Patents Assigned to Beacon Power Corporation
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Publication number: 20120056483Abstract: A solar array power generation system includes a solar array electrically connected to a control system. The solar array has a plurality of solar modules, each module having at least one DC/DC converter for converting the raw panel output to an optimized high voltage, low current output. In a further embodiment, each DC/DC converter requires a signal to enable power output of the solar modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: BEACON POWER CORPORATIONInventors: F. WILLIAM CAPP, William J. Driscoll
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Patent number: 8102144Abstract: A solar array power generation system includes a solar array electrically connected to a control system. The solar array has a plurality of solar modules, each module having at least one DC/DC converter for converting the raw panel output to an optimized high voltage, low current output. In a further embodiment, each DC/DC converter requires a signal to enable power output of the solar modules.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: F. William Capp, William J. Driscoll
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Patent number: 8008804Abstract: Featured are methods for regulating the AC frequency of the electrical power be supplied on an electrical distribution system or grid. Such a method includes electrically coupling an energy storage sub-system to the electrical distribution network, where the energy storage sub-system includes one or more flywheel energy storage systems. Also featured as devices, systems and apparatuses embodying such methodologies or for use in implementing such methodologies of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: F. William Capp, Matthew L. Lazarewicz, A. James Arseneaux, Paul Dresens, Hernan Alex Rojas
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Patent number: 7834479Abstract: A method and system for operating a mini-grid including one or more power generation sources and one or more loads independently from a utility grid is provided, where the mini-grid is disconnected from the utility grid in response to a power disruption over the utility grid. A universal interconnect device forms a connection between the mini-grid and the utility grid. In the disconnected state, the mini-grid operates independently from the utility grid, such that the power generation sources of the mini-grid supply the loads. Frequency and voltage regulation are provided by the universal interconnect device through a monitoring function performed by a controller in conjunction with at least an energy storage device, which can absorb or generate power as needed.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: F. William Capp, Matthew L. Lazarewicz, Hernan Alex Rojas
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Patent number: 7830055Abstract: Upon operation, flywheel assemblies sand other such rotational mechanisms are released by mechanical backup bearings, which then normally remain disengaged until shutdown as the flywheel assembly is levitated by the axial magnetic field. However, either due to over heating of bearings, power failure or other stimuli, flywheels often suffer a phenomenon deemed as touchdown down from the levitation state. During this touchdown event, flywheels inherently lose rotational momentum, thus ceasing to generate and release power and often cause damage to components as well as casing. Enhancements developed herein, through the introduction of the instant secondary hybrid touchdown bearing system, allow flywheels and other such systems to retain rotational momentum and continue generation of energy. Further, the instant system negates damage to system components, as well as bearing wear.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: James Arseneaux, Jimpo Wang
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Patent number: 7679245Abstract: Featured is a method for passively-repulsively lifting a rotor assembly (11) of a flywheel energy storage system (10), comprising the steps of mechanically coupling a first permanent magnet (204a) to the rotor assembly (11) and fixedly positioning a second permanent magnet (204b) proximal to the first permanent magnet (204a) so that a repulsive force is generated therebetween causing the first permanent magnet (204a) to move with respect to the second permanent magnet (204b), thereby causing the rotor assembly (11) to be lifted to an operating level. The method further includes applying a radial force sufficient in magnitude and direction to oppose a radial force being generated by the permanent magnet repulsive force. Also featured is a passive-repulsive rotor assembly lift system (100) for a flywheel energy storage system (10) and a flywheel energy storage system (10) including such a repulsive rotor lift system (100).Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: Norman C. Brackett, Richard L. Hockney, Martin W. Frash
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Patent number: 7679247Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventor: Jimpo Wang
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Patent number: 7365461Abstract: A crash management system for implementation in a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) is provided. Implementation of such a system entails designing an FESS rim that is highly failure resistant, and designing the FESS such that if one, some, or even all of its components fail, they are physically prevented from accumulating and releasing enough energy to cause rim burst, thus leaving the rim intact and capable of safely remaining spinning even after one or more FESS component failures have occurred.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: Norman C. Brackett, James G. Crowley, Richard L. Hockney, Matthew L. Lazarewicz, Eric A. Lewis
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Publication number: 20070103108Abstract: A solar array power generation system includes a solar array electrically connected to a control system. The solar array has a plurality of solar modules, each module having at least one DC/DC converter for converting the raw panel output to an optimized high voltage, low current output. In a further embodiment, each DC/DC converter requires a signal to enable power output of the solar modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2004Publication date: May 10, 2007Applicant: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: William Capp, William Driscoll
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Patent number: 7174806Abstract: A bearing damping system for damping vibrations and conducting heat from vibration-producing, heat-generating devices, an evacuated energy storage system including such a bearing damping system for damping vibrations produced by the rotating shaft and conducting heat from bearings and/or bearing assemblies; and a method for damping vibrations and conducting heat from vibration-producing, heat-generating devices. The bearing damping system includes one or more flexible bearing dampers in combination with one or more heat transferring rosettes. The heat transferring rosettes comprise a flexible thermally conductive member that transfers heat by conduction from the bearings, bearing assemblies and/or heat generating devices to a remote heat sink.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: Norman C. Brackett, Omar M. Kabir, James F. Arseneaux
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Publication number: 20070014980Abstract: A composite-based rim includes multiple fiber-based, commingled layers wherein the strength and/or stiffness increases from the innermost to the outermost layer of the rim, but wherein the radial stress and strain generated in the rim decreases from the innermost to the outermost layer. At least some layers have a mixture of carbon fiber tows and glass fiber tows. The ratio of carbon fiber tows to glass fiber tows in each layer is constant, and the distribution of carbon fiber tows is macroscopically uniform in each layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2006Publication date: January 18, 2007Applicant: Beacon Power CorporationInventor: Ward Spears
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Publication number: 20060117904Abstract: A crash management system for implementation in a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) is provided. Implementation of such a system entails designing an FESS rim that is highly failure resistant, and designing the FESS such that if one, some, or even all of its components fail, they are physically prevented from accumulating and releasing enough energy to cause rim burst, thus leaving the rim intact and capable of safely remaining spinning even after one or more FESS component failures have occurred.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2005Publication date: June 8, 2006Applicant: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: Norman Brackett, James Crowley, Richard Hockney, Matthew Lazarewicz, Eric Lewis
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Patent number: 7034420Abstract: A crash management system for implementation in a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) is provided. Implementation of such a system entails designing an FESS rim that is highly failure resistant, and designing the FESS such that if one, some, or even all of its components fail, they are physically prevented from accumulating and releasing enough energy to cause rim burst, thus leaving the rim intact and capable of safely remaining spinning even after one or more FESS component failures have occurred.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: Norman C. Brackett, James G. Crowley, Richard L. Hockney, Matthew L. Lazarewicz, Eric A. Lewis
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Patent number: 6959756Abstract: Featured is a heat transferring device being configured and arranged so that at least some of the heat energy being generated by a heat producing device, such as the a bearing assembly of a flywheel energy storage system, is communicated directly from the locus of the device directly to a heat sink structure remote from the locus of the device. The heat-transferring device includes one or more flexible thermally conductive members, one end of each being thermally coupled to the heat generating device and the other end of each being thermally coupled to the heat sink. The flexible member also is configured and arranged so as to allow relative motion between the heat generating device and the heat sink in or about one or more directions or axes. The heat-transferring device further includes first and second conductive members that are each configured and arranged to thermally couple each flexible member end to one of the heat producing device and the heat sink.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: Nathan G. Woodard, Omar M. Kabir, Jeremiah I. Rathbun
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Patent number: 6884039Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system, including a plurality of pumps arranged in parallel for simultaneously drawing-off and absorbing substantially all of the gases that evolve from a flywheel assembly during high-speed operation, is disclosed. The plurality of pumps includes at least one pump for pumping mainly water vapor; and, at least one pump for pumping mainly active gases. The at least one pump for pumping mainly water vapor plurality of pumps is disposed in a gas storage chamber that is separate from the main housing of the flywheel system. The at least one pump for pumping mainly active gases is disposed in a container external to the main housing and fluidly coupled to the gas storage chamber. A drag pump assists the plurality of pumps in the gas storage chamber by pumping the evolved gases from the main housing to the gas storage chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: Nathan G. Woodard, Jeremiah I. Rathbun, Paul E. Dresens
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Patent number: 6852401Abstract: A composite-based rim and methods for manufacturing such a rim are provided. The rim includes multiple fiber-based, co-mingled layers, wherein the strength and/or stiffness of the layers increases from the innermost layer of the rim to the outermost layer of the rim, but where the radial stress and strain generated in the rim decreases from the innermost layer to the outermost layer. Incorporation of this rim into a high stress and strain usage environment, such as a flywheel system, allows the rim to be spun at high speeds in order to generate high levels of kinetic energy while beneficially managing the amount of strain and radial stresses generated within the rim, and, in turn, minimizing or at least controlling the formation and propagation of cracks within the rim.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: Ward R. Spears, Cynthia L. Shirey
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Patent number: 6824861Abstract: A composite-based rim and methods for manufacturing such a rim are provided. The rim includes multiple fiber-based, co-mingled layers, wherein the strength and/or stiffness of the layers increases from the innermost layer of the rim to the outermost layer of the rim, but where the radial stress and strain generated in the rim decreases from the innermost layer to the outermost layer. Incorporation of this rim into a high stress and strain usage environment, such as a flywheel system, allows the rim to be spun at high speeds in order to generate high levels of kinetic energy while beneficially managing the amount of strain and radial stresses generated within the rim, and, in turn, minimizing or at least controlling the formation and propagation of cracks within the rim.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventor: Ward R. Spears
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Patent number: 6817266Abstract: Several embodiments of a stiff, metallic hub for an energy storage devices are disclosed in the present invention. The stiff hub produces a critical velocity that is significantly greater than the design operating speed of the flywheel assembly so that resonant frequency is never reached during normal operation of the energy storage device's flywheel assembly. The stiff hub comprises a central core section that maintains a tight interference fit with the rotating shaft; an outer rim section that maintains a tight interference with the high-strength, low-density composite fiber rim, in which energy primarily is stored; and a web section that is situated therebetween, extending radially from the rotary shaft. At high operating speeds, the outer rim of the hub expands radially commensurate with expansion of the composite fiber rim so that enough of the outer rim remains in tight interference fit with the composite fiber rim to substantially minimize vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventor: Norman C. Brackett
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Patent number: 6747378Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention discloses a dual-stiffness damping system for an evacuated energy storage system, the damping system comprising one or more flexible dampers and a plurality of more rigid bumpers, and a method of damping an evacuated energy storage system using dual-stiffness damping. Indeed, under normal operating conditions, a flexible damper, having a stiffness of about 500 lb/in to about 4000 lb/in, minimizes the rigid body critical speed of the rotor assembly of the energy storage system, allowing relative displacement between the stator assembly and rotor assembly but preventing the assemblies from physically contacting each other. Under more extreme external loading conditions, e.g., during an earthquake, the plurality of more rigid bumpers, having a stiffness of about 50,000 to 250,000 lb/in, engages the outer race of the bearing assembly to arrest further relative displacement substantially.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventor: Norman C. Brackett
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Patent number: 6741007Abstract: A permanent magnet motor assembly for use in a flywheel is disclosed, including a rotor, a stator, and a coil positioned in the stator. One or more magnets is attached to the rotor such that magnetic field lines are directed radially toward the coil for generating torque and thus driving the motor. A shield covers the magnet, preventing the magnetic flux lines from impacting a plate on the stator and causing excess heat and energy losses. The shield can be a cup or a snap-fit ring preferably made of magnetic steel which directs stray magnetic flux lines toward the rotor to be converted into useful work.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Beacon Power CorporationInventors: Martin W. Frash, Richard L. Hockney, Michael F. Smith