Flywheel Device

Abstract

The present invention also extends to a component for use in a flywheel device comprising a flywheel to which a shaft is fixedly connected, the flywheel comprising at least one cavity, the cavity being at least partially filled with particulate matter.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Currently, much effort is being undertaken to convert and store energy so that electricity is available when and where it is needed.

[0002] One method of energy storage currently being developed is a flywheel storage system that includes a flywheel that uses a fluid to achieve mass balance. A problem with this type of flywheel is that the weight of the flywheel changes during the operating cycle as the fluid evaporates. Another problem with this type of flywheel is that if a flywheel containing fluid is needed in a warm climate, the fluid is not always readily available or, if available, may evaporate. Thus, there is a need for a flywheel that is safe to use, operates efficiently, and can be constructed of readily available materials. In a flywheel storage system, the amount of kinetic energy that can be stored within a rotating flywheel depends on several factors. However, the two main factors that control the amount of energy that can be stored are the speed at which the flywheel rotates and the mass of the flywheel. Problem Solved by the Invention

[0003] A flywheel storage system may have an operating cycle that is divided into three distinct operating periods. First, there is a period during which energy is stored in the flywheel from one form of energy, e.g. electrical energy, as kinetic energy that manifests itself as the rotation of the flywheel. Then there is a period during which energy is not transferred to the flywheel and is not transferred outside the flywheel except for losses within the system. Finally, there is a period during which energy is transferred outside the flywheel, which is usually converted into electrical energy for consumer use. During these three periods of the operating cycle, various forces, stresses, and strains may be set up within the flywheel energy storage system. These forces, stresses, and strains may be transferred to and from the support bearings. These forces, stresses, and strains may reduce the operating life of the flywheel energy storage system. Different amounts of particulates or particulates and fluids may also be present in the partially hollow flywheel at different times during the operating cycle. This means that different stresses and strains are present in the support bearings at different times during the operating cycle. Furthermore, if the particulates or particulates and fluids are not evenly distributed throughout the partially hollow flywheel, the flywheel will not be balanced. As a result, excessive vibrations can occur that can destroy the partially hollow flywheel, and therefore, to ensure even distribution of the particulates, a computer controlled distribution system is also required that can be used to deliver particulates or particulates and fluid to pre-calculated locations inside the partially hollow flywheel.

[0004] The present invention relates to a flywheel device comprising a shaft to which a flywheel is connected, said flywheel comprising at least one cavity, at least a portion of which is filled with a source of particulate matter.

[0005] Thus, a flywheel storage system is provided that is safe to operate and at least balanced in mass including particulate material or a combination of particulate material and fluid. In one embodiment, it may be desirable to vary the mass of the flywheel by providing an inlet to the flywheel that is connected to a particulate source. However, it is preferred that the cavity, at least one cavity, or each cavity is provided with particulate. Thus, the mass of the flywheel may be varied by adjusting the amount of particulate within a cavity of the flywheel, but at least a portion of the flywheel is pre-filled with particulate that cannot be removed.

[0006] Thus, the invention may provide a flywheel device having a flywheel connected to a central shaft and a support mechanism for said central shaft. The flywheel comprises at least one cavity in which particulate is provided or pre-filled. At least a portion of the particulate may be fixed in place or held within a closed portion of the cavity so as not to move out of the cavity. Additionally or alternatively, the cavity may have a volume larger than the volume occupied by the particulate, allowing movement of the particulate within the cavity, thereby allowing movement of the mass of the particulate during operation of the flywheel. Thus, at least a portion of the particulate is held within the cavity and prevented from moving out of the cavity, or may pass between cavities without leaving the flywheel. The particulate material may be pre-packaged in the flywheel or part of the flywheel before construction of the flywheel, or the flywheel may be constructed and then particulate inserted before operation or installation of the flywheel. The flywheel components may be aligned in rows and columns in two dimensions around the central shaft, thereby forming an array of connected flywheel components.

[0007] The flywheel device may be oriented to have a substantially vertical or horizontal axis of rotation and the central shaft may be supported by magnetic bearings.

[0008] Advantageously, at least one baffle extends substantially radially relative to the shaft and / or at least one baffle extends substantially parallel to the shaft. The provision of baffles aids in balancing and stabilizing the flywheel when particulate is applied as the baffles assist in controlling the distribution, placement and positioning of particulate within the cavity of the flywheel. While a single cavity may be used in the present invention, it is preferred that multiple cavities are used in the flywheel.

[0009] Further particulates may be placed in a container, and the particulates may move from the container to the cavity of the flywheel. In one embodiment, the particulates may be returned from the flywheel to the container. This may occur during a third state of the operating cycle or at any suitable time, for example after the flywheel is no longer rotating. In one embodiment, the container is part of the flywheel, and the particulates move from a position closer to the axis of rotation to a position further from the axis of rotation.

[0010] The movement of the particulate material stream may be by one or more computer controlled adjustable valves, inlets, and / or outlets that may be used to safely control the flow of a quantity of particulate from an adjacent flywheel part or reservoir into a cavity within a partially hollow flywheel region.

[0011] Preferably, the at least one baffle is provided with a fluid outlet arranged in fluid communication with the cavity. More preferably, a fluid conduit may be provided inside the baffle, the fluid conduit having at least one opening through the baffle for allowing fluid to flow from inside the fluid conduit to the cavity of the flywheel. The fluid conduit may be provided inside or adjacent to the shaft. The fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. To allow the particulates to flow more freely, it may be desirable to provide a fluidizing means that allows the particulates to move with greater freedom inside the flywheel arrangement of the present invention. This may be a fluid, in particular a gas, that flows through the particulates to fluidize them.

[0012] The energy storage system of the present invention may facilitate the distribution and / or transport of particulates within the cavity of the flywheel by allowing the particulates to be combined with a fluid or gas, such as compressed air, to fluidize the particulates. The conduit, which may be a tube, duct, and / or passageway, may be used to allow a fluid, such as, to pass from a compressor through the conduit to a lower level of accumulated particulates within the cavity. Thus, a fluid, such as compressed air or gas, may be passed through the particulate material via a tube or duct to fluidize the particulates. As a result, the particulates may move more freely and be more evenly distributed within the cavity and within the flywheel. Preferably, particulates are allowed to move and circulate within the cavity of the flywheel, facilitated by the movement of the fluid.

[0013] Preferably, a particulate conduit is provided in or adjacent to the shaft to allow the flow of particulate matter from a reservoir in the flywheel into the cavity of the flywheel or the passage of particulate matter between adjacent components. The shaft of the flywheel may thus be used to transport particulate matter to the cavity of the flywheel. The central shaft may include openings, ducts and / or passages, as well as inlets and outlets used to transport and guide particulate matter to the openings, ducts and / or passages. The openings, ducts and / or passages may be provided adjacent to the shaft, e.g. extending along an outer surface of the shaft, or may be provided within the shaft as a conduit through the shaft.

[0014] There may be multiple particulate conduits through or on the shaft. The particulate may be guided and transferred to the required particulate conduit by an alignment nozzle. The alignment nozzle may be used to guide the particulate precisely to the correct particulate conduit. The correct particulate conduit then guides the particulate to a specific location or position within the flywheel. As the flywheel is intended to be used in vertical alignment, i.e. the shaft is substantially vertical, the particulate may use gravity to move through the conduit(s) in use. The flow of particulate through the conduits may be assisted by the use of a fluid, e.g. liquid or compressed air / gas. If more than one nozzle is used, a support means may be provided to hold the nozzle(s) in place.

[0015] In one embodiment, a sensor is provided within the cavity to monitor the particulate matter within the cavity. The sensor may be used to provide a feedback signal to a computer control system which may then be used to determine where particulates are located within the cavity whether the flywheel is rotating or stationary. The cavity may be provided with multiple sensors and / or if there are multiple cavities or multiple portions of multiple cavities, each portion or cavity may be provided with a sensor to monitor the particulates within each portion or cavity and provide feedback to a computer control system. The information may be used to determine if a change in the distribution of particulates is required.

[0016] Advantageously, the cavity is provided with an outlet to allow the fines to be removed from the cavity of the flywheel, the outlet may be shaped or angled to allow the fines to be guided back into a container for reuse.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the flywheel has a flange with a magnetic element and a support means is provided to magnetically stabilize the flywheel. Using magnetic bearings, the flywheel is levitated, thereby reducing friction in the system and increasing the efficiency of the system. In addition, the bearings can be used to help stabilize the flywheel. Bearings can be provided at the top and / or bottom of the flywheel to keep the central shaft in a position to allow it to rotate. An adjustable magnetic support can be provided that is adjustable to apply a force in an upward direction. As a result, pressure on other bearings mounted on the flywheel of the present invention can be reduced.

[0018] In order to maintain balance of the flywheel of the present invention, it is necessary to evenly distribute the amount of particles inside the partially hollow flywheel. Therefore, to promote even distribution of the fine particles inside the flywheel of the present invention, a vibration means is provided that is available to vibrate said flywheel. Therefore, the flywheel device may also be equipped with a computer controlled vibration mechanism and / or a fluidization channel to promote even distribution of the fine particles in the flywheel.

[0019] The flywheel device may include one or more prefabricated sections. The prefabricated sections may be constructed of a composite material and may be prepackaged with a quantity of particulate. The prefabricated sections may be joined together to form the outer wall of the flywheel. In one embodiment, the outer wall of the flywheel may be constructed of one or more prefabricated sections in which a quantity of particulate is prepackaged before the prefabricated sections are joined together to form the outer wall of the flywheel. The prepackaged particles may or may not be joined together. The sections of the flywheel may be separated by a baffle support that is provided with openings that allow the passage of particulate material therethrough. The flywheel and particulate material may comprise readily available materials. For example, the particulate may comprise sand, which is readily available in hot climates. The use of prefabricated parts may facilitate the transportation and assembly of the flywheel utilized in the present invention.

[0020] To facilitate balancing of the flywheel, there may be a combination of pre-packaged trapped particulates and additional particulates or fluids that can be transferred to the flywheel during an operating cycle. In one embodiment, the balance of the mass of the flywheel may include particulates that are held in or on the flywheel and do not leave the flywheel, e.g., do not travel from a container to the flywheel or from the flywheel to a container. The particulates may be displaced during the operating cycle within a predetermined volume.

[0021] The present invention may allow for control and positioning of the mass balance of a partially hollow flywheel by adjusting the positioning and / or amount of said particulates. Flywheel balance may be maintained and improved by said positioning and / or repositioning of particles within said flywheel.

[0022] The particulate material may include sand, plastic material, metal particles, salt, or any other particles.

[0023] The present invention may include a computer controlled distribution system that controls the movement of particulates or particulates and fluids within a region of a partially hollow flywheel energy storage system containing particulates or particulates and fluids. Additionally, the system may be used to assist with balance, vibration, and overall performance of a partially hollow flywheel energy storage system containing particulates or particulates and fluids. The computer control system may calculate when and where to direct the delivery of a quantity of particulates or a combination of particulates and fluids within the cavity of the flywheel to maintain an even distribution of the mass, thereby reducing the risk of the flywheel becoming unbalanced. Particulate movement may be achieved through the use of valves, conduits, doors, flaps, and other mechanisms within the flywheel.

[0024] The flywheel may be connected, preferably fixedly, to the central shaft so that the flywheel and the central shaft rotate together. The flywheel may also be connected by a support - a cable, wire, plate, baffle, or other connection means. The support may extend from a location adjacent to the periphery of the flywheel to the shaft.

[0025] The shaft of the flywheel device may be supported by a pin and recess arrangement. The pin may be in one of the shafts or support parts and the recess may be on the other of the shafts or support parts. Thus, the pin may be provided on the shaft. Alternatively, the recess may be provided on the shaft and the corresponding member. A centralized pin may be provided on the bottom of the upper part of the flywheel to assist in the horizontal and vertical positioning of the flywheel when the flywheel of the present invention is suspended on a magnetic field. A centralized pin may be provided on the bottom of the upper part of the flywheel to assist in maintaining the position of the flywheel around a fixed axis of rotation when the flywheel of the present invention is suspended on a magnetic field. An electrical signal may be passed through the pin and recess arrangement to monitor the position of the flywheel relative to the support and any magnetic bearings used. When the signal is detected or lost, a stepper motor may adjust the position of the flywheel by adjusting the location of the flywheel.

[0026] An adjustable magnetic support mechanism may be provided. The magnetic support mechanism may be mounted on top of the flywheel. The magnetic support mechanism may be adjusted to a position by computer control means. When used in conjunction with the computer control means, the flywheel may levitate when the magnetic field within the composite walls of the flywheel interacts with the support mechanism. The adjustable magnetic support mechanism may be concentrically mounted around the axis of rotation. The adjustable magnetic support mechanism may comprise a connection means that may be used to assist in the transfer of fluid or gas to the central shaft.

[0027] The flywheel of the flywheel arrangement may be at least partially made of a composite material. The composite material may include a magnetic material. For example, the outer wall of the flywheel or adjacent parts may include a magnetic composite material. Such magnetic regions allow the flywheel to suspend a heavier mass when using magnetic supports or bearings. As the radius from the flywheel's central axis of rotation increases, the perimeter of the flywheel's outer wall also increases. Thus, the longer the perimeter or circumference of the flywheel, the larger the area in which magnetic materials can be installed, the larger the area covered by magnetic materials, and the larger the mass that can be supported using magnetic supports and / or bearings. To achieve this, a vertical array of magnets is provided inside the outer wall of a partially hollow flywheel and a corresponding array of supports or bearings is provided within the flywheel arrangement in order to magnetically support the flywheel.

[0028] To control the flow of particles and / or fluid through the flywheel and the flywheel device, a valve system may be provided, such as solenoid valves, shutters, and / or pistons that may be controlled by a computer control system to regulate operation. Some or all of the conduits may be provided with such a control system. The system may support the flow of fluid, such as compressed air, from one or more nozzles to one or more cavities within the flywheel or the flywheel device, each of which is independent of the other small particles.

[0029] During operation, the particulates may become unevenly distributed, potentially causing the flywheel to become unbalanced and resulting in excessive vibration, so the flywheel apparatus may include a vibration and / or fluidization mechanism that may be used to vibrate the flywheel either while rotating or at rest.

[0030] Sensors may be provided in the walls of the flywheel or elsewhere in the device, such as in the cavity and / or shaft, to monitor the forces applied within the system. A computer control system may then be used to receive input signals from the sensors. The computer control system may process the input signals and provide output signals that operate and regulate a number of adjustable controls that may then be used to control the rotational speed of the flywheel and / or vibrating mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the computer control system may control the flow of particulates into and out of the cavity of the flywheel or the flywheel itself, and may control the flow of fluids or gases through the conduits that may facilitate fluidization of the particulates.

[0031] The flywheel may be provided with vibration means for vibrating the flywheel. The vibration means may comprise a computer controlled vibration mechanism and / or fluidisation channels which assist in even distribution of the particulates within the flywheel. By utilising fluidisation channels and / or mechanisms for vibrating the particulates, the particulates may be made fluidisable within the cavity. This may assist in ensuring that the flywheel is balanced and that the particulates are properly distributed within the cavity. This reduces the risk of damage to the flywheel arrangement and improves rotation of the flywheel.

[0032] The present invention comprises a flywheel part comprising a cavity at least partially filled with particulate. Preferably, the flywheel part comprises at least one side wall, an outer surface and an inner cavity. The at least one side wall is provided with part of a connection mechanism for connection with a second flywheel part. This allows flywheel parts to be at least partially pre-filled with particulate and then connected together to form a flywheel of the flywheel device described herein. The connection mechanism may be a flat surface allowing adjacent flywheel parts to be joined together. Alternatively, the connection mechanism may be a hook-and-eye or recesses / slots and protrusions that mechanically connect the flywheel parts together. Such a device allows the flywheel parts to be pre-manufactured and then transported to an assembly location.

[0033] The flywheel arrangement may be located inside a containment vessel, one purpose of which is to provide an environment that may have a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure by reducing the pressure inside the containment vessel using a vacuum pump. In situations where energy storage is only required for a very short period of time - the flywheel arrangement may be constructed without a containment vessel or at atmospheric pressure - it is preferable to provide a containment vessel, in particular as the containment vessel may trap debris and particulates in the event of a structural failure of the flywheel or flywheel arrangement.

[0034] Thus, a rupture containment is disclosed that has an outer wall from which extend inwardly protruding rupture nodes or teeth. The rupture containment allows the device to be destroyed in the event of a failure and allows energy to be more quickly and easily dissipated by the destruction of the flywheel. The nodes may have a hardness greater than the hardness of the material from which the flywheel is constructed. This causes the flywheel to become unstable, the system to fail, and the kinetic energy stored therein to be easily dissipated as the flywheel breaks off from the nodes of the containment. Preferably, the transverse cross-sectional area of ​​the end of the node remote from the containment wall is smaller than the transverse cross-sectional area of ​​the end of the node closer to the containment wall to which it is attached. The nodes may have a tapered, chamfered and / or smaller cross-section, allowing the nodes to more easily penetrate the flywheel. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to more clearly show how the invention can be put into effect. [Figure 1] 1 shows an apparatus according to the invention. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a more detailed view of the central shaft and flywheel according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a fluid conduit arrangement according to the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 shows a containment vessel for housing a flywheel according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] 2 shows another fluid conduit arrangement according to the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 shows a magnetic composite flywheel and magnetic bearings according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 2 shows the outer wall of a flywheel according to the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 shows an arrangement in which a motor, generator or turbine can be connected to a flywheel arrangement according to the invention. [Figure 9]1 shows a schematic diagram of a horizontal axis flywheel arrangement according to the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the flywheel device of FIG. [Figure 11] 1 shows a flywheel according to the invention. [Figure 12] 11 shows a perspective view of the flywheel of FIG. 10 with the internal parts removed. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a portion of the flywheel of FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] 1 to 8 show a flywheel 3 housed in a containment vessel. The flywheel 3 has an outer wall 5. A cavity 17 is disposed between the outer wall 5 of the flywheel 3 and a central rotating shaft 4. The flywheel 3 is fixed to a central shaft 13 such that the central shaft 13 rotates the flywheel 3.

[0037] The flywheel 3 is provided with vertical baffles 19 and horizontal baffles 20. The vertical baffles 19 extend substantially parallel to the central shaft 13. The horizontal baffles 20 extend radially from the central shaft 13. The central shaft 13 has a number of passages or particulate conduits 25 therein to allow the passage of particulates. The inlets 26 to the passages are provided with Y-shaped injection nozzles 32 to allow the inlet of particulates 10 and compressed air 33. The particulates 10 pass through the nozzles 32 into the passages 25 and exit the passages 25 through outlets 27 which lead to the cavity 17 of the flywheel 3.

[0038] The central shaft 13 is further provided with a plurality of fluid passages or fluid conduits 30 which pass through the central shaft 13 into the vertical and horizontal baffles 19 and 20 and exit the vertical and horizontal baffles 19 and 20 at vertical and horizontal baffle outlets 49 and 44. The compressor 34 is connected to a connecting tube 40 which provides compressed gas 33 through an adjustable air connection 37 and seal 38. The lower end of the central shaft 13 is provided with a pin 18 which is mounted in a centralizing recess 45.

[0039] The central shaft 13 of the flywheel 3 may be supported by magnetic bearings 12 at the top and bottom of the central shaft 13. The magnetic bearings 12 supporting the flywheel 3 may be used to stabilize the flywheel 3 from motion in the horizontal and vertical directions. To increase the support of the flywheel 3, the flywheel 3 has a flange 16 constructed from a magnetic composite material 6. The flange 16 extends into a recess in a magnetic stabilizing member on the inner wall of the containment vessel 1. The magnetic interaction between the stabilizing member of the flywheel 3 and the flange 16 helps support a larger mass in the vertical direction than the magnetic field 15 1.

[0040] Sensors are provided within the cavity 17 to monitor the mass and forces within the cavity 17. The information is provided to a computer control system 24, which then balances the flywheel by controlling the rotational speed and flow of the particulate material. Additionally or alternatively, sensors, such as accelerometers, may be used to monitor the rotation and balance of the flywheel. The sensors, such as the accelerometers and sensors 22, may be connected to the computer control means 24 by electrical wires or wirelessly, such as a short-range radio transmitter. The computer control system 24 may use signals from the sensors and from the centralized pin recess 45 to determine where in the flywheel 3 is the most appropriate place to deposit particulates 10 to maintain or improve the balance of the rotating flywheel 3.

[0041] Gravity may assist the particulate 10 to enter the central shaft 13 through the inlet 26 from one or more nozzles 32. The particulate 10 may then drop from the nozzles 32 into the central shaft inlet 26. Here, gravity and centripetal force again cause the particulate 10 to continue down the passageway 25. The particulate 10 then exits the central shaft 13 through the outlet 27. The centripetal force now maintains the motion of the particulate 10 until the particulate 10 settles near the outer wall 5 of the flywheel within the cavity 17.

[0042] Alternatively or in addition, the particulates 10 may be drawn into the central shaft 13 through the inlet 26 from one or more nozzles 32 with the aid of compressed fluid 33. The particulates and compressed gas 33 meet inside the Y-shaped nozzle 32. As a result, the particulates 10 may enter the central shaft 13 and experience sufficient force to travel down the central shaft 13 and out the outlet 27, where they may continue to travel until settling adjacent the outer wall 5 of the flywheel inside the cavity 17. The particulates and compressed gas 33 may also meet separately before reaching the nozzle 32.

[0043] The containment vessel 1 comprises one or more inwardly facing destruction nodes 2. The containment vessel 1 is used to contain the flywheel 3 not only under normal operating conditions but also in the event of a structural failure of the flywheel 3. The containment vessel 1 can thus be used to assist in the destruction of the rotating flywheel 3 and to confine the flywheel inside the containment vessel 1. In the event of a structural failure of the flywheel 3, all components used to construct the flywheel 3 are stored inside the containment vessel 1. In the event of a failure of the flywheel 3 during its detachment from the central shaft 13, it would be necessary to release the stored energy as quickly and harmlessly as possible. Thus, a containment node 2 - made of a stronger material than the composite material of the flywheel 3, for example steel - is provided to be able to impact the detached flywheel 3. The destruction node 2 may comprise a spike 7 that assists in destroying the flywheel 3 and dissipating the kinetic energy. The multiple nodes 2 are configured such that the mass of the flywheel 3 is concentrated in one very small destruction node 2. A large destruction force is thereby applied to the composite material 6. In this way, destruction of the flywheel 3 and dissipation of the stored energy can be carried out safely inside the containment vessel 1.

[0044] The containment vessel 1 may be attached to a vacuum pump 8. The vacuum pump 8 may be used to evacuate some or most, possibly all, of the air in the vessel 1, thereby reducing the internal pressure and thereby reducing the energy losses caused by the turbulence of the rotating flywheel 3. Additionally or alternatively, the containment vessel 1 may be attached to a vibration means 9. The vibration means 9 may vibrate the containment vessel 1, thereby vibrating the flywheel 3 containing the particulates 10. The controlled vibration may be used to assist in the even distribution of the particulates 10 inside the cavity 17 of the flywheel 3. Additionally or alternatively, a vibration means 35 may be attached to the flywheel 3. The timing of the operation of the vibration means 9 and / or the vibration means 35 is determined by the computer control means 24 after processing the signals received from the feedback sensor 22 and / or the sensor 23 as well as other sensors inside the flywheel of the present invention.

[0045] The vibration means 35 is located near the flywheel 3. The vibration means 35 is an electromagnetic device controlled by the computer control means 24. When an electric current is provided to the electromagnetic device 35, a magnetic field can be generated that attracts or repels magnetic members that are physically attached to the structure of the flywheel 3. The computer control means 24 can be used to change the amount of power provided to the vibration means 35 to increase or decrease the magnetic field strength to raise or lower the flywheel 3, thereby vibrating the flywheel 3 and the particles 10 and assisting in an even distribution of the particles 10 inside the flywheel 3. The vibration means can be a pneumatic piston or a hydraulic piston.

[0046] A vessel 11 is provided within containment vessel 1 which is used to hold a supply of particulate 10. The particulate may be transferred from vessel 11 by a conveyor and / or a pump.

[0047] The compressor 34 is provided to supply compressed gas 33. The compressed gas proceeds through a connecting tube 40 to a gas control valve 41. The control valve 41 is turned on or off at the appropriate time by an electrical signal from the computer control means 24. The appropriate time is determined by the computer control means 24 after processing the electrical signals received from the sensor means 22 and the accelerometer means 23. The sensor means 22 and the accelerometer means 23 are provided throughout the flywheel 3. The fluid or compressed gas 33 can be transferred from the compressor 34 through the passage 30 inside the central shaft 13, the passage 28 inside the horizontal baffle 20, and the passage 29 inside the vertical baffle 19. The compressed air 33 then proceeds through the flywheel 3 to the bottom of the accumulated particulates 10 and passes through the particulates 10. This allows the particulates 10 to fluidize and flow. The action of the air or gas flowing through the particulates increases the fluidity and movement inside the particulates 10. Thus, the particles 10 are relatively free to move, and as the central shaft 13 rotates, the centripetal force assists the movement of the particles 10 towards the outer wall 5 of the flywheel 3. The particles are fluidized, facilitating the movement of the particles 10 within the flywheel 3.

[0048] Once the compressed air or gas is transferred to the central shaft 13, the adjustable air or gas connection means 37 may be disconnected to allow unhindered rotation of the flywheel 3. The adjustable air or gas connection means 37 may be fitted with a seal 38 to prevent loss of compressed air or gas pressure.

[0049] A computer control means may be used to regulate the control of the combined flow of compressed air or gas 33 to propel the particulates 10 in tandem with the vibration of the flywheel 3. The centripetal force of the particulates 10 rotating about the axis of rotation 4 results in a situation where the particulates 10 inside the flywheel 3 may be evenly distributed throughout all of the cavities 17 of the partially hollow flywheel 3 of the present invention.

[0050] The flywheel 3 is provided with a lower opening 61. The lower opening 61 may be closed to keep the particulate material inside the cavity or may be open to allow the particulate material to flow out of the flywheel 3. This may be especially important as the flywheel slows down. Similarly, the horizontal baffle 20 may be provided with a hatch or opening to allow movement of the particulate material to the lower level, so that it eventually progresses to the bottom level leaving the lower opening 61 penetrating the flywheel 3. A fines return tray 60 is provided near the lower opening 61 to return the fines to the vessel 11. The lower opening 61 may be provided with a hatch or valve to allow the lower opening 61 to be opened or closed.

[0051] 7 shows a prefabricated flywheel part 65 with support means 62 that creates a cavity in the wall of the flywheel to support a quantity of particulates 10. A side 63 of the flywheel part 65 is bonded to a side of an adjacent part 65 to form the outer wall 5 of the flywheel 3.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, a motor 51 may be attached to the flywheel 3 by a clutch. The motor 51 is used to convert electrical energy into rotational energy. The rotational energy may be used to rotate the flywheel. When the clutch 55 is engaged, the electrical energy supplied to the motor 51 may be used to drive and rotate the flywheel 3. A computer control means may be used to regulate the control of the motor speed and the addition of particulates into the cavity 17 of the flywheel 3.

[0053] 8 also shows how a motor 58 can be mounted remotely from the flywheel 3. The motor 58 can be used to drive a turbine 56. The pressure generated inside the turbine 56 can be used to transfer energy by pressure of a fluid. Then, one turbine 56 can be used to transfer a fluid to drive another turbine 54, which can be used to drive the flywheel 3.

[0054] The generator 58 may be attached to the flywheel 3 by a clutch 55. When the clutch 55 is engaged, the kinetic energy stored inside the rotating flywheel 3 is transferred through the central shaft 13 and the clutch 55 to drive the shaft of the electric generator 58. The generator is used to convert the kinetic energy stored inside the flywheel 3 into electrical energy. The kinetic energy can be transferred from the flywheel to the generator via the rotational energy.

[0055] The turbine 54 may be attached to the flywheel 3 by a clutch 55. When the clutch 55 is engaged, the kinetic energy stored inside the rotating flywheel 3 is transferred through the central shaft 13 and the clutch 55 to drive the shaft of the turbine 54. The turbine 54 may then be connected to another turbine 56 located remotely from the flywheel 3. The turbine may be directly connected to an electric generator 57. The electric generator 57 may also be located remotely from the flywheel 3 to transfer energy to / from the flywheel of the present invention. A clutch mechanism may be provided to connect or disconnect the central drive shaft of the flywheel to the drive shaft of a motor, generator or turbine.

[0056] When the energy stored within the flywheel of the present invention is available, the clutch 55 is operated by a signal from the computer control means and the clutch engages the center shaft of the flywheel with the drive shaft of the motor 51. When electrical energy is provided to the motor 51, the motor rotates and the rotational speed of the flywheel increases due to the engagement of the drive shaft of the motor with the drive shaft of the flywheel. The computer control means 24 receives signals from sensors provided to measure the rotational speed and forces within the flywheel. When the flywheel is rotating at a predetermined speed, the computer control means 24 provides a signal to actuate the valve 41, thereby allowing the transfer of fine particles from the container to the injection nozzle.

[0057] 9 and 10 show a horizontal axis flywheel arrangement with radially extending baffles or supports 70 connecting a central shaft 71 to the outer wall 5 of the flywheel. Pins 18 are provided within the recesses. Magnetic bearings 73 are provided to reduce friction on the flywheel as it rotates. A motor, generator or turbine 72 is provided and releasably connected to the flywheel by a clutch 55. The arrangement is housed within a destruction vessel 1.

[0058] A hatch may be provided which can be used to release particulates from inside the flywheel. For example, the flywheel may be fitted with an emergency escape hatch which releases particulates from within the area of ​​the cavity of the flywheel 3. The emergency release hatch is fitted with a gripping portion which allows for the release or removal of the hatch 52 so that it abuts the breaking node 2. This allows for the rapid evacuation of particulates in a radial direction.

[0059] Figures 11-13 show a pre-fabricated flywheel 3 that is configured for joining together a number of parts 65. The parts 65 are connected together such that a side wall 63 is connected to a side wall 63 of an adjacent part 65. At least some of the parts, and preferably all of them, are provided with cavities 17 within which particulates may be provided.

[0060] Once the parts 65 are connected together, the mass of the flywheel 3 remains constant. However, the particulates 10 are movable within the cavity and can pass through conduits or openings (not shown) into adjacent cavities 65. This arrangement may eliminate the need for an inlet in the flywheel 3 that can enter the particulate flywheel 3. If it is desired to expand the flywheel 3, other parts 65 may be added to the existing arrangement. The outer surface of the part 65 includes the outer wall 5 of the flywheel 3.

[0061] The electrical energy may be obtained from a renewable energy generating device, such as a solar panel, a wind turbine, or a water turbine. The electrical energy may be obtained from other forms of electrical energy generating means, such as a coal or gas turbine. Any form of electrical energy generating means may be used to supply electrical energy to the energy storage flywheel of the present invention. The result is the same when electrical energy is used to drive a motor or a turbine. Specifically, electrical energy is used to drive a motor or a turbine, which is then connected to the flywheel of the present invention via a clutch, which may be used to engage or disengage the drive shaft of the motor from the central rotating drive shaft of the flywheel. The energy may be obtained from any energy source or may be transferred from an energy source that is not electrically connected. The energy may be transferred by using the pressure of a fluid to drive a turbine. In the device of the present invention, bearings may be provided at both ends of the flywheel when the central rotating shaft is provided on a (substantially) horizontal axis.

[0062] One or more features of one embodiment described herein may be incorporated into any other embodiment described herein. For example, features described herein relating to a vertical axis flywheel, such as sensors provided in or on the flywheel and / or computer control system, may be incorporated into a horizontal axis flywheel. Similarly, features of a horizontal axis flywheel may be incorporated into a vertical axis wheel. For example, the movement and / or flow of particulates may need to be adjusted according to the orientation of the flywheel.

[0063] Dummy parts without cavities containing particulates may be used to balance the flywheel. These dummy parts may be hollow or solid depending on the requirements. These dummy parts may be fitted to adjacent particulate filled flywheel parts.

Claims

1. 1. An energy storage flywheel device comprising a shaft to which a flywheel is fixedly connected, said flywheel being comprised of at least two prefabricated cavity parts, each of said cavity parts having a cavity therein; the cavity of the cavity part is at least partially filled with particulate matter that cannot be removed from the cavity; Energy storage flywheel device.

2. 2. The energy storage flywheel apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one baffle extends substantially radially relative to said shaft to at least partially bound said cavity.

3. 3. An energy storage flywheel arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one baffle extends substantially parallel to the shaft.

4. An energy storage flywheel device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An energy storage flywheel device, wherein the flywheel cavity component is constructed from a composite material.

5. An energy storage flywheel device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A fluid conduit is provided inside the flywheel; the fluid conduit has an outlet with at least one opening for allowing fluid to flow from within the fluid conduit to the or each cavity; Energy storage flywheel device.

6. 6. The energy storage flywheel device of claim 5, a fluid conduit is provided within or adjacent to the shaft; the fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet; Energy storage flywheel device.

7. 7. An energy storage flywheel device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein a sensor is provided inside the cavity of said pre-fabricated cavity part to monitor said particulate matter inside said cavity.

8. An energy storage flywheel device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the flywheel having a flange with at least one magnetic element; and Support means are provided for magnetically stabilising the flywheel; Flywheel device.

9. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, provided with vibration means arranged to vibrate the flywheel.

10. 10. An energy storage flywheel apparatus as claimed in claim 9, comprising a computer controlled vibration mechanism and / or fluidisation channels to promote even distribution of particulates in the flywheel.

11. A flywheel component included in the flywheel device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least one side wall, an outer surface, and an inner cavity, the at least one side wall being provided with a part of a connection mechanism for connecting to another flywheel component.

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