Kinetic energy storage machine

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a kinetic energy storage machine (100) comprising a rotor (200) having an axial extension in an axial direction (AD) and a radial extension in a radial direction (RD), a support structure (20a) for supporting the rotor (200), the rotor (200) being adapted to rotate relative to the support structure (20a) about a rotor (200) axis of rotation (A) extending in the axial direction (AD), and a bearing arrangement (10) for bearing the rotor (200) on the support structure (20a), the invention relates to a kinetic energy storage machine (100) comprising at least one high-speed bearing (14), the kinetic energy storage machine (100) being adapted to assume a high-speed bearing support condition in which a load transfer between a rotor (200) and a support structure (20a) is effected via the high-speed bearing (14), thereby providing a high-speed bearing support having a first radial stiffness, and at least one low-speed bearing (12) having a second radial stiffness, the kinetic energy storage machine (100) is adapted to assume a low-speed bearing support condition in which load transfer between the rotor (200) and the support structure (20a) is effected via the low-speed bearing (12), thereby providing a low-speed bearing support having a second radial stiffness greater than the first radial stiffness, the kinetic energy storage machine (100) being further adapted to assume a low-speed bearing disengagement condition in which load transfer between the rotor (200) and the support structure (20a) is effected via the low-speed bearing (12), thereby providing a low-speed bearing support having a second radial stiffness greater than the first radial stiffness. In this state, the transmission of load between the rotor (200) and the support structure (20a) via the low-speed bearing (12) is terminated. Wherein the kinetic energy storage machine (100) is configured to assume a low-speed bearing disengaged state in response to detecting that the rotational speed of the rotor (200) is higher than the converted rotational speed of the low-speed bearing (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article discloses a kinetic energy storage device and a method for operating the kinetic energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] In mechanical applications, rotating machinery consists of rotating parts or rotors supported by stationary components (such as fixed shafts or bearings) that support and allow the rotating parts to rotate about an axis or center point. Rotating machinery can be used in many applications, such as turbines, pumps, centrifuges, motors, and generators. It can also be used to convert energy from one form to another, such as converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, and vice versa.

[0003] Rotating machinery can also be used to store energy in a form that can be subsequently used. Energy storage is the process of capturing energy when it is abundant or cheap, and then releasing it when it is needed or when energy is expensive. Devices that receive, store, and release energy as needed are sometimes called energy accumulators. In the case of rotating machinery, rotational energy can be generated by accelerating the rotor to a suitable speed, and then releasing the rotational energy from the rotor when needed, for example by converting the rotational energy into electrical energy in a generator. Kinetic energy from a reservoir or electrical energy from another source, for example, can be used to accelerate the rotor, thereby converting the input energy into rotational energy stored by the rotor's rotational motion.

[0004] Rotors used for kinetic energy storage can store large amounts of energy for extended periods and can operate at extremely high speeds. Rotors used for kinetic energy storage (sometimes described as flywheels) can also provide high power output for short periods and can be used to smooth the power output of wind turbines, provide backup power for critical facilities during power outages, and stabilize the power grid. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to introduce a series of technical concepts, which will be further described in subsequent specific embodiments.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a kinetic energy storage device is provided, comprising: a rotor having an axially extending portion in an axial direction and a radially extending portion in a radial direction; a support structure for supporting the rotor, the rotor being adapted to rotate relative to the support structure about a rotor rotation axis extending in the axial direction; and

[0007] The bearing assembly includes: At least one high-speed bearing, the kinetic energy storage machine is adapted to present a high-speed bearing suspension condition, in which load transfer between the rotor and the support structure is achieved via the high-speed bearing, thereby providing high-speed bearing support with a first radial stiffness; and The kinetic energy storage device includes at least one low-speed bearing. It is adapted to present a low-speed bearing supported state in which load transfer between the rotor and the support structure is achieved via the low-speed bearing, thereby providing low-speed bearing support with a second radial stiffness greater than a first radial stiffness. The kinetic energy storage device is also adapted to present a low-speed bearing release condition in which load transfer between the rotor and the support structure via the low-speed bearing is terminated. The kinetic energy storage unit is configured to disengage from the low-speed bearing in response to the detection that the rotor speed is higher than the low-speed bearing shift speed.

[0008] The aforementioned kinetic energy storage device implies that when the rotational speed increases above the low-speed bearing switching speed, the rotor can be supported to minimize the risk of encountering undesirable dynamic phenomena (such as resonance). As will be explained in detail below, the low-speed bearing switching speed can be, for example, a predetermined fixed speed, or it can be determined based on the current operating conditions of the kinetic energy storage device (such as the rotor's rotational speed and / or acceleration).

[0009] As an example only, the term "radial stiffness" can refer to the ratio between the force applied to the rotor in the radial direction and the displacement of the rotor relative to the supporting structure in the radial direction.

[0010] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device is configured such that when the rotor rotates relative to the support structure, the kinetic energy storage device can switch between a low-speed bearing supported state and a low-speed bearing disengaged state.

[0011] The above demonstrates that the rotor speed can be increased in a simple and direct way.

[0012] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device includes an actuation device adapted to be in each of a first state and a second state relative to the low-speed bearing, such that when the actuation device is in the first state, the kinetic energy storage device is in a low-speed bearing disengaged state, and when the actuation device is in the second state, the kinetic energy storage device is in a low-speed bearing supported state.

[0013] Optionally, the movement from the first state to the second state includes the movement of at least a portion of the actuating device in the axial direction.

[0014] The above shows that the actuation device can be relatively compact in the radial direction, which may be advantageous in various embodiments.

[0015] Optionally, the movement from the first state to the second state includes the movement of at least a portion of the actuating device in the radial direction.

[0016] The above demonstrates that the actuation device can be relatively compact in the axial direction, which may be advantageous in various embodiments.

[0017] Optionally, the low-speed bearing includes a first part and a second part. The kinetic energy storage device is adapted to present a low-speed bearing supported state by engaging the second part of the low-speed bearing with the support structure, and to present a low-speed bearing disengaged state by disengaging the second part of the low-speed bearing from the support structure. Preferably, the first part of the low-speed bearing is fixed to the rotor.

[0018] The above shows that there can be sufficient available space between the low-speed bearing and the support structure, making it possible to simply and directly realize each of the low-speed bearing supported state and the low-speed bearing disengaged state.

[0019] Optionally, the actuation device includes one or more engaging members, each of which is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position, each of the one or more engaging members contacts a second portion of the low-speed bearing, such that the kinetic energy storage device is in a low-speed bearing supported state; and wherein in the disengaged position, each of the one or more engaging members separates from the second portion of the low-speed bearing (preferably at least in the radial direction), such that at least one low-speed bearing is in a low-speed bearing disengaged state.

[0020] The above demonstrates a compact actuation engagement while still ensuring proper bearing support at low speeds.

[0021] Optionally, the actuation device further includes a control element rotatable relative to the support structure about a control element rotation axis extending in the axial direction, the actuation device causing one or more engaging members to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position by rotation of the control element about the control element rotation axis.

[0022] The above demonstrates a space-efficient and cost-effective device for actuating one or more connecting members.

[0023] Optionally, the control element surrounds each of the one or more engagement members such that each of the one or more engagement members extends at least partially in the radial direction from the control element toward the second portion of the low-speed bearing, and each of the one or more engagement members is radially pivotable about a pivot located between the control element and the second portion of the low-speed bearing.

[0024] The above demonstrates a space-efficient and cost-effective device for actuating one or more connecting members, which can also be assembled and / or supplied simply and directly.

[0025] Optionally, the actuation device further includes a control element actuator configured to actuate the control element to rotate about the control element's rotation axis. Preferably, the control element actuator and the control element are connected to each other via a worm gear.

[0026] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device is adapted to present a low-speed bearing supported state by engaging the first part of the low-speed bearing to the rotor, and the kinetic energy storage device is also adapted to present a low-speed bearing disengaged state by disengaging the first part of the low-speed bearing from the rotor.

[0027] Therefore, the supported and disengaged states of the low-speed bearing can be achieved by engaging or disengaging the first part of the low-speed bearing from the rotor, which demonstrates a compact solution for changing the state of the low-speed bearing.

[0028] Optionally, the rotor includes at least one shaft, and a first portion of the low-speed bearing may engage with at least one shaft.

[0029] Optionally, the actuation device includes a tapered sleeve, and wherein the rotor includes a conical surface complementary to the tapered sleeve, and wherein the tapered sleeve is movable in use to contact the conical surface to engage a first portion of the low-speed bearing with the rotor, and is also movable to disengage from the conical surface to disengage the first portion of the low-speed bearing from the rotor.

[0030] For example, the tapered sleeve can be moved during use to contact the conical surface to engage the first portion of the low-speed bearing with the rotor, and can also be moved to disengage from the conical surface to disengage the first portion of the low-speed bearing from the rotor. The conical surface can be a truncated conical surface—for example, formed by a shaft of the rotor that gradually tapers from a first shaft diameter to a second shaft diameter. For example, the engaging device and the complementary engaging device can engage each other by dry friction or wet friction. In other examples of low-speed bearings, the engaging device and the complementary engaging device can together form a dog clutch, a centrifugal clutch, or a conical clutch. The engaging device can include a pawl or a dog pawl, etc.

[0031] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device includes a conical sleeve actuator configured to move the conical sleeve to and from contact with a conical surface during use.

[0032] Optionally, at least one high-speed bearing and at least one low-speed bearing are spaced apart in the axial direction. The above illustrates suitable supports, for example, that can accommodate bending moments, etc.

[0033] Optionally, at least one high-speed bearing includes an active magnetic bearing.

[0034] Optionally, at least one high-speed bearing is configured to assume a high-speed bearing support state when the rotor is in motion. This indicates proper operation of the kinetic energy storage unit, as the high-speed bearing support state can be achieved without stopping the unit.

[0035] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device is also suitable for a high-speed bearing disengagement state, in which load transfer between the rotor and the support structure via the high-speed bearing is terminated.

[0036] The above demonstrates that kinetic energy storage devices can operate with a reasonably low risk of experiencing undesirable dynamic phenomena, such as resonance.

[0037] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device is configured to exhibit a high-speed bearing disengagement state in response to the detection that the rotor speed is equal to or lower than the high-speed bearing switching speed.

[0038] The above demonstrates that kinetic energy storage devices can operate at low speeds with a relatively low risk of experiencing undesirable dynamic phenomena (such as resonance), where high-speed bearing supports with a first radial stiffness could potentially cause undesirable dynamic phenomena.

[0039] Alternatively, the kinetic energy storage device is also adapted to switch between a high-speed bearing supported state and a high-speed bearing disengaged state by applying and removing magnetic fields to the rotor, respectively.

[0040] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device includes a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly. Preferably, each of the first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly is a bearing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, and wherein the first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly are arranged at axially opposite ends of the rotor.

[0041] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device includes an auxiliary bearing assembly, wherein the bearing assembly and the auxiliary bearing assembly are arranged at axially opposite ends of the rotor.

[0042] Optionally, the auxiliary bearing assembly includes a magnetic bearing.

[0043] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device includes an axial bearing adapted to withstand loads from the rotor in the axial direction.

[0044] Optionally, the axial bearing includes a permanent magnet bearing.

[0045] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device includes a combined bearing adapted to withstand loads from the rotor in both the axial and radial directions.

[0046] Optionally, the rotor includes at least one balancing disc.

[0047] Optionally, the rotor includes a first balance disc and a second balance disc, wherein the first balance disc and the second balance disc are arranged at axially opposite ends of the rotor.

[0048] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device includes a vibration damper for reducing vibration of the rotor and / or the kinetic energy storage device.

[0049] Alternatively, the rotor is oriented in use such that its axis of rotation is substantially vertical.

[0050] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device includes a vacuum chamber for housing the rotor.

[0051] Optionally, the rotor can be detachably connected to a motor, which is selected from: an electric motor, a generator, or an electric motor / generator.

[0052] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device includes a coupling element adapted to selectively connect a motor to the rotor.

[0053] Optionally, at least one low-speed bearing and at least one high-speed bearing are spaced apart along the axial direction of the rotor.

[0054] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device is adapted such that when it is in a low-speed bearing supported state, the rotor can operate without any critical speed in a subcritical speed range below the transition speed; and wherein when the kinetic energy storage device is in a high-speed bearing supported state and a low-speed bearing disengaged state, the transition speed is within the supercritical speed range of the rotor.

[0055] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device is configured to assume a low-speed bearing support state in response to the detection that the rotor speed is equal to or lower than the low-speed bearing switching speed.

[0056] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage unit is adapted to detect the current rotational speed of the rotor and set the low-speed bearing switching speed in response to the current rotational speed.

[0057] The above demonstrates the flexibility in setting the switching speed of low-speed bearings, as illustrated by examples below.

[0058] Alternatively, the kinetic energy storage device is suitable for: In response to determining that the current rotational speed is equal to or lower than the low-speed bearing transition speed, the low-speed bearing transition speed is set to the first low-speed bearing transition threshold speed, and In response to determining that the current rotational speed is higher than the low-speed bearing transition speed, the low-speed bearing transition speed is set to the second low-speed bearing transition threshold speed. The first low-speed bearing switching threshold speed is lower than the second low-speed bearing switching threshold speed.

[0059] At lower current speeds, the kinetic energy storage unit can exhibit a low-speed bearing support state. Therefore, in this state, the low-speed bearing switching speed can be used to determine when the kinetic energy storage unit should exhibit a low-speed bearing disengagement state (e.g., at which speed above the current speed). Choosing a relatively low low-speed bearing switching speed appropriately reduces the risk of the kinetic energy storage unit exhibiting a low-speed bearing support state at excessively high speeds, thus minimizing the risk of undesirable dynamic phenomena.

[0060] On the other hand, at higher current speeds, the kinetic energy storage unit can exhibit a low-speed bearing disengagement state. Therefore, in this state, the low-speed bearing switching speed can be used to determine when the kinetic energy storage unit should exhibit a low-speed bearing support state (e.g., at which speed below the current speed). Choosing a relatively high low-speed bearing switching speed allows the rotor to be supported appropriately, for example, at a speed slightly lower than the speed associated with undesirable dynamic phenomena.

[0061] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage unit is adapted to detect the current rotational acceleration of the rotor and set the low-speed bearing switching speed in response to the current rotational acceleration.

[0062] Alternatively, the kinetic energy storage device is suitable for: In response to determining that the current rotational acceleration is positive, the low-speed bearing switching speed is set to the first low-speed bearing switching threshold speed, and In response to determining that the current rotational acceleration is negative, the low-speed bearing switching speed is set to the second low-speed bearing switching threshold speed. The first low-speed bearing switching threshold speed is lower than the second low-speed bearing switching threshold speed.

[0063] Therefore, the current rotational acceleration can be used to set the low-speed bearing switching speed. Thus, in response to determining that the rotor is accelerating, the low-speed bearing switching speed can be used to determine when the kinetic energy storage unit should exhibit a low-speed bearing disengagement state, and the above process can ensure that the low-speed bearing switching speed is relatively low. This can appropriately reduce the risk of the kinetic energy storage unit exhibiting a low-speed bearing support state at excessively high speeds, thereby causing undesirable dynamic phenomena.

[0064] On the other hand, in response to determining that the rotor is decelerating, the low-speed bearing switching speed can be used to determine when the kinetic energy storage device should be in a low-speed bearing support state, and the above process can make the low-speed bearing switching speed relatively high, which can make the rotor supported in an appropriate manner, for example, at a speed slightly lower than the speed associated with undesirable dynamic phenomena.

[0065] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage unit is adapted to detect the current rotational speed of the rotor and set the high-speed bearing switching speed in response to the current rotational speed.

[0066] Alternatively, the kinetic energy storage device is suitable for: In response to determining that the current rotational speed is equal to or lower than the high-speed bearing transition speed, the high-speed bearing transition speed is set to a first high-speed bearing transition threshold speed, and In response to determining that the current rotational speed is higher than the high-speed bearing transition speed, the high-speed bearing switching speed is set to the second high-speed bearing switching threshold speed. The first high-speed bearing switching threshold speed is higher than the second high-speed bearing switching threshold speed.

[0067] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage unit is adapted to detect the current rotational acceleration of the rotor and set the high-speed bearing switching speed in response to the current rotational acceleration of the rotor.

[0068] Alternatively, the kinetic energy storage device is suitable for: In response to determining that the current rotational acceleration is positive, the high-speed bearing switching speed is set to the first high-speed bearing switching threshold speed, and In response to determining that the current rotational acceleration is negative, the high-speed bearing switching speed is set to the second high-speed bearing switching threshold speed. The first high-speed bearing switching threshold speed is higher than the second high-speed bearing switching threshold speed.

[0069] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device includes a controller adapted to control the kinetic energy storage device to present a low-speed bearing disengagement state in response to detecting that the rotor speed is higher than the rotational speed of the low-speed bearing switching.

[0070] By way of example only, the controller may be adapted to receive information indicating the current speed and / or acceleration, and in response to the current speed and / or acceleration, set the low-speed bearing switching speed and / or the high-speed bearing switching speed, for example, according to any of the examples above.

[0071] Optionally, the second radial stiffness is at least 5 times greater than the first radial stiffness, and preferably 10 times greater.

[0072] Optionally, the support structure forms part of the housing that at least partially surrounds the rotor, or constitutes the housing.

[0073] A second aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for operating a kinetic energy storage device. The kinetic energy storage device includes: A rotor having an axial extension in the axial direction and a radial extension in the radial direction. A support structure is provided for supporting a rotor, the rotor being adapted to rotate relative to the support structure about a rotor rotation axis extending in the axial direction. The bearing assembly includes: At least one high-speed bearing is provided, and the kinetic energy storage machine is adapted to present a high-speed bearing supported state, in which load transfer between the rotor and the support structure is achieved via the high-speed bearing, thereby providing a high-speed bearing support with a first radial stiffness. The kinetic energy storage device includes at least one low-speed bearing. It is adapted to present a low-speed bearing supported state in which load transfer between the rotor and the support structure is achieved via the low-speed bearing, thereby providing low-speed bearing support with a second radial stiffness greater than a first radial stiffness. The kinetic energy storage device is also adapted to present a low-speed bearing disengaged state in which load transfer between the rotor and the support structure via the low-speed bearing is terminated. The method includes controlling the kinetic energy storage device to present a low-speed bearing disengagement state in response to detecting that the rotor speed is higher than the low-speed bearing switching speed.

[0074] Optionally, the method includes: When the kinetic energy storage device is in a low-speed bearing support state, the rotor is accelerated to the low-speed bearing switching speed; and Once the rotor reaches or exceeds the low-speed bearing switching speed, the kinetic energy storage unit is controlled to present a low-speed bearing disengagement state.

[0075] Optionally, the kinetic energy storage device is also adapted to be in a high-speed bearing disengagement state, in which load transfer between the rotor and the support structure via the high-speed bearing is terminated, and the method further includes: In response to detecting that the rotor speed is equal to or lower than the high-speed bearing switching speed, the kinetic energy storage device is controlled to present a high-speed bearing disengagement state, and In response to the detection that the rotor speed is higher than the high-speed bearing switching speed, the kinetic energy storage device is controlled to present a high-speed bearing support state.

[0076] Brief description of the attached figures

[0077] In the following description, other features of the disclosure are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of non-limiting examples of the invention, wherein: Figure 1 An example of a kinetic energy storage device as described herein is illustrated schematically.

[0078] Figures 2a and 2b are graphs showing the vibration amplitude (radial displacement) of the rotor of the kinetic energy storage machine within the speed range; Figure 3 Another example of a kinetic energy storage device as described herein is illustrated schematically; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an example method for operating a kinetic energy storage device; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of another example method for operating a kinetic energy storage device; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an example controller for a kinetic energy storage machine as described in this article; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of another example of a kinetic energy storage device as described in this article; Figure 8 It includes multiple Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the energy storage facility of a kinetic energy storage machine; Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Another 3D view of the kinetic energy storage device; Figure 10 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the kinetic energy storage device; Figure 11 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the upper part of the kinetic energy storage device; Figure 12 yes Figure 7 A sectional perspective view of the lower part of the kinetic energy storage device; Figure 13 yes Figure 7 A sectional perspective view of the upper bearing system of the kinetic energy storage machine; Figure 14 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the lower bearing system of the kinetic energy storage machine; Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A sectional perspective view of the low-speed bearing in the lower bearing system. Figure 16 yes Figure 13 The cross-sectional projection of the low-speed bearing in the upper bearing system; Figure 17 yes Figure 16 Exploded view of the low-speed bearing; Figure 18 schematically shown Figure 16 Example of a low-speed bearing contact sleeve; and Figure 19 Another example of a contact sleeve is shown schematically.

[0079] Figure 20 A portion of an embodiment of a kinetic energy storage device is schematically shown.

[0080] Figure 21 schematically shown Figure 20 The embodiment is part of the first state.

[0081] Figure 22 schematically shown Figure 20 The embodiment is part of the second state.

[0082] Figure 23 schematically shown Figure 20 The embodiment is in the second state.

[0083] Figure 24 A schematic perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a kinetic energy storage device is shown.

[0084] Figure 25 A schematic perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a kinetic energy storage device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0085] The applicant envisions that the bearing system, rotor, and method described herein can be implemented in any suitable rotating energy storage machine. Therefore, in this specification, the applicant considers that the operation, process, method, and apparatus described with reference to the arrangement, constraints, and control of the "rotor" will be described with reference to, for example, rotating components, flywheels, drive shafts, and / or rotating armatures.

[0086] In this specification, the term "rotor" should be interpreted as meaning any rotating component of a mechanical device, including all components fixed together to form a body rotating about an axis of rotation at the same angular velocity. In this specification, the terms "constraint" or "restriction" should be interpreted as meaning maintaining the rotor substantially aligned with the desired axis of rotation of the rotor, including accommodating any vibrational deviations experienced by the rotor during operation, while still allowing it to rotate freely about its axis of rotation.

[0087] In this specification, the term "critical speed" should be interpreted as the angular velocity that excites the natural frequency of the rotor assembly. That is, the combination of the rotor and its constraints (e.g., rotor mass and stiffness, and constraint mass and stiffness) has a specific natural frequency excited by the critical speed, and the rotor begins to resonate as the rotor assembly accelerates or decelerates toward the critical speed. Depending on the combination of parameters, the rotor may have more than one natural frequency. In this specification, the term "subcritical" in the context of rotor should be interpreted as a rotor operating below a first critical speed. That is, the rotor's maximum operating speed is below the first critical speed, with an appropriate isolation margin from the first critical speed. In this specification, the term "supercritical" in the context of rotor should be interpreted as a rotor operating above the first critical speed. That is, the rotor's minimum operating speed is above the first critical speed, with an appropriate isolation margin from the first critical speed.

[0088] In this specification, the term "kinetic energy storage machine" should be interpreted as including flywheel energy storage machines.

[0089] In some applications, the arrangement of rotating machinery can present design and control challenges to ensure its intended operation. These challenges can be amplified for large rotating machinery, such as those found in energy storage, power generation, or energy output applications. For example, in some kinetic energy storage applications, the rotor may operate at extremely high speeds, with enormous masses, and / or under heavy loads; therefore, the structures supporting and allowing the rotor's rotational motion must be carefully designed and constructed. In particular, the bearing components of the kinetic energy storage machine must be adapted to the vibration and resonance modes caused by the rotor's motion.

[0090] In the applications considered by the applicant—namely, storing rotational or angular kinetic energy—the rotor speed and mass of the kinetic energy storage system are typically set very high to achieve the desired efficiency level. However, such parameters can present operational challenges because the vibration and resonance modes experienced by rotating machinery when the rotor is accelerated to the desired speed make it difficult to accelerate a large mass to the desired speed. The trade-offs involved in controlling vibration and resonance modes during the operation of such rotating machinery can mean that the kinetic energy storage device is not storing energy very efficiently, as a significant amount of energy may be lost within the structure of the kinetic energy storage device. On the other hand, it is also impractical to fail to control vibration and resonance modes, as the kinetic energy storage device is not robust enough to withstand the harshness of operation for any valuable length of time.

[0091] Because energy storage devices store kinetic energy rather than electrical energy, rotating energy storage devices can be deployed anywhere and are effectively independent of the power grid, making the use of rotating machinery for energy storage a desirable prospect. However, the issues involved in controlling the vibration and resonance modes of these types of machines mean that they have not yet been deployed on a large scale.

[0092] The applicant believes that the bearing system, rotor, kinetic energy storage machine, and method described herein will solve these problems, and in particular, allow the kinetic energy storage machine to operate in an energy-efficient manner while reducing the impact of vibration and resonance modes on the operation of these kinetic energy storage machines. Furthermore, the bearing system, rotor, kinetic energy storage machine, and method described herein will allow these machines to be used economically and on a large scale for kinetic energy storage.

[0093] Figure 1 An example of a kinetic energy storage device 100 as envisioned by the applicant is shown. Figure 1 The kinetic energy storage device 100 includes: a rotor 200 having an axial extension in the axial direction AD and a radial extension in the radial direction RD; and a support structure 20a for supporting the rotor 200, the rotor being adapted to rotate R about a rotor rotation axis A extending in the axial direction AD relative to the support structure 20a.

[0094] The support structure 20a can be any structure suitable for supporting the rotor 200. This is merely an example and is as follows: Figure 1 As illustrated in the examples and further elaborated below, the support structure 20a may form part of or even constitute the shell 20a, see, for example Figure 11 The housing 20a at least partially surrounds at least a portion of the rotor 200.

[0095] The kinetic energy storage device 100 also includes a bearing assembly 10. The bearing assembly 10 includes: At least one high-speed bearing 14 is provided, and the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is adapted to present a high-speed bearing supported state in which load transfer between the rotor 200 and the support structure 20a is achieved via the high-speed bearing 14, thereby providing a high-speed bearing support with a first radial stiffness. At least one low-speed bearing 12 is provided, and the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is adapted to present a low-speed bearing supported state in which load transfer between the rotor 200 and the support structure 20a is achieved via the low-speed bearing 12, thereby providing a low-speed bearing support with a second radial stiffness greater than the first radial stiffness. The kinetic energy storage unit is also adapted to present a low-speed bearing disengaged state in which load transfer between the rotor 200 and the support structure 20a via the low-speed bearing 12 is terminated.

[0096] It should be noted that the terms "high-speed bearing" and "low-speed bearing" are used only in an attempt to simplify the understanding of this disclosure. However, it should be noted that throughout this disclosure, "high-speed bearing" may be referred to as "first bearing" and "low-speed bearing" may be referred to as "second bearing".

[0097] Furthermore, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is configured to exhibit a low-speed bearing disengagement state in response to the detection that the rotational speed of the rotor 200 is higher than the low-speed bearing switching speed.

[0098] By way of example only, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 can be configured such that when the rotor 200 rotates relative to the support structure 20a, the kinetic energy storage unit can switch between a low-speed bearing supported state and a low-speed bearing disengaged state.

[0099] In addition, such as Figure 1 As illustrated schematically by way of non-limiting example, the kinetic energy storage device 100 may include an actuation device 120. The actuation device 120 may be adapted to present each of a first state and a second state relative to the low-speed bearing 14, such that when the actuation device 120 is in the first state, the kinetic energy storage device 100 presents a low-speed bearing disengaged state, and when the actuation device 120 is in the second state, the kinetic energy storage device 100 presents a low-speed bearing supported state.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the kinetic energy storage device 100 may include a controller 500 for controlling specific operations of the kinetic energy storage device 100. For example, the controller 500 may be adapted to control the kinetic energy storage device 100 to present a low-speed bearing disengagement state in response to detecting that the rotational speed of the rotor 200 is higher than the low-speed bearing switching speed.

[0101] By way of example only, the actuation device 120 may be adapted to present each of the first and second states by movement, wherein movement from the first state to the second state includes movement of at least a portion of the actuation device 120 in the axial direction AD. As another non-limiting example, movement from the first state to the second state may include movement of at least a portion of the actuation device 120 in the radial direction. Non-limiting examples of each of the above embodiments of the actuation device 120 will be shown below.

[0102] exist Figure 1 In the example, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 also includes an auxiliary bearing assembly 102, wherein the bearing assembly 10 and the auxiliary bearing assembly 102 are arranged at axially opposite ends of the rotor 200. For example, the auxiliary bearing assembly 102 may include a journal bearing or a rolling bearing. In other examples, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 may include a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly located at opposite ends of the rotor 200. In other examples, such as when the rotor 200 is supported on a cantilever shaft (not shown), the kinetic energy storage unit 100 may include only one bearing assembly 10, or it may include both the bearing assembly 10 and the auxiliary bearing assembly 102, both located at the same end of the rotor 200. As a non-limiting example, the auxiliary bearing assembly 102 may include a magnetic bearing. As another non-limiting example, the kinetic energy storage unit 102 may include a combined bearing (not shown) adapted to withstand loads from the rotor 200 in both the axial direction AD and the radial direction RD.

[0103] As a non-restrictive example, and as Figure 1 As shown, the kinetic energy storage device 100 may include an axial bearing 300 adapted to bear loads from the rotor 200 in the axial direction AD. By way of example only, the axial bearing 300 may include a permanent magnet bearing.

[0104] As described above, the bearing assembly 10 includes a low-speed bearing 12 and a high-speed bearing 14. Furthermore, as described above, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is adapted to be in both a low-speed bearing supported state and a low-speed bearing disengaged state.

[0105] By way of example only, the kinetic energy storage device 100 may be adapted to present a low-speed bearing supported state by engaging the first portion 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 to the rotor 200. As a non-limiting example, the first portion 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 may include or even be composed of the inner ring (not shown) of the low-speed bearing 12.

[0106] The kinetic energy storage unit 100 can also be adapted to present a low-speed bearing disengagement state by disengaging the first portion 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 from the rotor 200. Optionally, the rotor includes at least one shaft 202a (see, for example...). Figure 3 Furthermore, the first portion 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 can engage with at least one shaft 202a.

[0107] It should be noted that, apart from engaging / disengaging the first portion 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 with the rotor 200, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 can be adapted to present each of the low-speed bearing supported state and the low-speed bearing disengaged state in other ways. This will be further explained below.

[0108] As shown above, in Figure 1 In the example, during the operation of the kinetic energy storage unit 100, the first portion 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 can engage and disengage from the rotor 200. That is, the first portion 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 can engage and disengage from the rotor 200 at any suitable time, such as when the rotor 200 is not rotating, but particularly when the rotor 200 is in use and rotating about axis A.

[0109] When the first part 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 engages with the rotor 200 Figure 1 The kinetic energy storage device 100 illustrated herein is in a low-speed bearing supported state, in which load transfer between the rotor 200 and the support structure 20a is achieved via the low-speed bearing 12. For this purpose, the low-speed bearing 12 may include a second portion 12” that engages with the support structure 20a. The second portion 12” may engage with the support structure 20a constantly or selectively, as will be further explained below.

[0110] For example only, Figure 1 The kinetic energy storage device 100 illustrated herein presents a low-speed bearing support configuration, allowing the rotor 200 to operate (rotate) within a subcritical speed range below the low-speed bearing transition speed, without any critical speed. When the low-speed bearing 12 engages with the rotor, the low-speed bearing transition speed can be below the rotor's first critical speed. This is a non-limiting example. Figure 1 When the kinetic energy storage device 100 shown in the example is in a low-speed bearing disengagement state and a high-speed bearing support state, the transition speed of the low-speed bearing can be within the supercritical speed range of the rotor 200.

[0111] In some examples, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 may also be adapted to present a high-speed bearing disengagement state, in which load transfer between the rotor 200 and the support structure 20a via the high-speed bearing 14 is terminated. By way of example only, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 may be adapted to switch between a high-speed bearing disengagement state and a high-speed bearing support state at any suitable time (e.g., when the rotor 200 is not rotating, or when the rotor 200 is in use and rotating about axis A). In some examples, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 may be adapted to always present the high-speed bearing disengagement state during operation (i.e., when the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is in situ and operating normally, rather than during transport, installation, or maintenance).

[0112] The applicant believes that the kinetic energy storage device according to this disclosure enables the kinetic energy storage device to avoid experiencing the resonance modes and vibrations that kinetic energy storage devices not part of this disclosure would experience. For example, the kinetic energy storage device according to this disclosure can be accelerated to a suitable operating speed at which angular kinetic energy can be stored without experiencing resonance modes and vibrations during acceleration or subsequent deceleration, or at least with reduced resonance modes and vibrations.

[0113] For the kinetic energy storage device 100, when the rotor 200 accelerates (or decelerates), the rotor 200 can pass a critical speed, at which the rotational speed (i.e., angular velocity) of the rotor 200 matches one of the rotor's natural frequencies. The critical speed is the rotational speed of the rotor 200 that excites the rotor's natural frequency. As the rotor approaches the critical speed through acceleration or deceleration, the rotor 200 begins to resonate, which significantly increases the vibration experienced by the kinetic energy storage device 100. Operating the rotor 200 at or near its critical speed can cause significant damage to the rotor 200 and / or the kinetic energy storage device, as the resulting vibrations can severely damage the components of the kinetic energy storage device.

[0114] The exact rotational speed corresponding to the rotor's critical speed can depend on several physical parameters of the kinetic energy storage device 100. For example, the stiffness of the rotor 200 and its constraints and / or supports, the rotor's shaft stiffness (if a shaft exists), the rotor's mass, the imbalance of mass relative to the rotor's axis of rotation, and / or the amount of damping provided within the system can all affect the critical speed of a particular system. To control resonance modes and thus harmful vibrations, the stiffness of the rotor supports can be increased, thereby increasing the rotor's critical speed. Generally speaking (i.e., within certain limits to the increase in stiffness), the greater the stiffness of the supports, the higher the rotor's critical speed.

[0115] For example, the rotor 200 of the kinetic energy storage device 100 can be equipped with extremely stiff journal bearings or roller bearings, which stiffens the entire system and consequently alters the natural frequency of the rotor 200. In this way, the rotor 200 can be accelerated to higher speeds without passing through rotational speeds matching the rotor's critical speed; thus, periods of significant vibration can be avoided during rotor acceleration. Even so, the rotor speed may still be practically limited because it will eventually reach the rotor's critical speed.

[0116] In any case, increasing rotor support stiffness and raising the rotor's critical speed is not without cost, as all machines experience inherent energy losses due to friction, deformation, electromagnetic losses, heat losses, and other inefficiencies. In the case of kinetic energy storage machines, increasing rotor support stiffness can increase energy losses during rotor operation. Therefore, while increasing rotor support stiffness helps address the rotor critical speed issue, the increased stiffness leads to greater energy losses during kinetic energy storage machine operation. In fact, in some applications, the energy losses due to increased rotor support stiffness can be so significant that operating the kinetic energy storage machine becomes economically unfeasible. For kinetic energy storage systems, if the energy losses during rotation are too large, then using rotating machinery to store kinetic energy becomes economically meaningless. Reducing support stiffness can again mitigate energy losses in the system, but the critical speed issue again becomes an obstacle to the effective operation of the kinetic energy storage machine, as a lower rotor critical speed can damage the kinetic energy storage machine and shorten its service life.

[0117] The kinetic energy storage machine and method described herein allow the rotor of the kinetic energy storage machine to operate at a first critical speed suitable for more than one operating speed range. That is, the bearing system, kinetic energy storage machine, and method described herein provide the rotor of the kinetic energy storage machine with a first critical speed suitable for the rotor's current rotational speed. For example, the first critical speed of the rotor is higher when the rotor is running at a lower speed or starting speed; and lower once the rotor has accelerated past the vibration-prone operating speed, energy efficiency will be achieved by operating at the lower first critical speed. In this way, the rotor can operate at a lower speed within the subcritical speed range and then transition to a higher speed using the bearing system and method described herein to operate at a higher speed within the supercritical speed range, without having to pass through the first critical speed of the rotor that exists when the rotor has a constrained arrangement configured for higher operating speeds.

[0118] This can be achieved by using supports with higher radial stiffness in the lower speed range to increase the overall stiffness of the rotor system; and by using supports with lower radial stiffness during rotor acceleration, once the dangerous critical speed (for bearings with lower stiffness) has been passed. The transition between different supports can occur at speeds exceeding the first critical speed of the bearing with lower stiffness.

[0119] For the bearing system and kinetic energy storage machine described herein, as mentioned above, the high-speed bearing support is associated with a first radial stiffness, and the low-speed bearing support is associated with a second radial stiffness, wherein the second radial stiffness is higher than the first radial stiffness.

[0120] In this way, the rotor can operate at a preferred higher operating speed, where higher energy efficiency can be achieved. This is because the kinetic energy storage unit operates at higher speeds using bearings with lower stiffness, minimizing energy loss; while as the rotor accelerates to a higher operating speed, it operates using supports with higher stiffness, ensuring that a higher first critical speed is not reached, or that the rotor has already exceeded this first critical speed when decelerating from the higher operating speed. Therefore, the bearing system, kinetic energy storage unit, and method described herein not only allow the kinetic energy storage unit to avoid dangerous critical speeds, but also allow the rotor to operate at higher speeds in an energy-efficient manner, which the applicant believes is particularly beneficial for kinetic energy storage units.

[0121] Because the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is adapted to be in a low-speed bearing supported state and a low-speed bearing disengaged state as needed, the first critical speed of the rotor can be changed as required to adapt to changes in rotor speed. In this way, the rotor can operate at a certain speed, where the low-speed bearing adequately supports the rotor radially to allow the rotor to accelerate beyond the first critical speed of the less stiff bearing without subjecting the kinetic energy storage unit to vibrations that would otherwise occur at that speed. Since the kinetic energy storage unit 100 can be in a low-speed bearing disengaged state, the rotor can be accelerated to a higher, more energy-efficient speed, where the high-speed bearing radially supports the rotor in an energy-efficient manner. Similarly, to decelerate the rotor, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 can revert to the low-speed bearing supported state when the rotor decelerates to a speed at which the first critical speed of the less stiff bearing would otherwise cause dangerous vibrations during rotor deceleration or stopping.

[0122] Figures 2a and 2b are graphs plotting the vibration amplitude (radial displacement) of the rotor of the kinetic energy storage machine within its speed range. Figures 2a and 2b illustrate the bearing assembly 10 described herein (see, for example, above). Figure 1Figure 2a illustrates how the low-speed bearing 12 and high-speed bearing 14 of the kinetic energy storage unit 100 work together to allow selection of a suitable first critical speed for a specific operating speed range of the rotor. The low-speed bearing supported state and the low-speed bearing disengaged state of the kinetic energy storage unit 100 allow the rotor 200 to switch between one first critical speed and another first critical speed when the rotor moves from one operating speed range to another.

[0123] Figure 2b illustrates the effective vibration amplitude generated by the rotor across the entire speed range, and thus shows how the rotor can be operated without operating at or near any critical speed. Figures 2a and 2b schematically illustrate the case of a purely rigid rotor with a single support and are intended to aid in understanding the function of the disclosed bearing system. It should be understood that various conceivable combinations of rotors and supports exist, and depending on their specific parameters, additional higher critical speeds may exist for such a system in addition to the first critical speed shown in Figure 2a.

[0124] Figure 2a shows two velocity-displacement curves, 1 and 2. Curve 1 shows the vibration amplitude of the operating rotor when the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is in a low-speed bearing support state across the entire rotor speed range. Depending on the operating configuration of the bearing system, curve 1 can represent the vibration amplitude of the kinetic energy storage unit 100 when it is only in a low-speed bearing support state, or it can represent the vibration amplitude of the kinetic energy storage unit 100 when it is in both a low-speed bearing support state and a high-speed bearing support state.

[0125] When the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is in a low-speed bearing supported state, the rotor has a higher first critical speed C1. Curve 2 shows the vibration amplitude of the operating rotor when the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is only in a high-speed bearing supported state (i.e., combined with the low-speed bearing disengagement state) across the entire rotor speed range. When the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is only in a high-speed bearing supported state, the rotor has a lower first critical speed C2. Because the stiffness of the low-speed bearing support is higher than that of the high-speed bearing, the higher first speed C1 is higher than the lower first critical speed C2.

[0126] Referring again to Figure 2a, when the bearing system is in operation and the rotor is running within the first speed range S1 (e.g., when the rotor is accelerating), the rotor has a higher first critical speed C1, thus avoiding the need to operate at a lower first critical speed C2, which poses a risk of vibration. Therefore, when the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is in a low-speed bearing-supported state, the rotor operates within the first speed range S1, and the rotor can rotate without any critical speed. Operationally, the speed range S1 is a subcritical speed range for the rotor.

[0127] Conversely, when the bearing system is in operation and the rotor is running within the second speed range S2 where the kinetic energy storage unit 100 exhibits a low-speed bearing disengagement state (e.g., when the rotor accelerates to its maximum operating speed), the rotor has a lower first critical speed C2 and can therefore operate with lower stiffness, thus minimizing energy loss. When the kinetic energy storage unit 100 exhibits both a high-speed bearing-supported state and a low-speed bearing disengagement state within the second speed range S2, the rotor can operate within the supercritical speed range of speed range S2. In the case of a rotating energy storage unit, the second speed range S2 may correspond to the normal operating conditions or the range of storage speeds that the rotor is expected to maintain for most of the machine's operating life.

[0128] The change in the critical speed of the rotor may be due to the kinetic energy storage unit 100 being in a low-speed bearing support state or a low-speed bearing disengagement state depending on the rotor speed.

[0129] As described above, the kinetic energy storage device 100 of this disclosure is configured to respond to the detection that the rotational speed of the rotor 200 is higher than the low-speed bearing switching speed ω. LSB The bearing disengages at low speed.

[0130] Furthermore, by way of example only, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 can be configured to respond to the detection that the rotor speed is equal to or lower than the low-speed bearing switching speed ω. LSB It exhibits a low-speed bearing support state.

[0131] As can be understood from the above, the low-speed bearing switches speed ω LSB It can depend on the characteristics of the kinetic energy storage unit 100, such as the dynamic characteristics of the rotor 200, such as the natural frequency, and may also be combined with the stiffness of the support.

[0132] Therefore, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the low-speed bearing switching speed ω LSB It can be a fixed value. This can be suitable for any embodiment of this disclosure. As a non-limiting example, the low-speed bearing switching speed ω LSB The settings can be made based on the dynamic characteristics of the kinetic energy storage device 100 under discussion.

[0133] However, it is also conceivable that the low-speed bearing switches to a different speed ω. LSB This can depend on the current rotational speed of rotor 200. This will be explained below.

[0134] Therefore, by way of example only, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 can be adapted to detect the current rotational speed of the rotor 200 and set the low-speed bearing switching speed ω in response to the current rotational speed ω. LSB .

[0135] By way of example only and referring to Figure 2a, the kinetic energy storage device 100 may be adapted to: In response to determining that the current rotational speed ω is equal to or lower than the low-speed bearing transition speed ω LSB , T Convert the low-speed bearing to a speed ω LSB Set as the first low-speed bearing switching threshold speed ω LSB,1 ,and In response to determining that the current rotational speed ω is higher than the low-speed bearing transition speed ω LSB , T Convert the low-speed bearing to a speed ω LSB Set as the second low-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ω LSB,2 , The first low-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ω LSB,1 Speed ​​ω below the second low-speed bearing conversion threshold LSB,2 .

[0136] Alternatively, the kinetic energy storage device can be adapted to detect the current rotational acceleration of the rotor. And in response to the current rotational acceleration, set the low-speed bearing switching speed ω. LSB .

[0137] By way of example only, the kinetic energy storage device 100 may be adapted to: In response to determining the current rotational acceleration If positive, the low-speed bearing will be converted to a rotational speed ω. LSB Set as the first low-speed bearing switching threshold speed ω LSB,1 ,and In response to determining the current rotational acceleration If the value is negative, the low-speed bearing will be converted to a rotational speed ω. LSB Set as the second low-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ω LSB ,2, The first low-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ω LSB,1 Speed ​​ω below the second low-speed bearing conversion threshold LSB ,2.

[0138] Similarly, the high-speed bearing converts the rotational speed ω HSB It can depend on the characteristics of the kinetic energy storage unit 100, such as the dynamic characteristics of the rotor 200, and may also be combined with the stiffness of the support.

[0139] Therefore, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the high-speed bearing switching speed ω HSB It can be a fixed value. This can be suitable for any embodiment of this disclosure. As a non-limiting example, the high-speed bearing switching speed ω HSB The settings can be made based on the dynamic characteristics of the kinetic energy storage device 100 under discussion.

[0140] Furthermore, as an example only, the low-speed bearing switching speed ω LSB and high-speed bearing speed conversion ω HSB They can be equal.

[0141] Speed ​​conversion ω with high-speed bearing HSB Similarly, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 can be adapted to detect the current rotational speed ω of the rotor and, in response to the current rotational speed ω, set the high-speed bearing switching speed ω. HSB .

[0142] Therefore, although this is only by way of example, the kinetic energy storage device 100 may be adapted to: In response to determining that the current rotational speed ω is equal to or lower than the high-speed bearing transition speed ω HSB , T Convert the high-speed bearing to a rotational speed ω HSB Set as the first high-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ω HSB,1 ,and In response to determining that the current rotational speed ω is higher than the high-speed bearing transition speed ω HSB , T Convert the high-speed bearing to a rotational speed ω HSB Set as the second high-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ω HSB,2 , Among them, the first high-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ω HSB,1 Speed ​​ω above the second high-speed bearing conversion threshold HSB,2 .

[0143] As another non-limiting example, the kinetic energy storage device 100 can be adapted to detect the current rotational acceleration of the rotor. and in response to the current rotational acceleration To set the high-speed bearing switching speed ω HSB .

[0144] By way of example only, the kinetic energy storage device 100 may be adapted to: In response to determining the current rotational acceleration If positive, the high-speed bearing will be converted to a rotational speed ω. HSB Set as the first high-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ω HSB,1 ,and In response to determining the current rotational acceleration If it is negative, the high-speed bearing will be converted to a rotational speed ω. HSB Set as the second high-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ω HSB,2 , Among them, the first high-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ω HSB,1 Speed ​​ω above the second high-speed bearing conversion thresholdHSB,2 .

[0145] As an example only, the above settings for the switching speed of low-speed bearings and / or the switching speed of high-speed bearings can be derived from the above description of... Figure 1 The controller 500 shown determines this. Therefore, although only by way of example, the controller 500 may be adapted to receive information indicating the rotational speed and / or rotational acceleration of the rotor, and to determine, for example, the low-speed bearing switching speed and / or the high-speed bearing switching speed according to any of the examples above.

[0146] The following examples will illustrate how to determine the switching speed ω of a low-speed bearing. LSB and high-speed bearing speed conversion ω HSB The above possible embodiments. In the following example, for the sake of simplicity, the low-speed bearing transition speed ω LSB,T and high-speed bearing transition speed ω LSB,T They are equal and will be referred to as the transition velocity ω. T However, it is conceivable that in embodiments of this disclosure, the low-speed bearing transition speed ω LSB,T and high-speed bearing transition speed ω LSB,T They can be different.

[0147] Similarly, in the following example, the first high-speed bearing transitions to the threshold speed ω. HSB,1 Second high-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ω HSB,2 Equal and will be referred to as ω1, and the second high-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ωHSB,2 and the first high-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ωHSB,1 Equal to and will be referred to as ω2. However, in embodiments of this disclosure, the first high-speed bearing switching threshold speed ωHSB,1 Second high-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ωHSB,2 The speeds can be different, and / or the second high-speed bearing switching threshold speed. ωHSB,2 and the first high-speed bearing conversion threshold speed ωHSB,1 They can be different.

[0148] For example, when rotor 200 accelerates from the first speed range S1 to the second speed range S2, the kinetic energy storage device exhibits a low-speed bearing disengagement state at or near the transition point T on the two speed-displacement curves 1 and 2. Therefore, when rotor 200 accelerates at the transition speed ω... T When accelerating through the transition point T, rotor 200 stops operating at the higher first critical speed C1 and begins operating at the lower first critical speed C2. Conversely, when the rotor decelerates from speed range S2 to speed range S1, the kinetic energy storage device operates at a transition speed ω. T The transition point T or its vicinity is in a low-speed bearing support state.

[0149] Therefore, when the rotor decelerates through the transition point T, the rotor stops operating at the lower first critical speed C2 and begins operating at the higher first critical speed C1. When the kinetic energy storage device is adapted to operate in both a high-speed bearing supported state and a high-speed bearing disengaged state, and when the rotor 200 accelerates through the transition point T, the kinetic energy storage device can operate at a speed lower than the transition speed ω. T The transition point T exhibits a high-speed bearing-supported state, ensuring full engagement of the high-speed bearing with the rotor before the kinetic energy storage device reaches a low-speed bearing disengagement state. This can help control imbalances in the rotor when the kinetic energy storage device reaches a low-speed bearing disengagement state, as in some examples, the constraint force applied by the high-speed bearing can be controlled to manage the rotor's rotational characteristics during the transition. Similarly, when the rotor decelerates through a transition speed ω... T At the transition point T, the kinetic energy storage machine can exhibit a high-speed bearing-supported state until the rotor reaches a speed lower than the transition speed ω. T The rotational speed at the transition point T allows the high-speed bearing to controllably assist in constraining the rotor until the kinetic energy storage machine is fully supported by the high-speed bearing.

[0150] As an example only, the transition point T can be related to the transition speed ω at which the kinetic energy storage device switches between the low-speed bearing supported state and the low-speed bearing disengaged state. T The transition velocity can lie between the lower first critical velocity C2 and the higher first critical velocity C1. As can be seen in Figure 2a, the transition velocity can be considered to cover a range of velocities, such as the transition velocity range S. T Or it could be a single velocity, such as the transition point velocity ω. T As mentioned above, the transition velocity ω T The speed of rotor 200 can vary depending on whether it is accelerating or decelerating, or it can be the same regardless of whether rotor 200 is accelerating or decelerating. Referring again to Figure 2a, it can be seen that when the kinetic energy storage device is in a low-speed bearing-supported state, rotor 200 can operate at speeds below the transition speed ω. T It operates within the subcritical speed range S1. Furthermore, the transition speed ω is only considered when the kinetic energy storage device is in a high-speed bearing-supported state. T Located within the rotor's supercritical speed range (i.e., above the lower first critical speed C2). Therefore, speed range S2 is also the supercritical speed range. When the low-speed bearing engages with rotor 200, the transition speed can be lower than the rotor's higher first critical speed C1.

[0151] Depending on the specific arrangement of the bearing system, the transition between the low-speed bearing supported state and the low-speed bearing disengaged state of the kinetic energy storage device, and thus between rotors with different first critical speeds, can occur rapidly with small rotor speed changes or more slowly with larger rotor speed changes. For example, as shown in Figure 2a, the transition can occur at the transition point speed ω T This occurs relatively quickly at or near the point where the rotor reaches the transition point speed ω. T At this time, the low-speed bearing can engage or disengage from the rotor.

[0152] In other examples, the transition between the low-speed bearing supported state and the low-speed bearing disengaged state of the kinetic energy storage device can occur within the transition speed range S. T For example, when the rotor accelerates from speed range S1 to speed range S2, the kinetic energy storage device can begin to exhibit a low-speed bearing disengagement state when the rotor reaches or exceeds the disengagement speed (which could be, for example, a first speed ω1). As mentioned above, the first speed ω1 can also be referred to as the low-speed bearing transition threshold speed ω. LSB,1 .

[0153] In other examples, the low-speed bearing disengagement state can be correlated with the transition point speed ω. T Overlap. When the rotor reaches a suitable speed (e.g., the transition point speed ω) T At a second rotational speed ω2 or any other suitable speed, the kinetic energy storage device can achieve the low-speed bearing disengagement state. Conversely, when the rotor decelerates from speed range S2 to speed range S1, the kinetic energy storage device can begin to exhibit low-speed bearing support when the rotor reaches or falls below the engagement speed (which could be, for example, the second rotational speed ω2). In other examples, the engagement speed can be the transition point speed ω... T Overlap. When the rotor speed drops to a suitable level (e.g., the transition point speed ω), T At the first rotational speed ω1 or any other suitable rotational speed, the kinetic energy storage unit can complete the low-speed bearing disengagement state.

[0154] As shown in Figure 2a, the transition speed range S T It can cross the transition velocity ω T For example, between the first rotational speed ω1 and the second rotational speed ω2. In other examples, the transition speed ω T A transition speed range S can be formed. T One end. The first rotational speed ω1 and the second rotational speed ω2 relative to the transition speed ω T The difference can be different, or relative to the transition velocity ω. T The difference can be the same.

[0155] As described above, within the first speed range S1, depending on the specific bearing arrangement or operating mode, the kinetic energy storage device can switch between a low-speed bearing supported state and a low-speed bearing disengaged state, and / or switch between a high-speed bearing supported state and a high-speed bearing disengaged state.

[0156] Therefore, in some examples, the kinetic energy storage device can be adapted to switch between a high-speed bearing supported state and a disengaged state during rotor movement. In examples where the kinetic energy storage device only exhibits a low-speed bearing supported state within the speed range S1, the kinetic energy storage device can also move through a high-speed bearing supported / disengaged transition, which mirrors the transition between the low-speed bearing supported and disengaged states depending on whether the rotor is accelerating or decelerating through the transition point T. For example, if the rotor accelerates from the speed range S1 to the speed range S2 and the low-speed bearing disengaged state is exhibited, the high-speed bearing will need to perform the opposite action, i.e., exhibit a high-speed bearing supported state at or near the transition point T.

[0157] When the rotor decelerates past the transition point T, the kinetic energy storage device will instead exhibit a high-speed bearing disengagement state. For example, when the rotor reaches the transition speed ω... T At this time, the high-speed bearing support state and the high-speed bearing disengagement state can be changed. In other examples, when the rotor reaches or exceeds the first speed ω1, the kinetic energy storage machine can begin to exhibit the high-speed bearing support state, and when the rotor reaches or falls below the second speed ω2, it can begin to exhibit the high-speed bearing disengagement state.

[0158] As described above, in some examples, as the rotor accelerates, the kinetic energy storage device can reach a high-speed bearing-supported state at a certain rotational speed, such that it has already reached this state before it reaches a low-speed bearing-disengagement state. Similarly, as the rotor decelerates, the kinetic energy storage device can reach a high-speed bearing-supported state until it reaches the rotational speed at which it fully reaches a low-speed bearing-supported state. Therefore, reaching a high-speed bearing-supported state can be initiated or occur below the transition speed. Similarly, reaching a high-speed bearing-disengagement state can be initiated or occur only after the rotor has fallen below the transition speed. Also, as mentioned above, during acceleration, reaching a high-speed bearing-supported state can occur after (e.g., immediately following) reaching a low-speed bearing-disengagement state. Similarly, during deceleration, reaching a high-speed bearing-disengagement state can occur before (e.g., immediately following) reaching a low-speed bearing-supported state.

[0159] Figure 2b shows a purely conceptual speed-displacement curve generated by the bearing system described herein when it is put into operation on a purely rigid rotor, single-support rotating machine. As can be seen from Figure 2b, there is no first critical speed in the speed range of low-speed bearing engagement, and in the case of the purely rigid rotor, single-support example shown herein, there is also no actual rotor critical speed in the rotor's operating speed range when only the high-speed bearing of the bearing system is engaged with the rotor.

[0160] In one example considered by the applicant, the operating speed range of the kinetic energy storage device will be as follows. For the first speed range S1, the rotor will operate between zero and approximately 1000 RPM, at which point the low-speed bearing engages and the rotor is in a subcritical state. At a transition speed of approximately 1000 RPM, the rotor passes the transition point T, and the low-speed bearing disengages within a suitable transition period. Before the low-speed bearing begins to disengage, the high-speed bearing has already engaged, and any vibration amplitude can be controlled by the high-speed bearing—for example, through the active magnetic function of the high-speed bearing. As the rotor accelerates (or decelerates) through the transition point T, the transition period lasts only a short time. For the second speed range S2, the rotor will operate between 1000 RPM and 8000 RPM, at which point the high-speed bearing engages and the rotor is in a supercritical state. This speed range corresponds to the normal operating condition or energy storage speed range. It is expected that the rotor will remain within the energy storage speed range for most of the kinetic energy storage device's operating life.

[0161] The applicant has envisioned a variety of different possible arrangements for the bearing system disclosed herein. In some examples, the high-speed bearing is an active magnetic bearing. For example, the high-speed bearing acts magnetically on the shaft of the rotor to radially hold the rotor in motion. As an active magnetic bearing, the high-speed bearing is a controllable bearing that applies magnetic force to the rotor. In particular, as an active magnetic bearing, the stiffness of the high-speed bearing can be controlled, thereby allowing the rotor to operate in an energy-efficient manner. In certain examples, the high-speed bearing can be engaged and disengaged from the rotor by applying and removing magnetic fields to the rotor, respectively. For example, the high-speed bearing may include one or more electromagnets that can be selectively activated to generate an appropriate electromagnetic field that acts on the rotor to control the rotor's position relative to the high-speed bearing. In some examples, a magnetic field may be applied to a portion of the rotor or removed from a portion of the rotor. Applying a magnetic field may include changing the strength of the magnetic field applied to the rotor.

[0162] In the first set of embodiments, reference will be made to the following. Figure 3 to Figure 19As shown, the kinetic energy storage device 100 is adapted to present a low-speed bearing supported state by engaging the first portion 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 to the rotor, and the kinetic energy storage device 100 is also adapted to present a low-speed bearing disengaged state by disengaging the first portion 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 from the rotor. However, as will be described in detail below, other embodiments of the kinetic energy storage device 100 are conceivable to be adapted to present the low-speed bearing supported / disengaged state in other ways.

[0163] Figure 3 An example of a kinetic energy storage device 100 as envisioned by the applicant is shown. For the sake of brevity, [the following is a separate section regarding...] Figure 1 Those features and structures that are identical or similar are indicated by the same reference numerals. The kinetic energy storage unit 100 includes a rotor 200 rotatable about axis A. The kinetic energy storage unit 100 includes a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly 10 for constraining or supporting the rotational movement of the rotor 200 in the radial direction of axis A. The first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly 10 are arranged at opposite ends of the rotor 200. Each bearing assembly 10 includes a low-speed bearing 12 and a high-speed bearing 14. The rotor 200 includes a first shaft 202a and a second shaft 202b, each of which forms one end of the rotor 200. The first shaft 202a and the second shaft 202b are aligned with each other along axis A.

[0164] The first portion 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 in each bearing system 10 can engage and disengage with a corresponding shaft of the first shaft 202a and the second shaft 202b, particularly when the rotor 200 is rotating. Throughout the following description, statements indicating that the low-speed bearing 12 can engage with the rotor or shaft can be understood as meaning that at least the first portion 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 can engage with other entities. When the low-speed bearing 12 is engaged with the rotor 200, the low-speed bearing 12 constrains the rotor 200 in the radial direction, allowing it to operate in a subcritical speed range below the low-speed bearing transition speed, without any critical speed. When the low-speed bearing 12 is engaged with the rotor 200, the low-speed bearing transition speed can be below the first critical speed of the rotor 200. When the low-speed bearing 12 is disengaged from the rotor 200, and only the high-speed bearing 14 in each bearing system 10 engages with the rotor 200 such that the high-speed bearing 14 constrains the rotor 200 in the radial direction, the low-speed bearing transition speed is within the supercritical speed range of the rotor 200. It should be understood that in some examples, each low-speed bearing 12 can operate independently, allowing engagement and disengagement of each low-speed bearing 12 to occur at different speeds, although within a suitable margin of the low-speed bearing transition speed. In some cases, this can help control the rotor 200 as it accelerates or decelerates through the low-speed bearing transition speed.

[0165] In some examples, like the low-speed bearing 12, the high-speed bearing 14 can engage and disengage with the rotor 10 at any suitable time, such as when the rotor 200 moves about axis A. In other examples, the high-speed bearing 14 can be continuously engaged with the rotor 200 during operation.

[0166] Therefore, as described above, the actuating device 120 is adapted to be in each of a first state and a second state relative to the low-speed bearing, such that when the actuating device is in the first state, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is in a low-speed bearing disengaged state, and when the actuating device is in the second state, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is in a low-speed bearing supported state. Also as described above, the movement from the first state to the second state includes movement of at least a portion of the actuating device in the axial direction AD. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the actuation device 120 includes an actuator 16 configured to move an engagement device of the low-speed bearing, which forms part of the actuation device 120, to contact and disengage from the rotor 200.

[0167] Figure 3 The rotor 200 shown includes two balance discs—a first balance disc 204a and a second balance disc 204b. The first balance disc 204a is fastened to a first shaft 202a, and the second balance disc 204b is fastened to a second shaft 202b. Therefore, the first balance disc 204a and the second balance disc 204b are arranged at axially opposite ends of the rotor 200. Arranging the two balance discs in this way makes it easier to eliminate rotor imbalances and achieve more precise balancing of the rotor 200.

[0168] The kinetic energy storage unit 100 includes an axial bearing 300 for constraining the rotational movement of the rotor 200 in the axial direction of axis A. In other words, the axial bearing 300 can be adapted to withstand loads from the rotor 200 in the axial direction. In some examples, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 may include more than one axial bearing. In this example, the axial bearing 300 is arranged to constrain the first shaft 202a.

[0169] The kinetic energy storage unit 100 includes a vibration damper 400. The vibration damper 400 includes a magnetically conductive damping disk 206 mounted on a first shaft 202a. The damping disk 402 may alternatively be mounted on a second shaft 202b. A magnetic vibration absorber 402 is mounted on a fixed structure of the kinetic energy storage unit 100 and surrounds the damping disk 206. The magnetic vibration absorber 402 magnetically acts on the damping disk 206 to suppress vibrations of the rotor 200.

[0170] Rotor 200 can be detachably coupled to motor 150 via coupling 152. This motor can be an electric motor, generator, or a motor / generator. Kinetic energy storage unit 100 may include controller 500 for controlling specific operations of the kinetic energy storage unit 100. Controller 500 can be communicatively coupled to various components of the kinetic energy storage unit 100 to control its functions. For example, controller 500 can be communicatively coupled to one or more of bearing system 10, axial bearing 300, vibration damper 400, and / or motor 150 to send and receive control signals. The controller may include one or more processors and / or one or more storage media containing machine-readable instructions, as described herein.

[0171] Certain example methods and / or processes will now be described. These methods and / or processes may include methods and / or processes for operating a kinetic energy storage device. These methods and / or processes may be performed, operated, and / or implemented in any example kinetic energy storage device described herein and / or shown in any of the accompanying drawings.

[0172] Figure 4 The flowchart illustrates a method 1000 for operating a kinetic energy storage machine, wherein the kinetic energy storage machine includes a rotor and a bearing system for providing radial constraint to the rotor, wherein the bearing system includes a low-speed bearing and a high-speed bearing, wherein the low-speed bearing is configured such that when the low-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor, the rotor can rotate below a disengagement speed, and there are no critical speeds in the subcritical speed range below the disengagement speed, and wherein when only the high-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor, the disengagement speed is within the supercritical speed range of the rotor. The method includes: at block 1002, accelerating the rotor to the disengagement speed while the low-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor to radially constrain the rotor; and at block 1004, disengaging the low-speed bearing from the rotor once the rotor reaches or exceeds the disengagement speed, provided that the high-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor to radially constrain the rotor.

[0173] As described above, alternative methods may include, for example, rapidly engaging the high-speed bearing with the rotor after the low-speed bearing has disengaged from the rotor to radially constrain the rotor.

[0174] In some examples, the method may include accelerating the rotor to the energy storage speed while simultaneously disengaging the low-speed bearing from the rotor. The energy storage speed can be considered as a desired speed level at which kinetic energy is stored for later extraction from the rotor.

[0175] In some examples, disengaging the low-speed bearing from the rotor includes moving the engagement device from an engaged position (where the engagement device is in contact with the rotor) to a disengaged position (where the engagement device is separated from the rotor). When in the engaged position, the engagement device may contact a complementary engagement device. As described above, such an engagement device may form part of the previously described actuation device 120.

[0176] In some examples, the method may include engaging the high-speed bearing with the rotor before the rotor reaches its disengagement speed.

[0177] In some examples, the high-speed bearing includes an active magnetic bearing, and the method includes activating the active magnetic bearing to apply a radially confining magnetic field to the rotor.

[0178] In some examples, the method involves using a motor or motor / generator coupled to the rotor to accelerate the rotor.

[0179] In some examples, the kinetic energy storage device includes a vacuum chamber for housing the rotor, and the method includes evacuating the vacuum chamber before and / or during rotor acceleration.

[0180] Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates a method 2000 for operating a kinetic energy storage machine, wherein the kinetic energy storage machine includes a rotor and a bearing system for providing radial constraint to the rotor, and wherein the bearing system includes a low-speed bearing and a high-speed bearing, wherein the low-speed bearing is configured such that when the low-speed bearing engages with the rotor, the rotor can rotate below the engagement speed, and there is no critical speed in the subcritical speed range below the engagement speed, and wherein when only the high-speed bearing engages with the rotor, the engagement speed is within the supercritical speed range of the rotor. The method includes: at block 2002, decelerating the rotor to the engagement speed while the high-speed bearing engages with the rotor to radially constrain the rotor; and at block 2004, engaging the low-speed bearing with the rotor to radially constrain the rotor when the high-speed bearing is engaged, and once the rotor reaches or falls below the engagement speed.

[0181] As described above, alternative methods may include disengaging the high-speed bearing from the rotor and then engaging the low-speed bearing, for example, in a very short time, to radially constrain the rotor.

[0182] In some examples, the method may include slowing the rotor to a stop while the low-speed bearing engages with the rotor.

[0183] In some examples, engaging the low-speed bearing with the rotor may include moving the engagement device from a disengaged position (where the engagement device is separated from the rotor) to an engaged position (where the engagement device is in contact with the rotor). Similarly, such an engagement device may form part of the previously described actuation device 120.

[0184] In some examples, the method may include disengaging the high-speed bearing from the rotor once the rotor speed drops below the engagement speed.

[0185] In some examples, the high-speed bearing includes an active magnetic bearing, and the method includes deactivating the active magnetic bearing to remove the radial constraint magnetic field applied to the rotor.

[0186] In some examples, the method includes using a motor, generator, or motor / generator coupled to the rotor to reduce rotor speed. For example, the method may include using the kinetic energy released from the rotor during rotor speed reduction to power the motor / generator or generator.

[0187] In some examples, the processing circuitry provided in the controller of any kinetic energy storage device described herein can be used to perform the above-described and Figure 4 and Figure 5 The method shown above. For example, the processing circuit 502 provided in the controller 500 of the kinetic energy storage device 100 described above can be used to perform the above-described and Figure 4 and Figure 5 The method is shown in the diagram. The controller's processing circuitry enables the kinetic energy storage device to execute the aforementioned blocks.

[0188] like Figure 6 As shown, the controller 500 may include a bearing system module 510 for controlling at least one bearing system 10. For example, the bearing system module 510 may control... Figure 3 The two bearing systems 10 are shown. The controller 500 may further include: an axial bearing module 512 for controlling the axial bearing 310; a vibration damper module 514 for controlling the vibration damper 400; and a motor module 516 for controlling the motor 150. The controller 500 may include other modules. Any module may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors on the kinetic energy storage machine to monitor the status of the kinetic energy storage machine components.

[0189] The controller may include a storage module 504, for example, for storing machine-readable instructions executable by the processing circuitry and / or storing data usable by the controller. For example, data related to operating parameters such as the transition speed, engagement speed, and / or disengagement speed of the low-speed bearing and / or high-speed bearing may be stored in the storage module 504. The controller 500 may include a communication interface 506 for communicatively connecting the controller 500 to the rest of the kinetic energy storage device.

[0190] Now go to Figure 7 This illustrates another example of a kinetic energy storage device 100. Again, for brevity, features and structures that are identical or similar to those described with respect to the previous figures are indicated by the same reference numerals. The rotor 200 of the kinetic energy storage device 100 includes an energy storage component 250, which allows the kinetic energy storage device 100 to store kinetic energy due to the conservation of angular momentum as the rotor 200 rotates. Figure 3Similar to the kinetic energy storage device 100, the kinetic energy storage device 100 includes a first bearing system and a second bearing system 10 for constraining the rotational movement of the rotor 200 in the radial direction of axis A. The first bearing system and the second bearing system 10 are arranged at opposite ends of the rotor 200. Although in Figure 7 The bearings are hidden, but each bearing system 10 includes a low-speed bearing 12 and a high-speed bearing 14.

[0191] Figure 7 The kinetic energy storage unit 100 is arranged in operation such that the rotation axis A of the rotor is oriented in a substantially vertical direction, which is in conjunction with... Figure 7 The Z-axis of the XYZ coordinate system shown is aligned. In the case of a rotating energy storage unit, this arrangement allows the mass load or static load of the device to be carried in the axial direction by the rotor. Although a rotating energy storage unit can also function in another orientation, such as with axis A arranged horizontally, this would require the kinetic energy storage unit 100 to be constructed to accommodate beam bending due to gravity loads. Since the rotor axis A is oriented substantially vertically, the first bearing system and the second bearing system 10 can be referred to as the upper bearing system 10a and the lower bearing system 10b.

[0192] Figure 7 The kinetic energy storage unit 100 includes a single balance disc 204 fastened to a rotor 200. The balance disc is located at the bottom of the rotor 200 or below the energy storage component 250. The kinetic energy storage unit 100 includes an axial bearing 300 for restraining the rotational movement of the rotor 200 in the axial direction of axis A. The axial bearing 300 is located at the top of the rotor 200, or in this example above the energy storage component 250. Since the rotor axis A is oriented substantially vertically, the axial bearing 300 can be described as a support bearing that, in addition to restraining the rotor 200 against other axial displacement forces, also counteracts gravity. The kinetic energy storage unit 100 includes a motor / generator 150. The motor / generator 150 can be used to accelerate the rotor 200—that is, add kinetic energy to the rotor 200—or decelerate the rotor 200—that is, extract kinetic energy from the rotor 200.

[0193] Figure 8 The following is shown: [The following is a description of the application envisioned by the applicant for use in...] Figure 7Applications of rotating energy storage units. Multiple kinetic energy storage units 100 can be deployed in an energy management system 800 to store and manage the supply of electrical energy. The kinetic energy storage units 100 can be deployed in an array 101 of kinetic energy storage units 100, each of which is at least partially submerged in an underground silo 180. A cover 182 or covering can be provided for each silo 180 to protect the kinetic energy storage unit 100 from environmental impacts that could otherwise shorten its lifespan. Vertical orientation of the kinetic energy storage unit 100 can be advantageous, as this allows for easy installation, maintenance, and removal of the kinetic energy storage unit 100 from the silo 180. Furthermore, since the energy storage components 250 of the rotor 200 can be extremely massive and can rotate at extremely high speeds, at least partially submerging the kinetic energy storage unit 100 below ground level can help prevent damage or injury in the event of a failure. Furthermore, submerging the kinetic energy storage unit 100 at least partially below ground level can limit the visual impact of installing the array 101 in the natural environment. The applicant also envisions other applications, such as installing a smaller number of kinetic energy storage units 100 for specific energy storage applications. For example, a building could have a single kinetic energy storage unit 100 for storing and releasing energy based on the building's electrical load at any given time.

[0194] The energy management system 800 may include multiple power generation systems, such as a wind farm 810 or solar panels 820. Electrical energy generated by the power generation systems can be fed into the array 101 of the kinetic energy storage unit 100 via a motor / generator 150 and converted into kinetic energy. This can be done during periods when power generation exceeds electricity demand. When needed, for example when there is a surplus of electricity demand and insufficient available power generation capacity, the kinetic energy stored in the array 101 can be extracted by the motor / generator 150 and converted into electrical energy, which can then be fed into the grid. In this way, energy conservation can be achieved because the energy generation process and energy demand are separated from each other, eliminating the need to generate energy while energy is needed. Furthermore, high-carbon emission energy generation methods can be eliminated during periods of high electricity demand or when green power systems (such as wind farms) are not operating. Therefore, emissions of polluting greenhouse gases can be reduced.

[0195] Figure 9 It shows how it can be done Figure 7 This is an example of a kinetic energy storage unit 100 installed in a field within an energy storage facility (e.g., an energy management system 800). The kinetic energy storage unit 100 can be mounted in a housing 160, which supports and constrains the rotor 200 through structures such as a bearing system 10 and an axial bearing 300. Figure 9In the example shown, housing 160 includes an elongated cylindrical middle shell 164 located on top of lower shell 168 and covered by upper shell 166. Lower shell 168 supports and holds lower bearing system 10. Upper shell 166 supports and holds upper bearing system 10 and support bearing 300. Upper shell 166 also supports motor mount 154, which supports and holds motor / generator 150. Housing may be constructed of steel or other suitable materials.

[0196] like Figure 9 As shown, housing 160 can be installed in silo 180, which, as described above, allows the machine to be installed in a particularly safe operating manner. Figure 9 The silo cover 182 is not shown. The housing 160 housing the rotor 200 can be easily hoisted into or out of the silo 180, for example, in a fully assembled state. For example, the housing 160 can be positioned and held in the silo 180 using a mounting member 170. The mounting member 170 may include a vibration damper (e.g., a rubber bushing) that can absorb vibrations transmitted from the housing 160. The silo 180 may be constructed of concrete or other suitable materials.

[0197] Figure 10 Is it through Figure 7 The cross-section of the rotation axis A of the kinetic energy storage machine 100, but including the housing 160 and silo 180 as described above. Figure 10 The silo cover 182 is not shown in the diagram. Figure 10 The vertical direction in the diagram is represented by the Z-axis. Figure 10 The diagram illustrates how silo 180 defines a cavity 184 into which shell 160 can be accommodated. Silo 180 may include a mounting pad 186, such as a concrete pad, on which lower shell 168 may be mounted.

[0198] Housing 160 may define a vacuum chamber 162 in which rotor 200 can operate. Therefore, housing seal 165 may be provided between intermediate housing 164 and upper housing 166 to seal vacuum chamber 162 after rotor 200 and any supporting structure (e.g., lower bearing system 10) have been installed within housing 160. Intermediate housing 164 and lower housing 168 may be joined together, for example by welding, or another seal may be provided therebetween for sealing. A vacuum pump (not shown) may be provided to evacuate vacuum chamber 162 when rotor 200 is in use. It should be understood that other suitable housing structures may be provided.

[0199] The upper housing 166 includes an upper mounting member 167, which holds and supports the support bearing 300 and the upper bearing system 10a via mounting to the support bearing 300. The upper mounting member 167 also supports the motor mounting member 154. The lower housing 168 also includes a lower bearing mounting member 169, which holds and supports the lower bearing system 10b. The housing 160, the upper mounting member 167, the lower bearing mounting member 169, and the motor mounting member 154 work together to provide the necessary rigidity to support and hold the bearing system and the support bearing, and thus the rotor 200, in place.

[0200] Figure 10 The rotor 200 structure of the kinetic energy storage device 100 is also shown. The rotor 200 includes a first shaft 202a and a second shaft 202b, each of which forms one of the ends of the rotor 200. The first shaft 202a and the second shaft 202b are aligned with each other along axis A. Since the rotor axis A is oriented in a substantially vertical direction, the first shaft 202a and the second shaft 202b can be referred to as the upper shaft and the lower shaft. A balance disc 204 is fastened to the lower shaft 202b.

[0201] Figure 11 and Figure 12 yes Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 A sectional perspective view of a portion of the kinetic energy storage device 100 shown. Figure 11 This is a view of the upper subassembly, showing a cross-section through the support bearing 300, the upper bearing system 10a, and the upper shaft 202a. The coupling 152 for attachment to the motor / generator 150 is shown as the end attached to the upper shaft 202a. Figure 12 This is a view of the lower subassembly, showing a cross-section through the lower bearing system 10b and the lower shaft 202b. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The rotor energy storage component 250, housing 160, and motor mounting component 154 are not shown in the diagram.

[0202] refer to Figure 11The upper shaft 202a is formed by two parts: a support shaft 202a-1 and a guide shaft 202a-2. The support shaft 202a-1 includes a flange 210a through which the energy storage component 250 can be mounted to the upper shaft 202a. For example, the energy storage component 250 can be bolted to the support shaft 202a-1 via the flange 210a. The guide shaft 202a-2 extends along the axis of rotation A and is constrained in the radial direction by an upper bearing system 10a, which is fixed to the fixed housing 160 support structure of the kinetic energy storage machine 100. Both the support shaft 202a-1 and the guide shaft 202a-2 are connected to and (in the axial direction) jointly clamp the rotor 200, such that the support shaft 202a-1 and the guide shaft 202a-2 are attached to and aligned with each other. Therefore, the rotatable bearing plate 220, which forms part of the support bearing 300, is attached to the rotor 200 and rotates together with the running rotor 200.

[0203] The support bearing 300 also includes a fixed bearing plate 302, which in this example is attached to the housing 160. Alternatively, the fixed bearing plate 302 may be attached to a separate housing, which in turn is attached to the housing 160 of the kinetic energy storage device 100 or other support structure. The support bearing 300 includes a housing 310 that covers the rotatable bearing plate 220 and the fixed bearing plate 302 and supports the upper bearing system 10a. The housing 310 may be configured to form a seal with the housing 160, thereby maintaining a vacuum in the vacuum chamber 162. In this example, the housing 310 includes a plurality of holes 312 through which the rotatable bearing plate 220 can be accessed when the rotor 200 is installed. In this example, there are three equally spaced holes 312 arranged in the radially upper edge of the housing 310. In one example, the rotatable bearing plate 220 may be used to correct any imbalance in the rotor 200 by altering the mass and / or mass distribution of the rotatable bearing plate 220 through one or more holes 312. For example, balancing masses can be added at certain locations on the rotatable bearing pressure plate 220 to correct any imbalances in the rotor 200. In this way, the upper balancing disc located above the energy storage component 250 may not be incorporated into the configuration of the rotor 200, for example... Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the example shown.

[0204] Both the rotatable bearing plate 220 and the fixed bearing plate 302 include magnetic elements 222 and 304. The magnetic elements 222 and 304 are configured such that the rotatable bearing plate 220 and the fixed bearing plate 302 magnetically repel each other, thereby maintaining vertical separation between the two plates 220 and 302 supporting the bearing 300. Depending on the configuration, the magnetic elements 222 and 304 can be electromagnets or permanent magnets. Figure 11In the example shown, magnetic elements 222 and 304 are arranged in concentric rings on their respective pressure plates 220 and 302. The upper bearing system 10a includes a housing 20a that holds and supports the low-speed bearing 12 and the high-speed bearing 14. The housing 20a is fixed to the housing 310 that supports the bearing 300.

[0205] refer to Figure 12 The lower shaft 202b is a rotationally symmetric single component, but it has two parts: a support portion 202b-1 and a guide portion 202b-2. The support portion 202b-1 includes a flange 210b through which the energy storage mass 250 can be mounted to the lower shaft 202b. Furthermore, the energy storage mass 250 can be bolted to the support portion 202b-1 via the flange 210b.

[0206] Shaft 202b extends along the axis of rotation A to reach guide portion 202b-2, where shaft 202b is constrained or supported radially by lower bearing system 10b, which is fixed to the fixed housing 160 support structure of kinetic energy storage device 100. Lower bearing system 10b includes housing 20b, which holds and supports low-speed bearing 12 and high-speed bearing 14. Housing 20a is fixed to housing 160.

[0207] Figure 13 This is a sectional perspective view of the upper bearing system 10a, showing the cross-sections of the low-speed bearing 12 and the high-speed bearing 14 passing through the upper bearing system 10a. Figure 13 The guide shaft 202a-2 is not shown. The housing 20a includes two sub-housings 22a and 24a. The low-speed bearing housing 22a surrounds and supports the low-speed bearing 12. The low-speed bearing housing 22a is attached to the high-speed bearing housing 24a, which surrounds and supports the high-speed bearing 14. The high-speed bearing housing 24a is mounted on top of the housing 310 supporting the bearing 300.

[0208] The high-speed bearing 14 in this example is an active magnetic bearing (AMB). An active magnetic bearing includes one or more magnetic field generators 30 that generate a magnetic field applied to the guide shaft 202a-2. The generated magnetic field is actively adjusted to hold the guide shaft 202a-2 in the correct position, i.e., aligned with the axis of rotation A. In use, the guide shaft 202a-2 may have at least a portion that is inherently ferrous and located near the active magnetic bearing.

[0209] The high-speed bearing housing 24a also supports and holds the vibration damper 400. (As mentioned above...) Figure 3According to the desired configuration of the kinetic energy storage machine 100, the vibration damper can be located at other positions along the axial direction of the rotor 200. In this example, the vibration damper and the high-speed bearing 14 are encapsulated together in the high-speed bearing housing 24a. The vibration damper 400 includes a damping disc 206 fastened to the guide shaft 202a-2 (in... Figure 13 (As shown in the figure). The magnetic vibration absorber 402 is mounted on the high-speed bearing housing 24a and surrounds the damping disc 206 to magnetically act on the damping disc 206 to suppress vibration.

[0210] Although not in Figure 13 As shown, the high-speed bearing housing 24a also supports and holds various electrical connections that connect the active magnetic bearing and magnetic vibration damper 402 to the controller and provide the power required to operate them, thereby controlling the rotor 200. The high-speed bearing housing 24a may also support and hold one or more sensors that provide feedback signals to the controller via electrical connections regarding the status of the active magnetic bearing and magnetic vibration damper 402, as well as position data regarding the axial and / or radial position of the rotor 200.

[0211] In this example, the low-speed bearing 12 includes an actuator 120, which includes a contact sleeve movable in the axial direction of the rotor 200 to engage with the guide shaft 202a-2. The contact sleeve is mounted to the driven drive sleeve via a radial stiffness control element.

[0212] exist Figure 13 In the example shown, the contact sleeve of the actuator 120 is a tapered sleeve 50, the taper of which defines a conical surface 52 that contacts a complementary conical surface on the guide shaft 202a-2 when engaged with the rotor 200, providing radial constraint to the guide shaft 202a-2. In the example shown, the conical surface 52 is on the radially inward surface of the tapered sleeve 50. In this example, the conical surface 52 tapers gradually toward the axis of rotation A in a direction toward the end of the guide shaft 202a-2 and thus toward the shaft 202a. That is, the tapered sleeve 50 narrows along the axis in a direction away from the center of the rotor 200. The complementary conical surface is defined by the guide shaft 202a-2, which tapers gradually from a first shaft diameter to a second shaft diameter. The complementary conical surface can be described as a truncated conical surface. In other examples, the tapered sleeve 50 may taper gradually in the opposite direction.

[0213] The actuator 120 also includes a drive sleeve 54, which is rotatably fixed relative to the low-speed bearing housing 22a and other support structures of the kinetic energy storage unit 100, but can move axially in the rotor 200 together with other components of the actuator 120. The tapered sleeve 50 is mounted to the drive sleeve 54 via a radial stiffness control element 64, as described below. Figure 15 to Figure 17 Further described. The tapered sleeve 50 is fixed substantially axially and substantially rotatably relative to the drive sleeve 54 so that it moves together with the drive sleeve 54 in the axial direction of the rotor 200 when the drive sleeve 54 is driven in the axial direction. The drive sleeve 54 is arranged radially outward of the tapered sleeve 50. As explained in more detail below, the drive sleeve 54 is driven by the actuator 16 to engage the actuator 120 with the rotor 200.

[0214] In this example, the low-speed bearing 12 includes an engagement support for supporting the actuator 120 when it engages the rotor. The engagement support helps ensure that the actuator 120 engages properly with the rotor and helps ensure that the forces involved in radially constraining the rotor are guided by the appropriate structure of the kinetic energy storage unit 100.

[0215] In this example, the engagement support includes a retaining sleeve 56. The retaining sleeve 56 is substantially rotationally fixed and substantially axially fixed relative to the low-speed bearing housing 22a and other support structures of the kinetic energy storage unit 100. As explained further below, the retaining sleeve 56 does have some limited flexibility in certain directions. The retaining sleeve 56 defines a retaining conical surface 58 that can contact a complementary conical surface on the drive sleeve 54. In one example, when the actuator 120 moves to contact the rotor 200, the retaining conical surface 58 is arranged to contact the complementary conical surface on the drive sleeve 54, and then the conical surface 52 of the conical sleeve 50 contacts the guide shaft 202a-2. This ensures that when the conical sleeve 50 contacts the guide shaft 202a-2, radial restraint forces are guided through the low-speed bearing housing 22a, rather than allowing destructive radial restraint forces to pass through the components of the actuator 16. In other examples, the fixed conical surface 58 may be arranged to contact a complementary conical surface on the drive sleeve 54 approximately simultaneously with the contact between the actuator 120 and the rotor 200. The fixed conical surface 58 is arranged radially outward of the drive sleeve 54. (As from...) Figure 13As can be seen, the fixed conical surface 58 tapers gradually in the opposite direction to the conical surface 52 of the conical sleeve 50. The fixed sleeve 56 is attached to the low-speed bearing housing 22a by a cage 60, which is an axial stiffness control element. The cage 60 is an annular structure surrounding and securing the fixed sleeve 56 to it, and is attached to the low-speed bearing housing 22a. Alternatively, the fixed sleeve 56 is not connected to the low-speed bearing housing 22a. In other examples, the fixed sleeve 56 may have an additional connection to the low-speed bearing housing 22a.

[0216] When the actuator 120 is in contact with the rotor 200 via the conical surface 52 of the conical sleeve 50, the fixed conical surface 58 also contacts the complementary conical surface on the drive sleeve 54. This action weds the conical sleeve 50 and the drive sleeve 54 between the guide shaft 202a-2 and the fixed sleeve 56, thereby radially constraining the rotor 200 to rotate about the axis of rotation A. The necessary constraint force is transmitted to the guide shaft 202a-2 through the cage 60 and the sleeves 50, 54, and 56. In this way, the reaction constraint force is directed to the low-speed bearing housing 22a and other support structures of the kinetic energy storage unit 100, and the force applied to the actuator 16 mechanism to which the drive sleeve 54 is connected is minimized.

[0217] Although not in Figure 13 As shown, the low-speed bearing housing 22a also supports and maintains various electrical connections that connect the components of the low-speed bearing 12 to the controller and provide the power required to operate them, thereby controlling the rotor 200. For example, see below. Figure 14 The actuator motor 17 can be powered and controlled via such electrical connection. The low-speed bearing housing 22a can also support and hold one or more sensors that provide feedback signals to the controller via electrical connection regarding the status of the low-speed bearing components, as well as position data regarding the axial and / or radial position of the rotor 200.

[0218] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the lower bearing system 10b. (And...) Figure 14 Same, Figure 13Shaft 202b is not shown. Housing 20b includes two sub-housings 22b and 24b. Low-speed bearing housing 22b surrounds and supports low-speed bearing 12. High-speed bearing housing 24b, surrounding and supporting high-speed bearing 14, is attached to low-speed bearing housing 22b. Low-speed bearing housing 22b is mounted to the lower housing 168 of housing 160. Low-speed bearing housing 22b and high-speed bearing housing 24b are substantially the same as low-speed bearing housing 24a and high-speed bearing housing 24a, except for their reversed axial positions. In the case of lower bearing system 10b, low-speed bearing 12 is located below high-speed bearing 14, rather than above the low-speed bearing in upper bearing system 10a. High-speed bearing housing 24b of lower bearing system 10b also does not house a damper.

[0219] For the lower bearing system 10b, the high-speed bearing 14 is also an active magnetic bearing including one or more magnetic field generators 30. The magnetic field generators 30 generate a magnetic field applied to the guide portion 202b-2 of the lower shaft 202b. In this example of the kinetic energy storage machine 100, the low-speed bearing 10 also functions in the same manner as described above with respect to the upper bearing system 10a. As with the upper bearing system 10a, the first bearing housing 22b and the second bearing housing 24b also support and maintain various electrical connections that connect the low-speed bearing component 12 and the high-speed bearing component 14 to the controller and provide the power required to operate them, thereby controlling the rotor 200. The low-speed bearing housing 22b and the high-speed bearing housing 24b may also support and maintain one or more sensors that provide feedback signals to the controller via electrical connections regarding the status of the low-speed bearing component 12 and the high-speed bearing component 14, as well as position data regarding the axial and / or radial position of the rotor 200.

[0220] Figure 14 Bearing systems 10a and 10b are also shown, each of which is associated with an actuator 120, which in turn includes an actuator 16 for actuating the engagement device. The actuator 16 is mounted on a low-speed bearing housing 22b. The actuator 16 includes an actuator motor 17 for powering the actuator 16.

[0221] The lower bearing system 10b also includes a mounting plate 26. The mounting plate 26 is fixed between the first bearing housing 22b and the second bearing housing 24b, but it can also be located in other positions. The lower bearing system 10b can be mounted to the lower shell 168 of the housing 160 via the mounting plate 26.

[0222] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the low-speed bearing 12 as seen from the lower bearing system 10b. Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional projection of the low-speed bearing 12 as viewed from the upper bearing system 10a. Figure 15and Figure 16 It is shown how the engagement device and actuator 16 work together to move the engagement device to contact and discontinuate contact with the rotor 200, i.e., to enter the engagement position and to leave the disengaged position.

[0223] refer to Figure 15 The actuator includes a worm 70 or worm screw that can be rotated W by a motor 17 of the actuator. The worm 70 meshes with a worm wheel of a drive nut 72, which in this example is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. Actuating the worm 70 causes the drive nut 72 to rotate about axis A. The drive nut 72 is substantially fixed in the axial direction relative to the low-speed bearing housing 22. That is, the drive nut 72 is guided and supported so that it can only rotate about an axis. See also... Figure 16 The drive nut 72 is threaded 73 into the drive sleeve 54. The drive nut 72 and the drive sleeve 54 together form a translational screw. Rotating the drive nut 72 causes the drive sleeve 54, which is fixed relative to the low-speed bearing housing 22 (relative to axis A), to travel, and thereby move in the axial direction. Since the drive nut 72 and the drive sleeve 54 are threaded together in this example, they are arranged concentrically about axis A.

[0224] To engage the coupling device with the rotor 200, the worm rotates W in one direction, causing the drive nut 72 to rotate S about axis A. As the drive nut 72 rotates, the drive sleeve 54 is driven in one direction along axis A, thereby causing the tapered sleeve 50 to move D in the same direction along axis A until the conical surface 52 contacts the rotor 200. In this example, before the tapered sleeve 50 contacts the rotor, the drive sleeve 54 also contacts the fixed conical surface 58 of the fixed sleeve 56, thereby firmly constraining the rotor 200 by shafts 202a and 202b.

[0225] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 An exploded view of a low-speed bearing, showing the coupling and support assembly. (See diagram below.) Figure 17 As shown, the tapered sleeve 50 and the drive sleeve 54 concentrically clamp the radial stiffness control element 64. The radial stiffness control element 64 is held, for example, by any suitable fastener (e.g., Figure 13 The machine screw shown is fixed to each of the tapered sleeve 50 and the drive sleeve 54 through the mounting hole 65, thereby fastening them to each other.

[0226] A radial stiffness control element 64 is arranged to control the stiffness of the coupling. In one example conceived by the applicant, the radial stiffness control element 64 is configured to substantially rigidly connect the tapered sleeve 50 and the drive sleeve 54 together in the axial direction. That is, the coupling is axially rigid. Simultaneously, the radial stiffness control element 64 is arranged to control the radial stiffness of the coupling at a desired level. For example, the radial stiffness of the coupling may vary depending on the specific application or size of the kinetic energy storage device. A circumferentially extending array of slots 66 is defined in the tubular body of the radial stiffness control element 62. The array of slots 66 allows the stiffness of the coupling to be controlled to a very high degree of precision. The radial stiffness control element 64 can be constructed from any suitable material, such as metals, metal alloys, composite materials, and / or plastics.

[0227] The axial stiffness control element or cage 60 is secured to each retaining sleeve 56 and the low-speed bearing housing 22a, for example, by any suitable fastener (e.g., through mounting holes 65). The axial stiffness control element is arranged to control the stiffness of the engagement support. In one example conceived by the applicant, the axial stiffness control element is configured to have substantially high radial stiffness. In this way, the axial stiffness control element allows the radial force generated by the engagement of the low-speed bearing 12 with the rotor 200 to be generally directly transmitted to the low-speed bearing housing 22a and the housing 160. The radial load is guided through the radially high-stiffness cage 60, ensuring that the actuator 16 components are not subjected to radial forces. Simultaneously, the axial stiffness control element is arranged to control the radial stiffness of the engagement support at a desired level. Again, the desired radial stiffness of the engagement support may vary depending on the specific application or size, for example, of a kinetic energy storage machine. Furthermore, controlling the axial stiffness of the engagement support can help absorb the generated forces and accommodate any misalignment that may occur when the engagement device makes initial contact with the rotor 200.

[0228] An array of circumferentially extending slots 62 is defined within the annular body of the axial stiffness control element. The array of slots 62 allows for very high precision control of the stiffness of the mating support. The axial stiffness control element can be constructed from any suitable material, such as metals, metal alloys, composite materials, and / or plastics.

[0229] Figure 18 This schematically shows, for example, from Figure 16 An example of a low-speed bearing contact sleeve 50, and how contact sleeve 50 can be used as a bearing for rotor shaft 202. In this case, the contact sleeve is a journal bearing or a sliding bearing. For example, the contact sleeve can be made of synthetic bronze, which in some examples can be effectively self-lubricating. Sliding bearings require almost no maintenance and are inexpensive; however, sliding bearings involve higher energy losses due to the higher level of friction at the contact surfaces.

[0230] Figure 19 Another example of a contact sleeve is schematically shown. In this example, the contact sleeve 50 includes a dry roller bearing 80. In this example, when the engagement device moves to contact the rotor 200, the inner ring of the dry roller bearing 80 is driven to contact the shaft 202. The dry roller bearing reduces friction and requires no lubrication; however, it may require a higher level of maintenance and will be more expensive.

[0231] Instead of the example embodiments described above (where the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is adapted to present a low-speed bearing supported / disconnected state by engaging / disconnecting the first portion 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 with the rotor 200), the kinetic energy storage unit 100 may be adapted to present the low-speed bearing supported state and the low-speed bearing disconnected state in other ways. This will be described below. For completeness, it should be noted that the following presentation of embodiments emphasizes features used to present the low-speed bearing supported state and the low-speed bearing disconnected state, respectively. Therefore, the features presented below may be combined with the features of any of the embodiments presented above.

[0232] Therefore, refer to Figure 20 It shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of the kinetic energy storage device 100. Figure 20 The embodiment includes the actuation device 120 as described above.

[0233] For example only, Figure 20 A portion of the kinetic energy storage device 100 shown may correspond to the above description of, for example Figure 11 The presented casing 20a. As an example only, it can be envisioned that... Figure 20 A portion may replace a part of any of the embodiments presented above. For example, Figure 20 Some parts can be replaced Figure 11 The outer shell 20a.

[0234] Figure 20 A low-speed bearing 12 comprising a first portion 12' and a second portion 12" is shown. This is a non-limiting example, and as... Figure 20 As shown, the first portion 12' of the low-speed bearing 12 may include or even be composed of the inner ring of the low-speed bearing 12. Similarly, and also by way of example in Figure 20 The text indicates that the second part 12" of the low-speed bearing 12 may include the outer ring of the low-speed bearing 12 or may even be composed of the outer ring of the low-speed bearing 12.

[0235] Figure 20A cross-section of a portion of the rotor 200 is also shown. By way of example only, as described above, the rotor 200 may include at least one shaft 202a. By way of example only, a first portion of the low-speed bearing 12' may be fixed to the rotor 200, for example, to the shaft 202a forming part of the rotor 200. Furthermore, Figure 20 A portion of the support structure 20a is shown. Figure 20 In the example, the support structure 20a forms part of a housing that surrounds the low-speed bearing 12 and may also surround the high-speed bearing (not shown), which was discussed in detail above. The rotor 200 is adapted to extend axially relative to the support structure 20a (see [link to documentation]). Figure 1 The rotor axis A rotates.

[0236] Figure 20 The kinetic energy storage device 100 is adapted to be in a low-speed bearing supported state by engaging the second part 12” of the low-speed bearing 12 with the support structure 20a, and to be in a low-speed bearing disengaged state by disengaging the second part 12” of the low-speed bearing 12 from the support structure 20a.

[0237] The aforementioned engagement and disengagement between the second part 12” of the low-speed bearing and the support structure 20a can be achieved in a variety of different ways. As an example only, it is conceivable that the kinetic energy storage device 100 may include a tapered sleeve (…). Figure 20 (not shown in the image) (e.g., discussed above), and the support structure 20a may include a conical surface complementary to the conical sleeve ( Figure 20 (not shown in the image), and wherein the tapered sleeve, in use, is movable to contact the conical surface to engage the second portion 12” of the low-speed bearing 12 and the support structure 20a, and is movable to disengage from the conical surface to disengage the second portion 12” of the low-speed bearing 12 from the support structure 20a. This tapered sleeve and conical surface can form part of the actuation device 120 of the kinetic energy storage machine 100.

[0238] As another non-limiting example, the actuation device 120 of the kinetic energy storage device 100 may include one or more actuators ( Figure 20 (Not shown in the diagram), for example, one or more linear actuators suitable for presenting retracted and extended states, respectively. By way of example only, when such an actuator is in the extended state, it connects each of the second portion 12” of the low-speed bearing 12 and the support structure 20a, and when such an actuator is in the retracted state, it disconnects the second portion 12” of the low-speed bearing 12 from the support structure 20a via the actuator. Similarly, one or more such actuators can form part of the actuation device 120 of the kinetic energy storage machine 100.

[0239] Figure 20An embodiment is shown in which the actuation device 120 includes one or more engaging members 230. Each engaging member 230 is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position ( Figure 20 As shown in the figure, each of the one or more engagement members 230 contacts the second portion 12” of the low-speed bearing 12, such that the kinetic energy storage device 100 is in a low-speed bearing supported state. In the disengaged position, each of the one or more engagement members 230 preferably separates from the second portion 12” of the low-speed bearing 12 at least in the radial direction RD, such that at least one low-speed bearing 12 is in a low-speed bearing disengaged state.

[0240] Figure 20 The example includes four connecting members 230, but it is certainly conceivable that embodiments of the kinetic energy storage device 100 may include fewer or more connecting members 230.

[0241] Imagine that each engagement member 230 can move between an engagement position and a disengaged position in a variety of different ways. By way of example only, each of the engagement members 230 can move between an engagement position and a disengaged position along the radial direction RD.

[0242] Figure 20 An exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein the actuation device further includes a control element 232 rotatable relative to the support structure 20a about a control element rotation axis CE extending in the axial direction AD. The actuation device allows one or more engagement members 230 to be moved between an engagement position and a disengagement position by rotation of the control element 232 about the control element rotation axis CE. For this purpose, although only by way of example, the control element 232 may include a set of teeth 246 adapted to engage with the control element 232. As a non-limiting example, such as Figure 20 As shown in the example, the control element 232 may include one tooth 246 for each engaging member 230. However, as can be appreciated from the following description, one tooth 246 of the control element 232 may be adapted to interact with both engaging members 230. Furthermore, one engaging member 230 may be adapted to interact with both teeth 246 of the control element 232. Additionally, as... Figure 20 As illustrated, the control element 232 may have a ring shape.

[0243] Just as an example, and as Figure 20 As illustrated, the control element 232 may surround each of one or more engagement members 230 such that each of the one or more engagement members 230 extends at least partially from the control element 232 toward the second portion 12” of the low-speed bearing 12 in the radial direction RD.

[0244] Furthermore, each of the one or more engagement members 230 may pivot in the radial direction RD about a pivot 234 located between the control element 232 and the second portion 12” of the low-speed bearing 12. By way of example only, each engagement member 230 may be pivotally connected to a separate pivot 234. Furthermore, by way of example only, each pivot 234 may be connected to the support structure 20a.

[0245] Figure 21 An exemplary embodiment of the joining member 230 and the pivot 234 is shown. Figure 21 In the example, engagement member 230 includes a load receiving portion 236 adapted to receive a load from control element 232, such as a load from one or more teeth 246 of control element 232. Furthermore, engagement member 230 may include a pivot connection portion 238 adapted to connect to pivot 234. This is merely an example, and as... Figure 21 As shown, the pivot connection portion 238 may include a pivot connection opening 240 adapted to receive a pivot 234. Furthermore, Figure 21 The exemplified joining member 230 includes a joining portion 242. This is a non-limiting example, and as... Figure 21 As shown, the mating portion 242 may include a mating surface 244, which is adapted to engage with the second portion of the low-speed bearing. Figure 21 (Not shown in the image) Contact or discontinuation. Furthermore, although only by way of example, the pivot connection portion 238 and the engagement portion 242 may be located on separate arms of the engagement member 230.

[0246] like Figure 21 As illustrated, when the tooth 246 of the control element 232 abuts against the load receiving portion 236, the load receiving portion 236 will be applied. Figure 21 When the load is applied to the left, the connecting member 230 will surround... Figure 21 In the example, pivot 234 pivots clockwise. Therefore, the engagement portion 242 with engagement surface 244 will face the second portion of the low-speed bearing ( Figure 21 (Not shown) moves so that the mating surface 244 can contact the second part of the low-speed bearing, thereby achieving the low-speed bearing support state.

[0247] Figure 22 It shows a state. Figure 21 In the embodiment of the engagement member 230, the teeth 246 of the control element 232 abut against the load receiving portion 236, such that the load receiving portion 236 is subjected to... Figure 22 The load to the right. Therefore, in Figure 22 In this state, the engaging member 230 will pivot counterclockwise about the pivot 234. Therefore, the engaging portion 242 with the engaging surface 244 will move away from the second portion of the low-speed bearing.Figure 22 (Not shown) moves so that the mating surface 244 does not contact the second part of the low-speed bearing, thereby achieving the disengaged state of the low-speed bearing.

[0248] Figure 23 It shows Figure 20 The implementation method is in a low-speed bearing disengagement state. For example, when comparing... Figure 20 and Figure 23 It can be recognized at that time, with Figure 20 Compared to the state in the middle, Figure 23 The control element 232 has been rotated counterclockwise, thereby ensuring that each of the engaging members 230 is in the position described above. Figure 22 The presented state allows for the disengagement of the low-speed bearing.

[0249] As can be understood from the above, it may be desirable to control the rotational movement of control element 232. Therefore, and as... Figure 24 As shown (by way of a non-limiting example), the actuation device may include a control element actuator 252, which may be implemented, for example, as an electric motor, configured to actuate the control element 232 to rotate about the control element's rotation axis. As a non-limiting example and as... Figure 24 As shown, the control element actuator 252 and the control element 232 can be connected to each other via a worm gear 248. Figure 24 In this embodiment, the control element actuator 252 is connected to the worm gear 248 via a belt drive 254. However, it is also conceivable that the control element actuator 252 may be connected to the worm gear 248 in other ways. By way of example only, the control element actuator 252 may be rotatably fixed to the worm gear 248.

[0250] refer to Figure 25 It should be noted that the above references Figure 20 to Figure 25 The presented actuation device can be connected to another part of the kinetic energy storage unit 100 via a connecting device including one or more struts 256. By selecting the structural features of the struts 256, the second radial stiffness of the aforementioned low-speed bearing support can be controlled.

[0251] It should be noted that the above description of the kinetic energy storage device 100 is also a description of the method for operating the kinetic energy storage device 100. However, for completeness, embodiments of the method according to this disclosure are presented below.

[0252] Therefore, this disclosure relates to a method for operating a kinetic energy storage device 100, the kinetic energy storage device 100 comprising (see example) Figure 1 ): The rotor 200 has an axial extension in the axial direction AD and a radial extension in the radial direction RD. Support structure 20a is used to support rotor 200, rotor 200 being adapted to rotate relative to support structure 20a about rotor rotation axis A extending in the axial direction AD, and The bearing assembly includes: At least one high-speed bearing 14, the kinetic energy storage machine is adapted to present a high-speed bearing supported state, in which load transfer between the rotor and the support structure is achieved via the high-speed bearing, thereby providing a high-speed bearing support with a first radial stiffness, and At least one low-speed bearing 12 is provided. The kinetic energy storage device is adapted to present a low-speed bearing supported state in which load transfer between the rotor and the support structure is achieved via the low-speed bearing, thereby providing low-speed bearing support with a second radial stiffness greater than a first radial stiffness. The kinetic energy storage device is also adapted to present a low-speed bearing disengaged state in which load transfer between the rotor and the support structure via the low-speed bearing is terminated. The method includes controlling the kinetic energy storage unit 100 to present a low-speed bearing disengagement state in response to detecting that the rotor speed is higher than the low-speed bearing switching speed.

[0253] As an example, the method may also include: When the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is in a low-speed bearing support state, the rotor 200 is accelerated to the low-speed bearing switching speed; and Once the rotor reaches or exceeds the low-speed bearing switching speed, the kinetic energy storage unit 100 is controlled to present a low-speed bearing disengagement state.

[0254] As a non-limiting example, the kinetic energy storage device 100 can also be adapted to present a high-speed bearing disengagement state, in which load transfer between the rotor 200 and the support structure via the high-speed bearing is terminated, the method further comprising: In response to detecting that the rotor speed is equal to or lower than the high-speed bearing switching speed, the kinetic energy storage unit is controlled to present a high-speed bearing disengagement state, and In response to the detection that the rotor speed is higher than the high-speed bearing switching speed, the kinetic energy storage unit is controlled to present a high-speed bearing support state.

[0255] It should be noted that embodiments of this disclosure can be presented according to any of the following examples.

[0256] Example 1. A bearing system for radially constraining the rotational motion of a rotor in a kinetic energy storage machine, the bearing system comprising: At least one high-speed bearing, which can be engaged with the rotor in use to provide radial constraint, wherein the high-speed bearing has a first radial stiffness, and At least one low-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor in use to provide radial constraint, wherein the low-speed bearing has a second radial stiffness higher than the first radial stiffness, wherein the low-speed bearing is configured to engage and disengage with the rotor as the rotor rotates, and wherein, when the low-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor, the rotor can operate in a subcritical speed range below the transition speed without any critical speed, and wherein, when only the high-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor, the transition speed is within the supercritical speed range of the rotor.

[0257] Example 2. The bearing system according to Example 1, wherein the high-speed bearing is configured to be engageable and disengageable from the rotor when the rotor is in motion.

[0258] Example 3. The bearing system according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the high-speed bearing is an active magnetic bearing.

[0259] Example 4. The bearing system according to Example 3, wherein the high-speed bearing is engageable and disengageable from the rotor by applying and removing magnetic fields to the rotor, respectively.

[0260] Example 5. A bearing system according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the low-speed bearing and the high-speed bearing are spaced apart along the axial direction of the rotor.

[0261] Example 6. A bearing system according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein when the low-speed bearing engages with the rotor, the transition speed is lower than the first critical speed of the rotor.

[0262] Example 7. A bearing system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the low-speed bearing is configured to engage the rotor by contacting the rotor and disengage from the rotor by separating from the rotor.

[0263] Example 8. The bearing system according to Example 7, wherein the low-speed bearing includes an engagement device, wherein the engagement device is movable from a first position to a second position, in which the engagement device is in contact with the rotor, and wherein the engagement device is movable from the second position to the first position to separate the engagement device from the rotor.

[0264] Example 9. The bearing system according to Example 8, wherein the bearing system includes an actuator configured to move the engagement device from the first position to the second position and / or from the second position to the first position in use.

[0265] Example 10. A bearing system according to Example 8 or Example 9, wherein the engagement device includes a tapered sleeve configured to engage the complementary conical surface of the rotor.

[0266] Example 11. A bearing system according to any one of Examples 8 to 10, wherein the engagement device is movable in the axial direction.

[0267] Example 12. A kinetic energy storage device, comprising: Rotor; and At least one bearing system for constraining the rotational movement of the rotor in the radial direction during use, the bearing system comprising: A high-speed bearing, which can be engaged with the rotor to radially constrain the rotor above a transition speed, wherein the transition speed is within the supercritical speed range of the rotor when only the high-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor; and A low-speed bearing, which can be engaged with the rotor to radially constrain the rotor, wherein the low-speed bearing is configured such that when the low-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor, the rotor can rotate in a subcritical speed range below the transition speed, without any critical speed.

[0268] Example 13. The kinetic energy storage machine according to Example 12, wherein the rotor includes at least one shaft, and wherein the high-speed bearing and / or the low-speed bearing is engageable with the at least one shaft.

[0269] Example 14. A kinetic energy storage machine according to Example 12 or Example 13, wherein the high-speed bearing and the low-speed bearing are spaced apart along the axial direction of the rotor.

[0270] Example 15. The kinetic energy storage machine according to any one of Examples 12 to 14, wherein the high-speed bearing includes an active magnetic bearing.

[0271] Example 16. A kinetic energy storage machine according to any one of Examples 12 to 15, wherein the low-speed bearing includes a tapered sleeve, and wherein the rotor includes a conical surface complementary to the tapered sleeve, and wherein the tapered sleeve is movable in use to contact the conical surface to engage the low-speed bearing with the rotor, and movable to disengage from the contact with the conical surface to disengage the low-speed bearing from the rotor.

[0272] Example 17. The kinetic energy storage machine according to Example 16, wherein the low-speed bearing includes an actuator configured to move the tapered sleeve to and from contact with the conical surface during use.

[0273] Example 18. A kinetic energy storage machine according to any one of Examples 12 to 17, wherein the kinetic energy storage machine includes a first bearing system and a second bearing system, and wherein the first bearing system and the second bearing system are arranged at axially opposite ends of the rotor.

[0274] Example 19. A kinetic energy storage machine according to any one of Examples 12 to 17, wherein the kinetic energy storage machine includes a radially constrained bearing, and wherein the at least one bearing system and the radially constrained bearing are arranged at axially opposite ends of the rotor.

[0275] Example 20. The kinetic energy storage machine according to Example 19, wherein the radial constraint bearing includes an active magnetic bearing.

[0276] Example 21. A kinetic energy storage machine according to any one of Examples 12 to 20, wherein the kinetic energy storage machine includes an axial bearing for constraining the rotational movement of the rotor in the axial direction of the rotor.

[0277] Example 22. The kinetic energy storage machine according to Example 21, wherein the axial bearing includes a permanent magnet bearing.

[0278] Example 23. A kinetic energy storage machine according to any one of Examples 12 to 16, wherein the kinetic energy storage machine includes a combined bearing, and wherein the combined bearing includes an axial bearing and a radial constraint bearing.

[0279] Example 24. A kinetic energy storage machine according to any one of Examples 12 to 112, wherein the rotor includes at least one balancing disc.

[0280] Example 25. The kinetic energy storage machine according to Example 24, wherein the rotor includes a first balance disk and a second balance disk, and wherein the first balance disk and the second balance disk are arranged at axially opposite ends of the rotor.

[0281] Example 26. A kinetic energy storage machine according to any one of Examples 12 to 25, wherein the kinetic energy storage machine includes a vibration damper for reducing vibration in the rotor and / or the kinetic energy storage machine.

[0282] Example 27. A kinetic energy storage machine according to any one of Examples 12 to 26, wherein the rotor is oriented in use to have a substantially vertically arranged axis of rotation.

[0283] Example 28. A kinetic energy storage machine according to any one of Examples 12 to 27, wherein the rotor includes an energy storage component with high inertia.

[0284] Example 29. A kinetic energy storage device according to any one of Examples 12 to 28, wherein the kinetic energy storage device includes a vacuum chamber for housing the rotor.

[0285] Example 30. A kinetic energy storage machine according to any one of Examples 12 to 29, wherein the rotor is detachably connected to a motor, the motor being selected from: an electric motor, a generator, or an electric motor / generator.

[0286] Example 31. The kinetic energy storage machine according to Example 30, wherein the kinetic energy storage machine includes a flexible connector for connecting the motor to the rotor.

[0287] Example 32. A kinetic energy storage device according to any one of Examples 12 to 31, wherein the kinetic energy storage device includes a controller.

[0288] Example 33. A kinetic energy storage device according to any one of Examples 12 to 32, wherein the kinetic energy storage device comprises: processor; and A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by the processor, control the processor: While the low-speed bearing engages with the rotor, the rotor is accelerated to the transition speed; and When the high-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor, the low-speed bearing is disengaged from the rotor once the rotor exceeds the transition speed.

[0289] Example 34. A method of operating a kinetic energy storage machine, wherein the kinetic energy storage machine includes a rotor and a bearing system for providing radial constraint to the rotor, and wherein the bearing system includes a high-speed bearing and a low-speed bearing, wherein the radial stiffness of the low-speed bearing is greater than that of the high-speed bearing, and is configured such that when the low-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor, the rotor is rotatable below a disengagement speed, and there are no critical speeds in the subcritical speed range below the disengagement speed, and wherein when only the high-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor, the disengagement speed is within the supercritical speed range of the rotor, the method comprising: While the low-speed bearing engages with the rotor to radially constrain the rotor, the rotor is accelerated to the disengagement speed; and When the high-speed bearing engages with the rotor to radially constrain the rotor, the low-speed bearing disengages from the rotor once the rotor reaches or exceeds the disengagement speed.

[0290] Example 35. The method according to Example 34, wherein the method includes accelerating the rotor to the energy storage speed while the low-speed bearing disengages from the rotor.

[0291] Example 36. The method according to Example 34 or Example 35, wherein disengaging the low-speed bearing from the rotor includes moving the engagement device from an engagement position where the engagement device is in contact with the rotor to a disengagement position where the engagement device is separated from the rotor.

[0292] Example 37. The method according to any one of Examples 34 to 36, wherein the method includes engaging the high-speed bearing with the rotor before the rotor reaches the disengagement speed.

[0293] Example 38. The method according to Example 37, wherein the high-speed bearing includes an active magnetic bearing, and wherein the method includes activating the active magnetic bearing to apply a radial confinement magnetic field to the rotor.

[0294] Example 39. The method according to any one of Examples 34 to 38, wherein the method includes using a motor or motor / generator coupled to the rotor to accelerate the rotor.

[0295] Example 40. The method according to any one of Examples 34 to 39, wherein the kinetic energy storage machine includes a vacuum chamber for housing the rotor, and wherein the method includes evacuating the vacuum chamber before and / or during the acceleration of the rotor.

[0296] Example 41. A method of operating a kinetic energy storage machine, wherein the kinetic energy storage machine includes a rotor and a bearing system for providing radial constraint to the rotor, and wherein the bearing system includes a high-speed bearing and a low-speed bearing, wherein the radial stiffness of the low-speed bearing is greater than that of the high-speed bearing, and is configured such that when the low-speed bearing engages with the rotor, the rotor can rotate below an engagement speed, and there are no critical speeds in the subcritical speed range below the engagement speed, and wherein when only the high-speed bearing engages with the rotor, the engagement speed is within the supercritical speed range of the rotor, the method comprising: While the high-speed bearing engages with the rotor to radially constrain the rotor, the rotor is decelerated to the engagement speed; and When the high-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor, and once the rotor reaches or falls below the engagement speed, the low-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor to radially constrain the rotor.

[0297] Example 42. The method according to Example 41, wherein the method includes decelerating the rotor to a stop while the low-speed bearing engages with the rotor.

[0298] Example 43. The method according to Example 41 or Example 42, wherein the method includes disengaging the high-speed bearing from the rotor once the rotor drops below the engagement speed.

[0299] Example 44. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, the machine-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by a processor, control the processor: The rotor of the kinetic energy storage machine is accelerated to a take-off speed, while the low-speed bearing of the bearing system engages with the rotor to radially constrain it, allowing the rotor to rotate below the take-off speed, without any critical speed in the subcritical speed range below the take-off speed; and When a high-speed bearing with a radial stiffness lower than that of the low-speed bearing engages with the rotor to radially constrain the rotor, the low-speed bearing is disengaged from the rotor once the rotor reaches or exceeds the disengagement speed, and wherein the disengagement speed is within the supercritical speed range of the rotor when only the high-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor.

[0300] Example 45. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, the machine-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by a processor, control the processor: The rotor of the kinetic energy storage machine is decelerated to an engagement speed, while the high-speed bearing of the bearing system engages with the rotor to radially constrain it, wherein the engagement speed is within the supercritical speed range of the rotor when only the high-speed bearing engages with the rotor; and When the high-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor, and once the rotor reaches or falls below the engagement speed, a low-speed bearing with a radial stiffness higher than that of the high-speed bearing is engaged with the rotor to radially constrain the rotor, so that the rotor can rotate below the engagement speed, but has no critical speed in the subcritical speed range below the engagement speed.

[0301] Example 46. A low-speed bearing for a bearing system, which radially constrains the rotational motion of a rotor in a kinetic energy storage machine during use, wherein the bearing system includes the low-speed bearing and a high-speed bearing, the low-speed bearing comprising: A coupling device, which is engageable with a complementary coupling device of the rotor, and which is movable from a first position to a second position, in which the coupling device contacts the complementary coupling device of the rotor to radially constrain the rotor; and An actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to move the engagement device from the first position to the second position and / or from the second position to the first position during use.

[0302] Example 47. The low-speed bearing according to Example 46, wherein the engagement device is movable along the axial direction of the rotor to engage with the complementary engagement device.

[0303] Example 48. The low-speed bearing according to Example 47, wherein the engagement device includes a contact sleeve, the contact sleeve being mounted to the drive sleeve via a radial stiffness control element.

[0304] Example 49. The low-speed bearing according to Example 48, wherein the actuator includes a nut, and the drive sleeve includes a screw threaded to the nut, such that the drive sleeve is movable in the axial direction when the nut is rotated.

[0305] Example 50. The low-speed bearing according to Example 49, wherein the actuator includes a worm, and the nut includes a worm wheel meshing with the worm, and wherein the actuator includes a motor that, in use, rotates the worm and thereby rotates the nut to move the drive sleeve.

[0306] Example 51. The low-speed bearing according to any one of Examples 46 to 50, wherein the low-speed bearing includes a coupling support for supporting the coupling device when the coupling device engages the rotor.

[0307] Example 52. The low-speed bearing according to Example 51, wherein the coupling support includes an axial stiffness control element, and the coupling support can be fixed to the low-speed bearing housing by the axial stiffness control element.

[0308] It should be understood that the above embodiments are given by way of example only, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. Although various embodiments have been described in detail above or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art can make many changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. It should be understood that any feature described with respect to an example can be used alone or in combination with other features described, and can also be used in combination with any feature of any other example, or any combination of any other example.

Claims

1. A kinetic energy storage device (100), comprising: The rotor (200) has an axial extension in the axial direction (AD) and a radial extension in the radial direction (RD). Support structure (20a) for supporting rotor (200), rotor (200) adapted to rotate relative to support structure (20a) about axis of rotation (A) of rotor (200) extending in the axial direction (AD), and Bearing assembly (10), comprising: At least one high-speed bearing (14), the kinetic energy storage machine (100) is adapted to present a high-speed bearing supported state, in which load transfer between the rotor (200) and the support structure (20a) is achieved via the high-speed bearing (14), thereby providing a high-speed bearing support with a first radial stiffness, and At least one low-speed bearing (12) is provided, and the kinetic energy storage unit (100) is adapted to present a low-speed bearing supported state in which load transfer between the rotor (200) and the support structure (20a) is achieved via the low-speed bearing (12), thereby providing a low-speed bearing support having a second radial stiffness greater than the first radial stiffness. The kinetic energy storage unit (100) is also adapted to present a low-speed bearing disengaged state in which load transfer between the rotor (200) and the support structure (20a) via the low-speed bearing (12) is terminated. The kinetic energy storage unit (100) is configured to disengage the low-speed bearing in response to the detection that the rotational speed of the rotor (200) is higher than the switching speed of the low-speed bearing (12).

2. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The kinetic energy storage unit (100) is configured such that when the rotor (200) rotates relative to the support structure (20a), the kinetic energy storage unit (100) can switch between the low-speed bearing supported state and the low-speed bearing disengaged state.

3. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The kinetic energy storage device (100) includes an actuation device (120) adapted to present each of a first state or a second state relative to the low-speed bearing (12), such that when the actuation device (120) is in the first state, the kinetic energy storage device (100) presents a low-speed bearing disengaged state, and when the actuation device (120) is in the second state, the kinetic energy storage device (100) presents a low-speed bearing supported state.

4. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The movement from the first state to the second state includes the movement of at least a portion of the actuating device (120) in the axial direction (AD).

5. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The movement from the first state to the second state includes the movement of at least a portion of the actuating device (120) in the radial direction (RD).

6. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The low-speed bearing (12) includes a first part (12') and a second part (12"), and the kinetic energy storage machine (100) is adapted to present the low-speed bearing in a supported state by engaging the second part (12") of the low-speed bearing (12) with the support structure (20a), and to present the low-speed bearing in a disengaged state by disengaging the second part (12") of the low-speed bearing (12) from the support structure (20a). Preferably, the first part (12') of the low-speed bearing (12) is fixed to the rotor (200).

7. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 6, when subordinate to claim 3, wherein, The actuation device (120) includes one or more engagement members (230), each engagement member (230) being movable between an engagement position and a disengagement position, wherein in the engagement position, each of the one or more engagement members (230) contacts the second portion (12") of the low-speed bearing (12), such that the kinetic energy storage device (100) presents the low-speed bearing supported state, and wherein in the disengagement position, each of the one or more engagement members (230) preferably separates from the second portion (12") of the low-speed bearing (12) at least in the radial direction (RD), such that the at least one low-speed bearing (12) presents the low-speed bearing disengagement state.

8. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 7, wherein, The actuation device (120) further includes a control element (232) rotatable relative to the support structure (20a) about a rotation axis (A) of the control element (232) extending in the axial direction (AD). The actuation device (120) enables the one or more engagement members (230) to move between the engagement position and the disengagement position by rotation of the control element (232) about the rotation axis (A) of the control element (232).

9. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The control element (232) surrounds each of the one or more engagement members (230) such that each of the one or more engagement members (230) extends at least partially in the radial direction (RD) from the control element (232) toward the second portion (12") of the low-speed bearing (12), and each of the one or more engagement members (230) is pivotable in the radial direction (RD) about a pivot (234) located between the control element (232) and the second portion (12") of the low-speed bearing (12).

10. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The actuation device (120) further includes a control element actuator (252) configured to actuate the control element (232) to rotate about the rotation axis (A) of the control element (232), preferably the control element actuator (252) and the control element (232) are connected to each other via a worm gear.

11. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The kinetic energy storage unit (100) is adapted to present the low-speed bearing supported state by engaging the first portion (12') of the low-speed bearing (12) to the rotor (200), and the kinetic energy storage unit (100) is also adapted to present the low-speed bearing disengaged state by disengaging the first portion (12') of the low-speed bearing (12) from the rotor (200).

12. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 11, wherein, The rotor (200) includes at least one shaft (202a), and a first portion (12') of the low-speed bearing (12) is engageable with the at least one shaft (202a).

13. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 12, when subordinate to claim 3, wherein, The actuation device (120) includes a tapered sleeve (50), and the rotor (200) includes a conical surface (52) complementary to the tapered sleeve (50), wherein the tapered sleeve (50) is movable in use to contact the conical surface (52) to engage the low-speed bearing (12) with the rotor (200), and is movable to disengage from contact with the conical surface (52) to disengage the low-speed bearing (12) from the rotor (200).

14. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 13, wherein, The kinetic energy storage device (100) includes a conical sleeve (50) actuator configured to contact and disengage the conical sleeve (50) from the conical surface (52) during use.

15. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one high-speed bearing (14) and the at least one low-speed bearing (12) are spaced apart in the axial direction (AD).

16. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one high-speed bearing (14) includes an active magnetic bearing.

17. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one high-speed bearing (14) is configured to present the high-speed bearing support state when the rotor (200) is in motion.

18. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The kinetic energy storage unit (100) is also adapted to be in a high-speed bearing disengagement state, in which load transfer between the rotor (200) and the support structure (20a) via the high-speed bearing (14) is terminated.

19. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 18, wherein, The kinetic energy storage unit (100) is configured to present a high-speed bearing disengagement state in response to detecting that the rotational speed of the rotor (200) is equal to or lower than the switching speed of the high-speed bearing (14).

20. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 18 or 19, when subordinate to claim 16, wherein, The kinetic energy storage device (100) is also adapted to switch between the high-speed bearing supported state and the high-speed bearing disengaged state by applying and removing magnetic fields to the rotor (200), respectively.

21. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The kinetic energy storage machine (100) includes a first bearing device (10) and a second bearing device (10). Preferably, each of the first bearing device (10) and the second bearing device (10) is a bearing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, and wherein the first bearing device (10) and the second bearing device (10) are arranged at axially opposite ends of the rotor (200).

22. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, The kinetic energy storage machine (100) includes an auxiliary bearing device (102), wherein the bearing device (10) and the auxiliary bearing device (102) are arranged at axially opposite ends of the rotor (200).

23. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 22, wherein, The auxiliary bearing device (102) includes a magnetic bearing.

24. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The kinetic energy storage device (100) includes an axial bearing adapted to withstand loads from the rotor (200) in the axial direction (AD).

25. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 24, wherein, The axial bearing includes a permanent magnet bearing.

26. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The kinetic energy storage machine (100) includes a combined bearing adapted to withstand loads from the rotor (200) in the axial direction (AD) and the radial direction (RD).

27. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rotor (200) includes at least one balance disc.

28. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 27, wherein, The rotor (200) includes a first balance disc (204a) and a second balance disc (204b), wherein the first balance disc (204a) and the second balance disc (204b) are arranged at axially opposite ends of the rotor (200).

29. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The kinetic energy storage unit (100) includes a vibration damper (400) for reducing vibration in the rotor (200) and / or the kinetic energy storage unit (100).

30. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rotor (200) is oriented in use to have a substantially vertically arranged axis of rotation (A) of the rotor (200).

31. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The kinetic energy storage device (100) includes a vacuum chamber for housing the rotor (200).

32. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rotor (200) is detachably connected to the motor (150), which is selected from: an electric motor, a generator, or an electric motor / generator.

33. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 32, wherein, The kinetic energy storage device (100) includes a coupling (152) adapted to selectively connect the motor (150) to the rotor (200).

34. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one low-speed bearing (12) and the at least one high-speed bearing (14) are spaced apart along the axial direction (AD) of the rotor (200).

35. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The kinetic energy storage unit (100) is adapted such that when it is in the low-speed bearing supported state, the rotor (200) can operate in a subcritical speed range below the transition speed without any critical speed, and wherein when the kinetic energy storage unit (100) is in the high-speed bearing supported state and the low-speed bearing disengaged state, the transition speed is in the supercritical speed range of the rotor (200).

36. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The kinetic energy storage unit (100) is configured to assume the low-speed bearing support state in response to detecting that the rotational speed of the rotor (200) is equal to or lower than the low-speed bearing switching speed.

37. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The kinetic energy storage unit (100) is adapted to detect the current rotational speed of the rotor (200) and, in response to the current rotational speed, set the switching speed of the low-speed bearing (12).

38. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 37, wherein, The kinetic energy storage device (100) is suitable for: - In response to determining that the current rotational speed is equal to or lower than the transition speed of the low-speed bearing (12), the transition speed of the low-speed bearing (12) is set to a first low-speed bearing (12) transition threshold speed, and - In response to determining that the current rotational speed is higher than the transition speed of the low-speed bearing (12), the transition speed of the low-speed bearing (12) is set to the second low-speed bearing (12) transition threshold speed. The first low-speed bearing (12) has a lower conversion threshold speed than the second low-speed bearing (12).

39. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein, The kinetic energy storage unit (100) is adapted to detect the current rotational acceleration of the rotor (200) and, in response to the current rotational acceleration, set the switching speed of the low-speed bearing (12).

40. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 39, wherein, The kinetic energy storage device (100) is suitable for: - In response to determining that the current rotational acceleration is positive, the switching speed of the low-speed bearing (12) is set to the first low-speed bearing (12) switching threshold speed, and - In response to determining that the current rotational acceleration is negative, the switching speed of the low-speed bearing (12) is set to the second low-speed bearing (12) switching threshold speed. The first low-speed bearing (12) has a lower conversion threshold speed than the second low-speed bearing (12).

41. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, when subordinate to claim 19, wherein, The kinetic energy storage unit (100) is adapted to detect the current rotational speed of the rotor (200) and, in response to the current rotational speed, set the switching speed of the high-speed bearing (14).

42. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 41, wherein, The kinetic energy storage device (100) is suitable for: - In response to determining that the current rotational speed is equal to or lower than the transition speed of the high-speed bearing (14), the transition speed of the high-speed bearing (14) is set to a first high-speed bearing (14) transition threshold speed, and - In response to determining that the current rotational speed is higher than the transition speed of the high-speed bearing, the switching speed of the high-speed bearing (14) is set to the second high-speed bearing (14) switching threshold speed. The first high-speed bearing (14) has a higher conversion threshold speed than the second high-speed bearing (14).

43. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein, The kinetic energy storage unit (100) is adapted to detect the current rotational acceleration of the rotor (200) and set the switching speed of the high-speed bearing (14) in response to the current rotational acceleration of the rotor (200).

44. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to claim 43, wherein, The kinetic energy storage device (100) is suitable for: - In response to determining that the current rotational acceleration is positive, the switching speed of the high-speed bearing (14) is set to the first high-speed bearing (14) switching threshold speed, and - In response to determining that the current rotational acceleration is negative, the switching speed of the high-speed bearing (14) is set to the second high-speed bearing (14) switching threshold speed. The first high-speed bearing (14) has a higher conversion threshold speed than the second high-speed bearing (14).

45. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The kinetic energy storage unit (100) includes a controller (500) adapted to control the kinetic energy storage unit (100) to present the low-speed bearing disengagement state in response to detecting that the rotational speed of the rotor (200) is higher than the switching speed of the rotating low-speed bearing (12).

46. ​​The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second radial stiffness is at least 5 times higher than the first radial stiffness, and preferably 10 times higher.

47. The kinetic energy storage device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support structure (20a) forms part of or constitutes the housing (160), which at least partially surrounds the rotor (200).

48. A method for operating a kinetic energy storage machine (100), the kinetic energy storage machine comprising: The rotor (200) has an axial extension in the axial direction (AD) and a radial extension in the radial direction (RD). Support structure (20a) for supporting rotor (200), rotor (200) adapted to rotate relative to support structure (20a) about axis of rotation (A) of rotor (200) extending in the axial direction (AD), and Bearing assembly (10), comprising: At least one high-speed bearing (14), the kinetic energy storage machine (100) is adapted to present a high-speed bearing supported state, in which load transfer between the rotor (200) and the support structure (20a) is achieved via the high-speed bearing (14), thereby providing a high-speed bearing support with a first radial stiffness, and At least one low-speed bearing (12) is provided, and the kinetic energy storage unit (100) is adapted to present a low-speed bearing supported state in which load transfer between the rotor (200) and the support structure (20a) is achieved via the low-speed bearing (12), thereby providing a low-speed bearing support having a second radial stiffness greater than the first radial stiffness. The kinetic energy storage unit (100) is also adapted to present a low-speed bearing disengaged state in which load transfer between the rotor (200) and the support structure (20a) via the low-speed bearing (12) is terminated. The method includes controlling the kinetic energy storage unit (100) to present the low-speed bearing disengagement state in response to detecting that the rotational speed of the rotor (200) is higher than the switching speed of the low-speed bearing (12).

49. The method according to claim 50, wherein, The method includes: - When the kinetic energy storage unit (100) is in the low-speed bearing support state, the rotor (200) is accelerated to the switching speed of the low-speed bearing (12); and - Once the rotor (200) reaches or exceeds the switching speed of the low-speed bearing (12), the kinetic energy storage unit (100) is controlled to present the low-speed bearing disengaged state.

50. The method according to claim 50 or 51, wherein, The kinetic energy storage device (100) is also adapted to be in a high-speed bearing disengagement state, in which load transfer between the rotor (200) and the support structure (20a) via the high-speed bearing (14) is terminated, and the method further includes: - In response to detecting that the rotational speed of the rotor (200) is equal to or lower than the switching speed of the high-speed bearing (14), the kinetic energy storage unit (100) is controlled to present the high-speed bearing disengaged state, and - In response to detecting that the rotational speed of the rotor (200) is higher than the switching speed of the high-speed bearing (14), the kinetic energy storage unit (100) is controlled to present the high-speed bearing support state.

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