Inertia Or Fly-wheel Device Patents (Class 310/74)
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Patent number: 8922081Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for incorporating a plurality of independently rotating rotors made from high-strength materials with a high-temperature superconductive (HTS) bearing technology into an open-core flywheel architecture to achieve a desired high energy density in the flywheel energy storage devices and to obtain superior results and performance.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John R. Hull, Michael Strasik, John A. Mittleider, Mark S. Wilenski, Michael P. Kozar
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Publication number: 20140368071Abstract: A servo system for driving a load having a servo motor, a servo drive operatively coupled to the servo motor and a cyclic force convertor operatively coupled to the load is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventor: Gerald K. Langreck
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Publication number: 20140338993Abstract: A flywheel module comprises a bypass transmission with three rotational members, and a flywheel connected to a first one of the rotational members. A second one of the rotational members is connected to the input/output. An electric machine which can function both as a motor and as a generator is connected to a third one of the rotational members. An actuator is provided for actuating the electric machine. A control unit is provided for driving the actuator, as well as an operator for operating the brake and the clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2012Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventors: Roell Marie Van Druten, Alexander Franciscus Anita Serrarens, Bas Gerard Vroemen
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Publication number: 20140319947Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus that includes a motor, flywheel, transmission, and generator. The motor converts an input energy into mechanical energy to rotate an output shaft coupled to a shaft of a flywheel. The design characteristics of the flywheel provide substantially uniform rotational speed to its shaft when the flywheel rotates. The rotating shaft of the flywheel connects to an input shaft of a transmission that includes a gear train that transfers the rotational speed of the flywheel to an output shaft of the transmission. The output shaft of the transmission drives an input shaft of a generator that converts the rotational speed to an output energy. After an initial start period, the output energy is sufficient to sustain mechanical operation of the apparatus, and provide power to external devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: No Fossil Energy, LLCInventors: Bruce Elliot Anderson, Robert E. Craft, III, Stephen Mullinix
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Patent number: 8866314Abstract: The invention relates to inertial systems for the accumulation and conversion of energy, and can be used as a power unit to drive various machines and vehicles. According to the disclosed method, a source of mechanical oscillations is used to generate an alternating rotational torque which is applied to the working train made capable of unidirectional rotational motion. An inertial vibrator disposed axially on the working train is used as the oscillation source.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Permotors GmbHInventor: Edvid Ivanovich Linevich
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Publication number: 20140300227Abstract: An electromechanical flywheel machine includes a flywheel mass and a motor-generator having a rotor rotatable about a stationery inner stator having stator windings.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2012Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventors: Claude Michael Kalev, Heath F. Hofmann
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Publication number: 20140292120Abstract: An electromechanical flywheel machine includes a flywheel mass and a motor-generator having a rotor rotatable about a stator wherein the stator is supported by a fluid cooled stator support. The electromechanical flywheel has the rotor encircling a stationery stator and stator windings including a field winding encircling an axis of stator rotation and an armature winding that does not encircle the axis of stator rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2012Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventor: Claude Michael Kalev
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Publication number: 20140285162Abstract: Power supply device for a moulding machine with an intermediate circuit, which can be connected with at least one drive of the moulding machine and is suitable for supplying the at least one drive with electrical energy; a supply module connected to the intermediate circuit; an energy storage device connected to the intermediate circuit, and a closed loop control device for closed loop controlling an energy content of the energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device can be closed loop controlled by means of the closed loop control device so that the energy content of the energy storage device does not go outside a range, in which a power input and/or a power output of the energy storage device is essentially constant.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: ENGEL AUSTRIA GmbHInventors: Harald FRAUENEDER, Gerhard DIMMLER
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Patent number: 8841807Abstract: In a motor, an armature includes an annular yoke having an inner surface, and a plurality of teeth radially projecting individually from the inner surface of the annular yoke, and a rotor is rotatably provided inside the armature with a gap between the outer surface thereof and the inner surface of the armature. The armature and rotor is configured to have a first magnetic resistance facilitating reactive magnetic flux to flow through at least one tooth in a plurality of teeth to an adjacent tooth of the at least one tooth therein as compared with the reactive magnetic flux toward the rotor. The armature and rotor is configured to have a second magnetic resistance facilitating main magnetic flux based on the at least one pair of magnetic poles to flow toward a yoke of the armature as compared with the main magnetic flux toward at least one tooth close to the main magnetic flux.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Makoto Taniguchi
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Publication number: 20140265674Abstract: An electromechanical flywheel machine includes multiple enclosures enhancing safe operation of an enclosed motor-generator and flywheel mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: ROTONIX USA, INC.Inventors: Claude Michael Kalev, Robert A. Rosen
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Publication number: 20140232224Abstract: This Angular Momentum Engine uses Servo Motors, connected to a planetary gearbox, to spin-up a high speed inertia load, a ‘point mass’ spinning horizontally around a vertical axis, like the ball on the end of a string. “Whenever an object moves in a circular path we know the object is accelerating because the object is continuously changing direction. Accelerations are caused by net forces on an object. In the case of an object moving in a circular path, the net force is a special force called a centripetal force. Centripetal force in Latin means ‘center seeking’.” As this ‘point mass’ is rotating in a circular path so too is the ‘center seeking’ centripetal force. In order for this rotating centripetal force to have practical applications such as to power commercial automobiles, the rotating centripetal force must be changed to linear, straight line centripetal force, the subject matter of this patent.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventor: MICHAEL JOSEPH CAREW
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Patent number: 8810051Abstract: In an inverter generator having a winding wound around a generator unit driven by an engine, a converter connected to the winding and adapted to convert an alternating current outputted from the winding to a direct current, an inverter connected to the converter and adapted to invert the direct current outputted from the converter to an alternating current and output it, and a controller adapted to control operations of the converter and the inverter, a battery is connected to the engine, and the winding includes a first winding and a second winding, such that the controller supplies an output of the battery to one of the first winding and the second winding to rotate the generator unit to start the engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoichi Yamamura, Minoru Tamura
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Publication number: 20140210289Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a pre-determined axial thrust force profile for use in a rotating machine that includes a magnetically permeable rotor with first and second surfaces and a generally perpendicular shaft is disclosed. One or more bearings support the shaft and a coil induces flux in the rotor. First and second pole pieces disposed adjacent to the first and second surfaces define first and second gaps. A series magnetic circuit including the pole pieces, the gaps and the rotor carries flux generated by current flowing in the coil. Pole pieces and gaps provide substantially similar reluctance in both gaps. Magnetic saturation characteristics of a series magnetic circuit may provide a pre-determined axial force profile as a function of coil current. A first magnetic saturation characteristic may provide a maximum axial force at a first current magnitude. A second magnetic saturation characteristic may provide a lower axial force at a current greater than the first current.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: JAMES T. ANDREWS, KARL THOMAS SCHUETZE
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Patent number: 8791613Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Beacon Power, LLCInventor: Jimpo Wang
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Publication number: 20140183996Abstract: Magnetic powertrains for vehicles comprised of magnetically integrated transmission systems and components built from a plurality of magnetic gears are provided. Embodiments provide magnetic clutches, magnetic differentials, and assemblies of kinetic-electric CVTs integrating one or more motors with a flywheel by the use of magnetic gears.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Inventors: Jing He, Hongping He
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Patent number: 8749083Abstract: A wind power generator comprises a first power generator including a rotor arranged so as to be coaxial with a rotation shaft and generates electric power by the rotation of the rotor, a flywheel which is coaxial with the rotation shaft and arranged through a one-way clutch so that when the rotation shaft increases its speed, the flywheel is in an integrally rotating state with the rotation shaft, and when the rotation shaft reduces its speed, the flywheel is separated from the rotation shaft to rotate inertially, a second power generator including a rotor arranged so as to be coaxial with the flywheel and rotate integrally with the flywheel generates the electric power by the rotation of the rotor with the rotation of the flywheel, and an output portion which externally outputs any one of the electric powers generated by the first and second power generators.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Birumen Kagoshima Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuki Nomoto, Kazuomi Nomoto, Manabu Yagi
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Patent number: 8727894Abstract: Elastic rotary actuators are provided having breaking units arranged in such a way as to apply on an output member an adjustable braking torque in order to introduce adjustable damping between an input member and the output member in parallel to elastic members.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Fondazione Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaInventors: Matteo Laffranchi, Nikos G. Tsagarakis, Darwin G. Caldwell
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Publication number: 20140125171Abstract: An apparatus for kinetic energy storage includes an electrical machine operable at least in one of motor mode and generator mode, and at least one energy recovery system for an intermediate storage of a produced kinetic energy and which converts the kinetic energy into an electrical energy, with, the at least one energy recovery system having at least one flywheel body formed as a rotor, and a stator and with at least one of the rotor and the stator being formed as at least one vacuum pump stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Bremer, Armin Conrad
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Publication number: 20140103761Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a flywheel (112) for storing kinetic energy and an electrical machine (190) mechanically coupled to the flywheel and arranged for conversion between mechanical and electrical energy. The apparatus is arranged for transferring energy between the flywheel and a vehicle transmission via a variable ratio transmission (182). The electrical machine is coupled to the flywheel via a disconnect clutch which comprises a magnetic coupling (116).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: RICARDO UK LIMITEDInventors: Andrew Farquhar Atkins, Simon Shepherd, Jonathan Davis
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Publication number: 20140103760Abstract: A flywheel based energy storage system which includes multiple flywheels and a motor/generator unit. A single flywheel is fixed to the drive shaft. Multiple additional flywheels are mounted to drive shaft via bearings to allow freewheeling. Fixed flywheel is fully charged before speed activated clutch engages second flywheel. All additional flywheels are started sequentially in like manner. During discharge, charged flywheels engage drive shaft via one-way ratchet type mechanism and non-charged flywheels continue to freewheel. A sectional drive shaft of one embodiment simplifies portability and assembly. A Variable inertia flywheel of another embodiment further reduces charge-up time.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventor: Patrick J. Dugas
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Patent number: 8698365Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed and directed to a substantially cylindrical containment layer, and methods for containment, for a flywheel apparatus comprising a plurality of predictably deformable brackets oriented to contain an impact. The brackets each have a plurality of layers and a surface for absorbing an impact, with the surface providing a glancing angle in the direction of an impact of from about 0.1° to about 5°.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John R. Hull, John A. Mittleider, Michael Strasik
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Publication number: 20140083656Abstract: According to the present invention an HVAC system is provided. The HVAC system includes a heat exchanger containing a cooling fluid to be circulated, a blower assembly configured to generate an inlet air stream through said heat exchanger, and a kinetic energy storage device. The blower assembly is powered by an external electrical power supply. The kinetic energy storage device is configured to provide auxiliary power to the blower assembly in the event of an interruption of the external electrical power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: MESTEK, INC.Inventor: GEORGE MICHAEL KALER
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Publication number: 20140084756Abstract: An electromechanical flywheel machine includes a flywheel mass and a motor-generator having a rotor rotatable about a stationery inner stator having stator windings.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Inventors: Claude Michael Kalev, Heath F. Hofmann
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Patent number: 8671684Abstract: A method and device to optimize the cumulative beneficial effect of harvesting all available forms of lost energy, including energy that is lost while a vehicle is in motion (e.g., kinetic, inertia, friction, thermodynamic, and aerodynamic losses). The cumulative energy that is recovered is converted to electrical energy which powers the on-board electrolyzer to produce more hydrogen and oxygen while the system is in operation and stationary. Stationary, passive means of energy, solar, wind, hydro, etc. will also be available to power the electrolyzer. The system also contemplates utilizing passive means of energy to power a non-mobile system which incorporates an internal or external combustion engine in place of a fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Inventor: Donald Moriarty
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Patent number: 8664815Abstract: A flywheel based energy storage apparatus includes a housing and a hub-less flywheel mounted within the housing. The hub-less flywheel has a mass which is shifted radially outwards from a central axis of the hub-less flywheel thus increasing the energy density of the apparatus. The flywheel includes an outer axially extending annular surface, an inner axially extending surface and two radially extending side surfaces. The inner axially extending surface has a plurality of magnets aligned to form a rotor. A plurality of coils is supported by the housing and is aligned with the rotor to form a motor/generator. A controller controls the motion of the hub-less flywheel to reduce vibrations and controls electrical power transfer to and from the motor/generator.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Tetsuya Ishikawa, Jin Yi
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Patent number: 8648509Abstract: A power source for a vehicle includes at least one toroidal ring positioned in a housing. The toroidal ring includes magnetic material such as permanent magnets. The toroidal ring is magnetically levitated in the housing. A propulsion winding is coupled with the housing and energizable via a power signal to move the toroidal ring. Once moving, the magnetic material and the propulsion winding cooperate to produce electrical power and/or provide a stabilizing effect for the vehicle. In some applications, such as in an aircraft application, two or more toroidal rings may be used and rotated at counter directions so as to produce a predetermined net angular momentum.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Inventors: William Allen Bastian, II, Elizabeth Sobota
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Publication number: 20140028132Abstract: Flywheel systems are disclosed that provide increased energy density and operational effectiveness. A first bearingless motor and a second bearingless motor may be configured to simultaneously suspend the central rotor in a radial direction and to rotate the central rotor. However, certain implementations may have one motor or more than two motors, depending on the design. A plurality of the flywheel systems may be collectively controlled to perform community energy storage with higher storage capacities than individual flywheel systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: U.S.A., as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Ralph H. Jansen, Larry M. Trase, Timothy P. Dever, Peter E. Kascak, Kraft G. Thomas
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Publication number: 20130300236Abstract: An electric motorcycle includes an electric driving unit including an electric motor and a power transmission mechanism, and is configured to halt supplying of electric power to the electric motor for at least a period in the stopped state. A starting assist method is executed in the electric motorcycle. The starting assist method comprises the steps of activating the electric motor and rotating a rotor by itself to store rotation energy in the rotor, keeping the rotation energy stored in the rotor in the step of storing the rotation energy, in a stopped state of the electric motorcycle, and transmitting the rotation energy of the rotor kept in the step of keeping the rotation energy to the rear wheel as starting assist power.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2010Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
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Publication number: 20130264901Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical metal-forming machine which comprises a drive shaft, a flywheel drive with a flywheel, an auxiliary drive and a coupling, wherein the flywheel drive drives the metal-forming machine at least intermittently, wherein the flywheel is coupled for this purpose to the drive shaft via the coupling and wherein the auxiliary drive is designed as a servo motor and drives the drive shaft. A rotor of the auxiliary drive is permanently connected to the drive shaft in a torque-proof manner for this purpose and the flywheel is coupled to the rotor of the auxiliary drive by means of the coupling for this purpose, in order to drive the drive shaft via said rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Martin LOCHER, Reinhold GASSER
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Publication number: 20130261001Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for incorporating a plurality of independently rotating rotors made from high-strength materials with a high-temperature superconductive (HTS) bearing technology into an open-core flywheel architecture to achieve a desired high energy density in the flywheel energy storage devices and to obtain superior results and performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: John R. Hull, Michael Strasik, John A. Mittleider, Mark S. Wilenski, Michael P. Kozar
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Publication number: 20130260999Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are described for a flywheel system incorporating a rotor made from a high-strength material in an open-core flywheel architecture with a high-temperature superconductive (HTS) bearing technology to achieve the desired high energy density in the flywheel energy storage devices, to obtain superior results and performance, and that eliminates the material growth-matching problem and obviates radial growth and bending mode issues that otherwise occur at various high frequencies and speeds.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: John R. Hull, Michael Strasik, John A. Mittleider
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Publication number: 20130241366Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe a motor comprising a rotor assembly and a stator assembly to rotatably drive the rotor assembly. Said stator assembly includes a body, a plurality of teeth extending radially from the body, and at least two winding sets, each winding set comprising coils wound on the teeth. The at least two winding sets includes a first set for driving the rotor assembly to a first variable operational range, and a second set for driving the rotor assembly to a second variable operational range different than the first. Said rotor assembly may be used in an electric motor (i.e., said rotor assembly is a flywheel), or may be used in a drive motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Inventor: Daniel Kee Young Kim
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Publication number: 20130193788Abstract: In one embodiment, a flywheel power generating facility includes a flywheel power generator including a flywheel for storing rotational energy, and configured to convert the rotational energy into electric power to supply the electric power to a test facility. The generating facility further includes a driving motor configured to rotate the flywheel, and a power supply device configured to supply electric power to the driving motor. The generating facility further includes a detector configured to output a signal related to the rotation of the flywheel, and a controller configured to control operation of the driving motor, based on the outputted signal. The controller controls the operation of the driving motor so that the driving motor provides accelerating torque to the flywheel while the supply of the electric power to the test facility is stopped and while the electric power is supplied to the test facility.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
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Publication number: 20130162114Abstract: A drive with a motor and devices for coupling the motor to a driving object. The coupling devices include a centrifugal mass which is movable by the motor, and an impact stop, which is connected to the driving object, for the centrifugal mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Inventor: Rolf Strothmann
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Patent number: 8471421Abstract: A magnetic motor generator wherein electric power is produced by rotating a one-piece magnetic floating flywheel assembly that rotates in a rolling motion. The flywheel assembly is operated by linear induction motors and is repelled upward by a stationary natural magnet. The floating flywheel assembly magnetic axle rotates inside double magnetic collar bearings, which have repelling stationary magnets to center the axle at speed while moving along a support frame. The floating flywheel assembly will have no physical contact with other components in order to prevent bearing losses at speed. The moving components are also enclosed in a vacuum chamber in order to prevent wind resistance, or windage losses at speed. The floating flywheel assembly rotors rotate inside generator stators in order to generate electric power.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Inventor: Michael Marion McCulley
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Publication number: 20130134810Abstract: A flywheel system has an approximately toroidal flywheel rotor having an outer radius, the flywheel rotor positioned around and bound to a hub by stringers, the stringers each of a radius slightly smaller than the outer radius of the flywheel rotor. The hub is suspended from a motor-generator by a flexible shaft or rigid shaft with flexible joint, the flywheel rotor having a mass, substantially all of the mass of the flywheel rotor comprising fibers, the fibers in large part movable relative to each other. The motor-generator is suspended from a damped gimbal, and the flywheel rotor and motor-generator are within a chamber evacuatable to vacuum. An electrostatic motor/generator can also be within the same vacuum as the flywheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: VELKESS INC.Inventor: VELKESS INC.
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Publication number: 20130106367Abstract: A transmission arrangement for transmitting power from a power source to an electrical generator. The transmission arrangement comprises a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an alternative transmission that is more efficient at transmitting power than the CVT. The transmission arrangement further comprises a power mixing mechanism for combining power from the CVT and the alternative transmission into a combined power output to be provided to the electrical generator. The percentage of CVT power within the combined power output decreases as the power supplied by the power source increases.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: TRANSMISSION CVTCORP INC.Inventors: Samuel Beaudoin, Jean-Robert Desmeules
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Patent number: 8400032Abstract: A driving device for a motor 15 is disclosed, the device including an inertia wheel 16, a free wheel 18 able to ensure a unidirectional automatic clutching on a torque reversal between the inertia wheel and the shaft 12 of the motor, and a run up device 20 for the inertia wheel. The driving device is mounted on the end of shaft 12 of the motor opposite to the end for coupling the motor to mechanical equipment driven by the motor 15.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Daniel Livernais
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Publication number: 20130062886Abstract: A power generating device includes an input rotor that is provided to an output shaft of speed up gears so as to be capable of rotating together with the output shaft, an output rotor that is provided to a drive shaft of a generator so as to be capable of rotating together with the drive shaft, and a one-way clutch that is disposed between the input rotor and the output rotor. The one-way clutch connects the input rotor with the output rotor so as to rotate together with the input rotor and the output rotor when the rotation speed of the input rotor exceeds the rotation speed of the output rotor, and the one-way clutch is configured to release the connection between the input rotor and the output rotor when the rotation speed of the input rotor falls below the rotation speed of the output rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Hideki FUJIWARA, Masaaki OHTSUKI
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Publication number: 20130062979Abstract: A magnetic motor generator wherein electric power is produced by rotating a one-piece magnetic floating flywheel assembly that rotates in a rolling motion. The flywheel assembly is operated by linear induction motors and is repelled upward by a stationary natural magnet. The floating flywheel assembly magnetic axel rotates inside double magnetic collar bearings, which have repelling stationary magnets to center the axel at speed while moving along a support frame. The floating flywheel assembly will have no physical contact with other components in order to prevent bearing losses at speed. The moving components are also enclosed in a vacuum chamber in order to prevent wind resistance, or windage losses at speed. The floating flywheel assembly rotors rotate inside generator stators in order to generate electric power.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: Michael Marion McCulley
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Publication number: 20130043750Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: BEACON POWER, LLCInventor: Beacon Power, LLC
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Publication number: 20130033136Abstract: An electric machine includes a generally annular outer rotor supported to rotate about a rotational axis. The outer rotor defines an internal cavity therein and has a plurality of permanent magnets in the internal cavity generating a first magnetic field. An inner rotor is in the internal cavity and is supported to rotate about the rotational axis. The inner rotor has a plurality of permanent magnets about its perimeter that generate a second magnetic field. A generally annular stator is in the internal cavity between the outer rotor and the inner rotor. The stator has a stator winding supported by a non-magnetically conductive stator core. The stator winding is arranged to generate a field that interacts with the first and second magnetic fields. One of the outer rotor or the inner rotor is mechanically coupled to drive a load. The other of the outer rotor or the inner rotor is not mechanically coupled to drive the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Inventor: Patrick T. McMullen
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Publication number: 20130015825Abstract: The present invention provides a flywheel apparatus for use as an energy storage system, the apparatus comprising: a housing unit having a base; a flywheel assembly mounted within the housing unit, the assembly comprising a flywheel supported by a rotatable axle arranged to enable rotation of the assembly within the housing, the axle defining an axis of rotation; stabilising means located within the housing unit arranged to stabilise rotation of the flywheel assembly about the rotation axis; and levitation means arranged to levitate the flywheel assembly above the base of the housing unit, in order to create a clearance between the flywheel assembly and the base of the housing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: THE CITY UNIVERSITYInventor: Keith Pullen
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Publication number: 20130002071Abstract: An inertial energy storage device includes a plurality of stationary electrical windings, a rotatable shaft, and a plurality of rotatable magnets coupled to the rotatable shaft. The plurality of stationary electrical windings extend about at least a portion of the plurality of rotatable magnets. The inertial energy storage device also includes a flywheel device that includes a substantially cylindrical hub rotatably coupled to the rotatable shaft. The flywheel device also includes a radially inner ring that includes a first material having a first density. The flywheel device further includes a radially outer ring that includes a second material having a second density. The first density is greater than the second density.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Jeremy Daniel Van Dam, Mark Ernest Vermilyea, Kiruba Sivasubramaniam Haran
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Publication number: 20120306418Abstract: A low-cost minimal-loss zero-maintenance flywheel battery, to store electric power from a DC power source by conversion to kinetic energy, and regenerate electric power as needed. Its vertical spin-axis rotor assembly is supported axially by repelling annular permanent magnets, and is centered by ceramic ball bearings which have axial preload that prevents vibration and augments axial rotor support. A regenerative multi-pole permanent-magnet motor, controlled by its 2-phase stator current, and connected by power and signal conductors to power interface electronics, is integrated within the flywheel assembly, in a vacuum enclosure supported by a self-leveling structure. Sinusoidal 2-phase stator currents are controlled by high-frequency pulse-width-modulated H-bridge power electronics that draw and regenerate controlled DC current with minimal ripple, responsive to respective 2-phase rotation angle sensors, the DC power voltage, and other settings.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventor: Richard B. Fradella
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Publication number: 20120299414Abstract: TJ POWER is a process that follows the guideline mechanical energy is equal to the primary driving energy plus the secondary energy. The primary driving energy must be able to supply enough torque to drive the mechanical energy at its full output and the secondary driving energy must be able to drive the primary driving energy. This is accomplished by the use of weight, rpm's and the size of connectors to adjust the torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventor: Thomas R. Laita
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Patent number: 8314527Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Beacon Power, LLCInventor: Jimpo Wang
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Patent number: 8307801Abstract: A combination for use in supporting and rotatably driving a mass is disclosed. The combination may have a power source. The combination may also have a flywheel, which may be configured to connect with and rotatably drive the mass. The flywheel may have a flywheel end, which may have a plurality of flywheel protrusions. Additionally, the combination may have a bearing, which may be situated at least partially within the power source. The bearing may be configured to support and at least partially house the flywheel. In addition, the combination may have a crankshaft, which may be shaped to connect with and rotatably drive the flywheel. The crankshaft may have a crankshaft end, which may have a plurality of crankshaft protrusions. The plurality of crankshaft protrusions may be shaped to mesh with the plurality of flywheel protrusions.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Sean Patrick Oilar, Allyn P. Bock, John Thomas Allington, Stuart Charles Holder
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Publication number: 20120267973Abstract: One embodiment of the new method of propulsion is an electron magnetic drive with an array of rotor electromagnets (28A-28L) operating in the non inertial frame of reference produced by the rotation (33) of the rotor (26); linked by a magnetic field from the electromagnets (28A-28L) to the inertial frame of reference of the stationary stator electromagnet (40); generate a propulsive reaction force (45) in accordance with Newton's third law of motion. The electromagnets (28A-28L) mounted on the rotor (26), when energized for a time interval generate a magnetic field that engages the magnetic field of the energized stator electromagnet (40). The magnetic field engagement produces magnetic forces of attraction and repulsion with the like and unlike magnetic polarities of the energized stationary electromagnet (40) and the corresponding energized electromagnet (28A-28L) in the rotor (26).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventor: Harold Ariel
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Patent number: 8242649Abstract: A low-cost minimal-loss zero-maintenance flywheel battery, to store electric power from a DC power source by conversion to kinetic energy, and regenerate electric power as needed. Its vertical spin-axis rotor assembly is supported axially by repelling annular permanent magnets, and is centered by ceramic ball bearings which have axial preload that prevents vibration and augments axial rotor support. A regenerative multi-pole permanent-magnet motor, controlled by its 2-phase stator current, and connected by power and signal conductors to power interface electronics, is integrated within the flywheel assembly, in a vacuum enclosure supported by a self-leveling structure. Sinusoidal 2-phase stator currents are controlled by high-frequency pulse-width-modulated H-bridge power electronics that draw and regenerate controlled DC current with minimal ripple, responsive to respective 2-phase rotation angle sensors, the DC power voltage, and other settings.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Richard B. Fradella