A modular flywheel system with multiple rims for energy storage applications

Abstract

A modular flywheel system (100) with multiple rims, comprising: a hub (102) with four integrated arms (104); a plurality of rim sectors (106) configured to form a circular rim when assembled; wherein each of the arms (104) has slots (104a) which are positioned so that they can accommodate the edge sectors (106); wherein each slot (104a) has a circular hole (104b) at a central point; and a multitude of screw pins (108) designed to fasten the edge sectors (106) to the arms (104).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] This disclosure concerns the field of industrial machinery and energy storage, in particular a flywheel system, and especially a modular multi-rim flywheel system for energy storage applications. The proposed multi-rim flywheel system comprises a plurality of rim sectors connected to form circular rim structures. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The escalating global environmental crisis caused by the excessive consumption of fossil fuels has created an urgent need for alternative energy storage solutions. With international climate agreements such as the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise, there is a pressing need for innovative energy storage technologies that can support the integration of renewable energies and reduce carbon emissions.

[0003] Existing energy storage systems face significant challenges: limited energy storage capacity, lack of flexibility in adapting to different energy requirements, and limitations in conventional flywheel designs that restrict energy storage potential.

[0004] Previous literature has shown that the concept of energy generation and storage through flywheel rotation was developed. Conventional flywheels are commonly used in industrial applications such as presses, forging machines, and rolling mills, but they have inherent limitations in energy storage efficiency. Conventional designs typically offer fixed energy storage capacities, making them unsuitable for dynamic energy management requirements. Therefore, there is a need for a flywheel system capable of storing a desired amount of energy, and the proposed flywheel is modular in design.

[0005] In light of the preceding discussion, it is clear that there is a need for a modular multi-rim flywheel system for energy storage. The proposed multi-rim flywheel system (MRAF) addresses the aforementioned challenges through the introduction of a revolutionary modular design. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This disclosure relates to a modular flywheel system with multiple rims for energy storage. The proposed flywheel system uses circular rims in its design, with the multiple rims within the arm flywheel being used for energy storage. The proposed system comprises rim sections at specific distances along the arms, with each rim consisting of four quarter sections and attached to the arm by screw pins. The dynamic analysis of the multi-rim flywheel is performed by considering the inertial force and the total mass of the rim quarter at a given point. Using this dynamic analysis, the pin reactions were determined, and the stresses induced in the screw pins were estimated.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide a modular flywheel system with multiple rims for energy storage. The system comprises: a hub with four integrated arms; a plurality of rim sectors configured to form a circular rim when assembled; each arm having slots positioned to receive the rim sectors; each slot having a circular hole at a central location; and a plurality of screw pins configured to fasten the rim sectors to the arms.

[0008] One objective of this disclosure is to provide a modular flywheel system with multiple rims for energy storage.

[0009] Another objective of this disclosure is the development of a modular flywheel system that allows dynamic adjustment of the energy storage capacity by selectively adding or removing rim sections, thus offering unprecedented flexibility in energy management.

[0010] Another objective of this disclosure is to increase the moment of inertia of the flywheel through an innovative multi-rim design, thereby maximizing the energy storage potential while maintaining a compact and adaptable structural configuration.

[0011] Another objective of the present disclosure is to create a versatile energy storage solution that can be easily adapted to the different energy requirements of various industrial, renewable energy and transport applications.

[0012] Another objective of this disclosure is to address the challenges of energy storage by introducing a scalable, modular flywheel design that supports the transition to more sustainable and adaptable energy systems.

[0013] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more detailed description of the invention is given with reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing. It should be noted that this drawing only represents typical embodiments of the invention and is therefore not to be considered as limiting its scope. The invention is described and explained with additional details and information with reference to the accompanying drawing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

[0014] These and other features, aspects, and benefits of this disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which the same symbols consistently represent the same parts. The following applies: Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a modular flywheel system with multiple rims for energy storage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that elements in the drawing are shown for the sake of simplicity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts illustrate the method by outlining the main steps to enhance understanding of aspects of this disclosure. Additionally, with regard to the design of the device, one or more components of the device may be represented in the drawing by conventional symbols, and the drawing may show only the specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to clutter the drawing with details that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0016] To further the understanding of the principles of the invention, reference is now made to the embodiment shown in the drawing, which is described in specific language. However, it is clear that this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, since such changes and further modifications of the illustrated system and such further applications of the principles of the invention as shown therein are considered as would normally occur to a person skilled in the art in the field to which the invention relates.

[0017] It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the preceding general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended as a limitation of it.

[0018] References in this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect”, or similar formulations mean that a particular feature, structure, or property described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, occurrences of the phrase “in one embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar formulations in this specification may all refer to the same embodiment, but need not.

[0019] The terms "includes," "comprehensive," or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process or method that includes a list of steps may include not only those steps but also other steps not expressly listed or inherent in such process or method. Likewise, one or more devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components preceded by "includes...a" do not, without further limitations, exclude the existence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, components, or additional devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as they are generally understood by a person skilled in the art in the field to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a modular flywheel system with multiple rims for energy storage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] With reference to Fig.1 The modular flywheel system (100) with multiple rims comprises a hub (102) with four integrated arms (104); several rim sectors (106) configured to form a circular rim when assembled; each of the arms (104) comprising slots (104a) positioned to receive the rim sectors (106); each slot (104a) comprising a circular hole (104b) at a central position; and several screw pins (108) configured to fasten the rim sectors (106) to the arms (104).

[0024] In one embodiment of the flywheel system according to claim 1, the edge sectors (106) are configured such that they can be inserted into the slots (104a) from both a front and a rear side of the arms (104).

[0025] In one embodiment, the screw pins (108) are tightened with an LN key to secure the rim sectors (106).

[0026] In one embodiment, the flywheel system (100) further comprises: a first rim (106a) of a certain thickness, a second rim (106b) of a different thickness and diameter than the first rim, and a third rim (106c) of a different thickness and diameter than the first and second rims.

[0027] In one embodiment, the edge sectors (106) have circular holes (106d) at both ends which fit the circular holes (104b) in the arm slots (104a).

[0028] In one embodiment, the system (100) is configured to allow the selective addition or removal of rim sections to change the energy storage capacity of the flywheel.

[0029] In one embodiment, the rim section contributes approximately 90% to the moment of inertia of the flywheel.

[0030] In one embodiment, the four integrated arms (104) are configured to provide a structured mounting arrangement for the rim sectors (106).

[0031] In one embodiment, each rim sector (106) can be individually removed and replaced without having to disassemble the entire flywheel system.

[0032] The present invention relates to a flywheel with multiple rim arms. The flywheel comprises a hub with four arms, which are an integral part of it. These arms have slots at specific locations to accommodate the rim sectors. Circular holes are located in the center of each slot. The sectors of each rim are designed such that, when all four sectors are assembled, they form the shape of a circular rim. Therefore, circular holes are also located at both ends of each sector. The rim sectors are fitted between the slots on the arms from both sides, i.e., from the front and back. It must be ensured that the holes on the sectors align with the holes in the slots. Once the holes are aligned, the screw pins are tightened using an LNKey. This process must be repeated until the complete rim shape is achieved.The entire previous process is also performed to fit the next rim between the arms.

[0033] The flywheel system is based on the concept of kinetic energy storage, where the stored kinetic energy is a function of the flywheel's moment of inertia and its rotational speed. In the proposed system, the flywheel's rim section contributes 90% to the inertia and is therefore a crucial part of the energy storage. Depending on the energy requirements, rim sections can be added or removed from the existing slots in the arms. This allows the user to easily adjust the flywheel's energy storage capacity. The amount of energy stored in the rim section depends on the following factors: (a) rim width, (b) rim thickness, (c) mean rim radius, and (d) material density. Tables 1 to 3 show the amount of energy stored per rim section and the total energy stored in the flywheel for different materials. Table 1: Flywheel rim specification element Rim thickness (h) (mm) Rim width (b) (mm) Inner rim diameter in mm Rim outer diameter in mm Rim A 40 60 360 480 Rim B 40 55 600 710 Rim C 40 50 830 930 Table 2: Influence of material density on the energy storage of flywheels with multiple rims Material Density kg / m3 Flywheel speed rpm Energy stored in edge A Energy stored in edge B Energy stored in edge C Total energy consumption Steel 7800 0 0 0 0 0 50 51.11677 189.9361 431.1461 672.19 9 100 204.4671 759.7445 1724.584 2688.7 96 150 460.0509 1709.425 3880.315 6049.7 91 200 817.8683 3038.978 6898.338 10755. 18 250 1277.919 4748.403 10778.65 16804. 98 300 1840.204 6837.701 15521.26 24199. 16 350 2504.722 9306.87 21126.16 32937. 75 400 3271.473 12155.91 27593.35 43020. 74 350 2504.722 9306.87 21126.16 32937. 75 300 1840.204 6837.701 15521.26 24199. 16 250 1277.919 4748.403 10778.65 16804. 98 200 817.8683 3038.978 6898.338 10755. 18 150 460.0509 1709.425 3880.315 6049.7 91 100 204.4671 759.7445 1724.584 2688.7 96 50 51.11677 189,9361 431.1461 672.19 9 0 0 0 0 0 Table 3: Influence of rotational speed on the energy storage of a flywheel with multiple rims Flywheel speed rpm Material and weight density kg / m3 Total stored energy Material and weight density kg / m3l Total Energy Stored 0 Stainless steel 7750 0 Brass 8210 0 50 667.89 707.5326 100 2671.56 2830.13 150 6011.01 6367.793 200 10686.24 11320.52 250 16697.25 17688.31 300 24044.04 25471.17 350 32726.61 34669.1 400 42744.96 45282.08 350 32726.61 34669.1 300 24044.04 25471.17 250 16697.25 17688.31 200 10686.24 11320.52 150 6011.01 6367.793 100 2671.56 2830.13 50 667.89 707.5326 0 0 0 Flywheel speed rpm Material and weight density kg / m3 Total stored energy Material and weight density kg / m3 Total Energy Stored 0 Aluminium 2710 0 Rubber 1250 0 50 233.5461 107.7242 100 934.1843 430.8968 150 2101.915 969.5178 200 3736.737 1723.587 250 5838.652 2693.105 300 8407.658 3878.071 350 11443.76 5278.486 400 14946.95 6894.349 350 11443.76 5278.486 300 8407.658 3878.071 250 5838.652 2693.105 200 3736.737 1723.587 150 2101.915 969.5178 100 934.1843 430.8968 50 233.5461 107.7242 0 0 0

[0034] The MRAF (Multi-Rimmed Armed Flywheel) system offers significant advantages that address critical challenges in energy storage technology. Its modular design, which allows for the selective addition or removal of rim sections, provides unprecedented flexibility in energy storage capacity. This system enables users to precisely tailor the flywheel's energy storage capacity to specific operational requirements, ranging from small-scale applications to more demanding energy storage needs. The unique configuration contributes approximately 90% of the flywheel's moment of inertia through its rim section, thus maximizing energy storage efficiency. Furthermore, the system's design simplifies maintenance and customization, as individual rim sections can be replaced or modified without completely disassembling the system.This adaptability makes the MRAF particularly valuable in various sectors, including the integration of renewable energies, industrial applications, electric vehicles, and stationary emergency power systems. The ability to dynamically change the flywheel's energy storage capacity represents a significant technological advancement, offering engineers and designers a versatile solution that can be adapted to the evolving challenges of energy management while supporting global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.

[0035] The drawing and the preceding description provide examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more of the described elements can be combined to form a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements can be divided into several functional elements. Elements from one embodiment can be added to another embodiment. For example, the sequences of the processes described herein can be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Furthermore, the actions of any flowchart need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all actions necessarily need to be performed. Actions that are not dependent on other actions can also be performed in parallel with the other actions. The scope of embodiments is in no way limited by these specific examples.Numerous variations are possible, whether explicitly stated in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimensions, and material use. The range of embodiments is at least as broad as specified in the following claims.

[0036] Advantages, other merits, and problem solutions have been described above in relation to specific embodiments. However, the advantages, merits, problem solutions, and all components that may lead to an advantage or solution occurring or becoming more apparent are not to be construed as a critical, necessary, or essential feature or component of any or all claims. REFERENCES 100 The modular flywheel system includes multiple rims. 102 hub 104 Four Integrated Arms 104a Slots 104b Circular hole 106 Variety of Rim Sectors 106a First margin 106b Second margin 106c Third margin 106d Circular Holes 108 Variety of Screw Pins

Claims

[1] A modular multi-rim flywheel system (100) comprising: a hub (102) with four integrated arms (104); a plurality of rim sectors (106) configured to form a circular rim when assembled; wherein each of the arms (104) has slots (104a) positioned to receive the edge sectors (106); wherein each slot (104a) has a circular hole (104b) at a central location; and a plurality of screw pins (108) adapted to secure the edge sectors (106) to the arms (104). [2] The flywheel system of claim 1, wherein the edge sectors (106) are configured to be inserted into the slots (104a) from both a front and a rear side of the arms (104). [3] The flywheel system of claim 1, wherein the screw pins (108) are tightened using an LN wrench to secure the rim sectors (106). [4] A flywheel system according to claim 1, further comprising: a first edge (106a) having a certain thickness; a second edge (106b) having a different thickness and diameter than the first edge; and a third edge (106c) having a different thickness and diameter than the first and second edges. [5] A flywheel system according to claim 1, wherein the edge sectors (106) have circular holes (106d) at both ends which match the circular holes (104b) in the arm slots (104a). [6] The flywheel system of claim 1, wherein the system (100) is configured to allow the selective addition or removal of rim portions to change the energy storage capacity of the flywheel. [7] The flywheel system of claim 1, wherein the rim portion contributes approximately 90% to the moment of inertia of the flywheel. [8] The flywheel system of claim 1, wherein the four integrated arms (104) are configured to provide a structured mounting arrangement for the rim sectors (106). [9] A flywheel system according to claim 1, wherein each rim sector (106) is individually removable and replaceable without disassembling the entire flywheel system.

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