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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: 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.