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: 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: A flywheel energy storage system emphasizing enhancements developed for space applications including development of a flywheel rotor system capable of achieving maximum energy density, while being capable of repeated high peak-power demands. Illustrated is a rotor system comprising a composite hub, capable of supporting an optimized high-speed composite rim and shaft, working in combination with a switched reluctance motor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.