Transient energy systems and methods for use of the same

Abstract

This disclosure relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. Transient energy systems may include a flywheel coupled the rotor of an induction motor generator. One embodiment of the disclosure refers to systems and methods for reducing loads on a bearing in a transient energy system. In another embodiment, the disclosure refers to an induction motor generator that is optimized for high power transient power generation, yet low power motor operation. Yet another embodiment of the disclosure refers to using a flywheel as a drag pump to cool components of a transient energy system. In yet another embodiment, a slip control scheme is discussed for regulating a DC bus. In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure a method is provided for reducing unnecessary turbine starts by making turbine start a function of the rotational velocity of a flywheel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]This relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. More particularly, this relates to flywheel energy storage / systems constructed with an induction motor-generator.[0002]There are many different types of transient systems, including, for example, batteries, ultra-capacitors, and flywheel energy storage systems, all of which are capable of providing power substantially immediately on demand. Batteries have poor reliability, are bulky (thus requiring substantial storage space), are expensive to maintain, and contain environmentally damaging chemicals. Ultra-capacitors are expensive and their development has yet to achieve economies of scale which would permit their widespread use. An example of a flywheel energy storage system includes the relatively high mass flywheel type of system. In this type of flywheel energy system, the flywheel is contained in an airtight container under vacuum to r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024]In an embodiment of the invention, a coil spring may be built into the bottom bearing housing assembly to apply an upward preload force to the bearing contained therein. This upward force counteracts a predetermined portion of the downward force exerted by the flywheel and any other component of the rotor assembly which may contribute to the downward force exerted on the bearing. As a result of the upward preload force, the loading on the lower bearing is reduced, thereby increasing the life of the bearing. If desired, the upward preload force may be such that the load seen by both the upper and lower bearings is approximately equal.

[0025]In another embodiment for reducing bearing loading, the magnetic center of the rotor circuitry is offset in a vertical direction with respect to the magnetic center of the stator circuitry to generate an axial force (in either an upward or downward direction depending on the direction of the vertical offset) when the induction motor / generator is operating in a motoring mode. This axial force may reduce the load seen by, for example, the lower bearing, thereby increasing its operational life.

[0026]The flywheel energy storage system is optimized for transient power generation by reducing the physical size, standby power consumption, and inductance of the induction motor / generator, as compared to other induction motor / generators of comparable size. Smaller size generally correlates to less cost. Reduced standby power consumption saves energy cost and heat losses and reduced inductance enables the flywheel system to quickly switch from a motoring mode to a generating mode.

[0027]An advantage of the flywheel energy storage system according to the invention is that it is used for transient operation, and therefore the motor / generator of such a system may be optimized for transient power generation without being limited by the constraints that affect continuous duty motor / generators or motor / generators operating in a vacuum. That is, the IMG of the present invention may be designed to operate at thermal and electrical limits that may cause a conventional continuous duty motor / generator of the same size to fail. Such thermal and electrical levels may be achieved because the high power generation period is transient and the IMG is constructed to achieve the desired performance characteristics.

[0028]In another embodiment invention, components of the flywheel system may be cooled using the flywheel as a single-disc Tesla pump to pull cool ambient air into the flywheel system. The ambient air may travel over the bearings, IMG rotor and stator circuitry, and other heat generating components and be expelled from exhaust ports located near the periphery of the flywheel. Shrouding or baffling may be provided to reduce the noise created by the air flow out of the flywheel through the exhaust ports.

Problems solved by technology

Batteries have poor reliability, are bulky (thus requiring substantial storage space), are expensive to maintain, and contain environmentally damaging chemicals.

Ultra-capacitors are expensive and their development has yet to achieve economies of scale which would permit their widespread use.

A disadvantage of such flywheel systems is that they become relatively large (thereby occupying substantial floor space), heavy and costly, in applications where longer runtimes are desired.

Because interruptions in the supply of power from a primary power source are relatively rare, the need for transient systems to supply power on demand may occur only a few times during the life of such systems.

However, when backup power is needed, the demands on the transient systems are high.

Some of the components within these systems can be highly customized and require manufacturing methods that are not widely used in industry thereby increasing cost.

Another type of system may be used to generate power, but is not conducive to transient power generation, includes conventional induction motor / generators that are driven by a prime mover (e.g., engine, wind, water, etc.) to generate power.

As such, the induction motor / generator is constructed to handle thermal and electrical limits for its power rating, resulting in larger sizing (and associated higher cost) and limited ability to rapidly transition from a motor mode to generator mode.

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