a housing (12) defining a rotor chamber (16), at least one rotor (18) having a bottom end face (26) and a substantially opposite top end face (24), the rotor (18) being mounted in the rotor chamber (16) so that it can rotate relative to the housing (12) about a vertical axis of rotation (20) leaving free a gap (32), wherein a seal (36) is provided in the gap (32) separating an upper section (34) of the rotor chamber (16) and a bottom section (38) of the rotor chamber (16), a means (40) for exposing at least the bottom end face (26) of the rotor (18) in the bottom section (38) to a gas pressure which, by comparison with the pressure applied to the substantially opposite top end face (24) in the upper section (34) generates an upward differential pressure force that at least partially compensates for the weight of the rotor (18), and the device is provided with means (40) for reducing the pressure in said upper section (18).

Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed and directed to a substantially cylindrical containment layer, and methods for containment, for a flywheel apparatus comprising a plurality of predictably deformable brackets oriented to contain an impact. The brackets each have a plurality of layers and a surface for absorbing an impact, with the surface providing a glancing angle in the direction of an impact of from about 0.1° to about 5°.

Abstract: An energy storage system comprises a plurality of flywheels. Each flywheel has a receptacle comprising an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner and outer walls forming a cavity for receiving liquid when the flywheel is in use and wherein each of the plurality of flywheels is connected to common drive and/or driven means.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus (20) is provided for transferring energy to or from a flywheel. The coupling apparatus comprises first (22) and second (24) movable members, each having one or magnets (30, 34) arranged thereon, wherein the first movable member (22) is arranged to be coupled to a flywheel. The magnetic strength of a first magnet (30) arranged on the first movable member (22) exceeds the magnetic strength of a second magnet (34) arranged on the second movable member (24).

Abstract: A flywheel apparatus has a motor, a drive shaft connected to the motor, an upper conical section affixed to the drive shaft, and a lower conical section affixed to the drive shaft opposite said upper conical section. The upper conical section and lower conical section each have a plurality of layers, including a hollow core positioned adjacent the drive shaft, and alternating layers of tempered rings and non-tempered rings arranged outwardly of the hollow core. The alternating layers of tempered rings and non-tempered rings are joined with a elastomeric adhesive. The plurality of layers further include a hollow cavity positioned outwardly of the alternating layers, and a rim positioned outwardly of said hollow cavity. The hollow cavity can be filled with a fluid such as water, mercury-based fluids, oil-based fluids, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed and directed to a substantially cylindrical containment layer, and methods for containment, for a flywheel apparatus comprising a plurality of predictably deformable brackets oriented to contain an impact. The brackets each have a plurality of layers and a surface for absorbing an impact, with the surface providing a glancing angle in the direction of an impact of from about 0.1° to about 5°.

Abstract: An inertia motor for a toy has a housing supporting a rotating flywheel. The flywheel has a disk with generally radially movable elements, movement of which vary the moment of inertia of the disk. Another element is supported by the housing so as to be movable towards and away from the disk and is located so as to be able to engage at least one of the movable elements when the flywheel has slowed sufficiently. Angular momentum and energy in the flywheel at engagement is transferred to the housing. The housing may also include a transmission such as a gear train to connect the flywheel with one of more elements of the toy to be powered by the flywheel.

Abstract: A flywheel includes a disc mounted around a central shaft. An energy-storing section and an energy-releasing section are defined in two sides of the second side. A plurality of rods is slideably mounted on the disc. The rods are arranged in a radiant manner and spaced from one another in a circumferential direction about the central shaft. Each rod has an inner end spaced from the central shaft and an outer end having a spacing to the central shaft larger than the inner end. Each rod slides toward the central shaft under action of gravitational force while the rod is moving through an upper portion of the energy-storing section. Each rod slides away from the central shaft under action of the gravitational force while the rod is moving through a lower portion of the energy-releasing section. A plurality of weights is respectively mounted to the outer ends of the rods.

Abstract: There are provided a hub for a flywheel and an energy storage flywheel. The hub for a flywheel is provided between a rotor and a rotational shaft of a flywheel to allow the rotor to have the same rotation speed as that of the rotational shaft. The hub includes a hollow main dome in which a through hole into which the rotational shaft is inserted is formed in one end and an opening is formed in the other end in a longitudinal direction of the rotational shaft, and that is formed by winding a composite material therearound; and a sub dome that is bonded to the rotor and is formed by winding the composite material around an outer surface of the main dome.

Abstract: A powered binary masses flywheel assembly device that will extract gravitational energy and store it together with the energy inputted externally into the flywheel in the form of rotational kinetic energy while rotating in the substantially vertically plane. The device can be used as part of a drive motor assembly to power machinery or as an electrical generator assembly. The binary masses arrangement in the flywheel enables the system to rotate at ever higher rpm using less power input per revolution the higher the rpm. This phenomenon starts to take place when the kinetic energy being stored in the rotating flywheel disc is exceeded by the kinetic energy stored in the binary masses attached to the flywheel disc which form the flywheel assembly.

Abstract: A flywheel apparatus has a motor, a drive shaft connected to the motor, an upper conical section affixed to the drive shaft, and a lower conical section affixed to the drive shaft opposite said upper conical section. The upper conical section and lower conical section each have a plurality of layers, including a hollow core positioned adjacent the drive shaft, and alternating layers of tempered rings and non-tempered rings arranged outwardly of the hollow core. The alternating layers of tempered rings and non-tempered rings are joined with a elastomeric adhesive. The plurality of layers further include a hollow cavity positioned outwardly of the alternating layers, and a rim positioned outwardly of said hollow cavity. The hollow cavity can be filled with a fluid such as water, mercury-based fluids, oil-based fluids, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A touchdown bearing system is provided to safely spin down a magnetically suspended flywheel rotor from full speed when the magnetic suspension system fails. In one embodiment, a plurality of touchdown wheels are mounted on a rigid support ring in a planetary arrangement.

Abstract: An inertia incremental apparatus for a flywheel of an engine is provided to improve NVH performance of a vehicle driving system as well as rotary vibration generated from a crankshaft of the engine by remarkably increasing inertial force of the flywheel of the engine while occupying a relatively small volume and a relatively small weight to assure quiet and safe operability and ride comfort of a vehicle.

Abstract: An architectural construct is a synthetic material that includes a matrix characterization of different crystals. An architectural construct can be configured as a solid mass or as parallel layers that can be on a nano-, micro-, and macro-scale. Its configuration can determine its behavior and functionality under a variety of conditions. Implementations of an architectural construct can include its use as a substrate, sacrificial construct, carrier, filter, sensor, additive, and catalyst for other molecules, compounds, and substances, or may also include a means to store energy and generate power.

Abstract: The inertial wheel contains a circular side piece and a circular frame piece oppositely together. The side piece has its circumference extended towards the frame piece into a first ring wall. The frame piece has its circumference extended towards the side piece into a second ring wall. A ring groove is configured along the second ring wall, and an outer section of the second ring wall presents as a ring platform. The first ring wall of the side piece is received by the ring platform of the second ring wall of the frame piece; and the first and second ring walls are riveted. The inertial wheel is easy to start, with significant inertia, simple to manufacture, less prone to deformation, low cost, low carbon, visually appealing, and wide applicability.

Abstract: This invention is a Method and apparatus for converting centrifugal energy stored during normal rotation of a crank shaft or fly wheel, to a sudden angular acceleration, which is useful to attain sudden boost in speed, especially in high performance racing automotives. This phenomenon is achieved by converting centrifdgal energy stored in certain controlled floating weights inside tubular cavities machined into the arms of crank shaft or in the flywheels in such a manner that certain fluid pressure activated through controlled valves exerts pressure which moves the weights towards the center of the axis of rotation, thereby creating sudden angular acceleration of the crank shaft. This conversion of centrifugal energy, which is stored in certain elements during normal rotation of crank shaft or flywheel is harnessed when it is absolutely needed, such as during the end of a victory lap of a racing automotive.

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.

Abstract: An inertial energy storage device includes a plurality of stationary electrical windings, a rotatable shaft, and a plurality of rotatable magnets coupled to the rotatable shaft. The plurality of stationary electrical windings extend about at least a portion of the plurality of rotatable magnets. The inertial energy storage device also includes a flywheel device that includes a substantially cylindrical hub rotatably coupled to the rotatable shaft. The flywheel device also includes a radially inner ring that includes a first material having a first density. The flywheel device further includes a radially outer ring that includes a second material having a second density. The first density is greater than the second density.

Abstract: A high energy density flywheel has a central rotating axle for storing kinetic energy. The flywheel comprises a first member to be operatively mounted around the axle. The first member comprises a first material having a given high mass density enabling a given high kinetic energy storage capacity. The flywheel comprises a second member operatively attached to the first member. The second member surrounds an outside portion of the first member subject to radial forces generated by a rotation of the flywheel. The second member comprises a second material having a given high yield strength enabling a given high maximum rotational speed. The second member enables an operation of the flywheel at a given high flywheel rotational speed greater than the rotational speed that would be allowed by the maximal yield strength of the first material, to thereby provide the flywheel with a given high kinetic energy storage capacity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high inertia flywheel for a vehicle including a hub, a periphery of which is surrounded by a rim, and a housing, wherein at least one annular ring is provided on either side of the flywheel, whereby, on oscillation of the flywheel, a contact surface of the flywheel contacts against a contact surface of the annular ring, thus causing friction.

Abstract: An aggregate to store energy as kinetic energy, includes a float body and conversion element. The float body is at least partially placed in a liquid and arranged to rotate in direct contact with the liquid and the float body is used by the aggregate to store energy in form of movement together with the surrounding liquid. Energy is supplied or extracted from the float body and surrounding liquid via conversion element or via a part that absorbs energy of movements in a fluid. The aggregate could further include the conversion element or the part that absorbs energy of movements. The energy is supplied or extracted from the float body and the surrounding liquid or from a combination of these.

Abstract: An improved flywheel including an improved connection between an rotating interior component and an peripheral component. The connection includes a plurality of interfaces which connect the interior component and the peripheral component have radial compliance so as to deform when tensile forces resulting from the rotation of the interior component are transferred to the plurality of interfaces without transferring the tensile forces to the peripheral component.

Abstract: The inertia wheel contains a left piece having its circumference extended rightward into a first ring side wall with a left-high-right-low step between a left side of the left piece and the first ring side wall, and a right piece having its circumference extended leftward into a second ring side wall. The second ring side wall wraps the first ring side wall and a left end of the second ring side wall tightly interfaces the step of the first ring side wall. An axle tube is inserted in a first through hole and a second through hole of the left and right pieces, respectively. The inertia wheel as described is simple, robust, low-cost, low-carbon, appealing, and adaptable.

Abstract: A flywheel is described having a rotor constructed of wire wound onto a central form. The wire is prestressed, thus mitigating stresses that occur during operation. In another aspect, the flywheel incorporates a low-loss motor using electrically non-conducting permanent magnets.

Abstract: An energy storage system is generally disclosed. An example system includes a flywheel having a substantially cylindrical flywheel portion, and a housing defining a substantially cylindrical cavity configured so as to receive the substantially cylindrical flywheel portion. The flywheel is rotatable in the cavity about a central axis of the flywheel, and an energy exchange device is configured to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy associated with rotation of the flywheel. The system may also have a magnetic restraint arranged to exert a magnetic restraining force on the flywheel in a direction towards the central axis.

Abstract: A rotary body used in an energy storage device and capable of storing a large amount of external energy is provided in an energy storage device that stores external energy as the energy of the rotary motion of the rotary body for which the frictional resistance of the bearing parts has been reduced to a high degree using the fishing effect of superconductivity. The rotary body is used in an energy storage device capable of storing energy by rotating the rotary body for which the frictional resistance of the bearing parts having floating support that makes use of the fishing effect of superconductivity has been made very small. The rotary body is made of CFRP, and the required compressive stress is applied to it in the direction opposite to the centrifugal force of the rotary body when rotating. The rotary body has a bar-like structure elongated in the direction of the centrifugal force when the rotary body rotates.

Abstract: A power generating system utilizes rotational inertia forces of a pair of fly wheels fitted with friction-type driving devices to keep the fly wheels accelerating and rotating and to output power to do work. Totally through a first transmission device and a driving device linked with the first transmission device, an output of a first fly wheel drives a second fly wheel to rotate and amplifies a torque of the second fly wheel to do work. The second fly wheel also feeds back part of an output moment to the first fly wheel through a second transmission device and a first driving device linked with the second transmission device to keep the first fly wheel rotating by an inertia force. A diameter and weight of the second fly wheel are much greater than those of the first fly wheel.

Abstract: A balancing assembly for a rotor comprises a mass, a displacement arrangement for displacing the mass along a guide arrangement. The guide arrangement extends circumferentially and the displacement arrangement can move the mass circumferentially around the principal axis of the rotor during rotation of the rotor.