Abstract: A method for controlling AC frequency of electrical power being distributed to an electrical distribution network that is connected to one or more electrical loads and to one or more power sources includes: electrically coupling an energy storage sub-system to the electrical distribution network, said energy storage sub-system including one or more flywheel energy storage systems; and controlling operation of each of the flywheel energy storage systems responsive to the AC frequency of the electrical power, so the electrical storage subsystem injects or absorbs an amount of electrical energy into or from the electrical distribution network so as to regulate the AC frequency of the electrical power being distributed to the electrical distribution network so as to be at or about a desired AC frequency.

Abstract: A flywheel system including a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft includes an inner passage therethrough, and a dam with a central opening disposed on a first end of the inner passage. An outer passage surrounds the inner passage. The inner passage is open at a second end, and the outer passage is closed on an end surrounding the second end of the inner passage. The outer passage is open on an end surrounding the first end of the inner passage. Fluid flows into the inner passage at the first end, via the central opening of the dam. Rotation of the flywheel rotor causes the fluid to accumulate along a wall of the inner passage, and to propagate to the second end, where the fluid exits into the outer passage. The fluid propagates along the outer passage to the open end of the outer passage, where it is released.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A flywheel system including a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft includes an inner passage therethrough, and a dam with a central opening disposed on a first end of the inner passage. An outer passage surrounds the inner passage. The inner passage is open at a second end, and the outer passage is closed on an end surrounding the second end of the inner passage. The outer passage is open on an end surrounding the first end of the inner passage. Fluid flows into the inner passage at the first end, via the central opening of the dam. Rotation of the flywheel rotor causes the fluid to accumulate along a wall of the inner passage, and to propagate to the second end, where the fluid exits into the outer passage. The fluid propagates along the outer passage to the open end of the outer passage, where it is released.

Abstract: An advanced composite flywheel hub and associated method are described for use in a flywheel rotor assembly that includes a shaft and a rim. The hub includes a shaft engaging portion and a rim engaging portion, and is configured for maintaining engagement with the shaft and the rim during operational rotation of the flywheel rotor assembly. The hub exhibits a bending mode, and includes a first layer having axial fibers for stiffening the hub with respect to the bending mode. The hub can further include a stiffening arrangement for increasing the radial stiffness of the shaft engaging portion.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Featured are methods for regulating the AC frequency of the electrical power to 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.

Abstract: A flywheel levitation apparatus and associated method are described for use in a flywheel driven power storage system having a rotor and which provides for an upward vertical movement of the rotor along an axis of rotation. The rotor includes a rotor face defining a cutaway section. A magnetic lifting force is applied to the rotor to at least in part serve in levitating the rotor. The magnetic lifting force exhibits a modified gap sensitivity that is smaller as compared to a conventional gap sensitivity that would be exhibited in an absence of the cutaway section.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A flywheel levitation apparatus and associated method are described for use in a flywheel driven power storage system having a rotor and which provides for an upward vertical movement of the rotor along an axis of rotation. The rotor includes a rotor face defining a cutaway section. A magnetic lifting force is applied to the rotor to at least in part serve in levitating the rotor. The magnetic lifting force exhibits a modified gap sensitivity that is smaller as compared to a conventional gap sensitivity that would be exhibited in an absence of the cutaway section.

Abstract: A flywheel levitation apparatus and associated method are described for use in a flywheel driven power storage system having a rotor and which provides for an upward vertical movement of the rotor along an axis of rotation. The rotor includes a rotor face defining a cutaway section. A magnetic lifting force is applied to the rotor to at least in part serve in levitating the rotor. The magnetic lifting force exhibits a modified gap sensitivity that is smaller as compared to a conventional gap sensitivity that would be exhibited in an absence of the cutaway section.