Abstract: Featured are a device, system and method for dissipating at least some heat energy generated by one or more heat generating components of a flywheel energy storage system (FESS). The method includes providing a heat pipe member, having first and second ends, and a heat dissipating member thermally engaged with the heat pipe member second end and configured to transfer heat energy therefrom. The method also includes thermally engaging the heat pipe member first end to the FESS so that at least some heat energy generated by the FESS heat generating component is communicated to the first end and thence through the heat pipe member to the heat dissipating member. Further, the method includes locating the heat dissipating member in a heat sink remote from the FESS.

Abstract: An electrical energy storage system for supplying power to a load comprises a plurality of flywheel energy storage systems, each supplying a power output signal, and a connector circuit. The connector circuit connects the flywheel energy storage systems to the load, but the flywheel energy storage systems are not connected to each other. Each of the flywheel energy storage systems comprises a flywheel turning at an initially predetermined rate, a motor/generator coupled to the flywheel, a bi-directional inverter circuit coupled to the motor/generator and to the load, and a control circuit coupled to the motor/generator and the bi-directional inverter circuit. The control circuit controls the power output signal of the flywheel energy storage system independently of the other flywheel energy storage systems.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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, e.g., a water sorbent, for pumping mainly water vapor; and, at least one pump, e.g., a getter pump, for pumping mainly active gases. The plurality of pumps is disposed in a gas storage chamber that is separate from the main housing of the flywheel system. 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 for subsequent absorption by the plurality of pumps.