Composite Flywheel Rim Structure for Delamination Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flywheel energy systems face limitations in rotational velocity due to radial force-induced delamination in composite rims, primarily caused by the weak epoxy matrix, leading to reduced energy storage capacity and system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design aligns fibers in both radial and hoop directions around the flywheel circumference, incorporating radially displacing masses to apply compressive forces, thereby minimizing laminate delamination and increasing rotational velocity, allowing for higher energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional composite rims with weak epoxy matrix are used, then manufacturing is easier and cost is lower, but rotational velocity is limited due to radial force-induced delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiber-resin composite material with fibers aligned in the radial direction to create a rim structure that resists radial forces. The composite material combines the high strength of fibers with the binding properties of resin, enabling the rim to withstand higher rotational velocities without delamination while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by specifically orienting fibers in the radial direction where radial forces are most critical, rather than using uniform fiber orientation throughout. This localized fiber alignment provides targeted strength enhancement exactly where needed to prevent delamination under radial loading conditions.
2Strength
If fibers are aligned only in hoop direction, then manufacturing is simpler, but tensile strength alignment with radial forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by orienting fibers in the radial direction specifically in regions subjected to radial forces, rather than using uniform hoop-direction alignment throughout. This localized radial fiber orientation provides targeted tensile strength enhancement where it is most needed to resist radial loading and prevent delamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fiber-resin composite material with radially oriented fibers to achieve superior tensile strength alignment with radial forces. The composite structure combines radial fiber alignment for strength with resin matrix for binding, creating a material that can withstand high radial stresses while maintaining structural coherence.
3Use of energy by moving object
If higher rotational velocities are achieved, then energy storage capacity increases, but radial force-induced delamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiber-resin composite material with radially aligned fibers to enable higher rotational velocities. The composite structure provides the necessary strength to withstand the increased radial forces at higher speeds, allowing the flywheel to store more energy without suffering from delamination failures that would occur with conventional materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful radial forces that cause delamination into a beneficial design parameter. By aligning fibers radially, the design uses the radial forces to compress the fibers against the hub, creating a pre-compression effect that actually enhances rim integrity and prevents delamination, thereby enabling higher rotational velocities and energy storage capacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the tensile strength alignment with rim radial forces, significantly increasing rotational velocities and energy storage capacity while reducing ancillary equipment losses and costs.
Implementation Method 1
masses acted upon by rim radial forces apply a compressive load to the laminate to minimize the potential for laminate delamination
Implementation Method 2
higher loading, i.e. fiber tensile loading, permits increase angular velocities, which significantly increase the amount of energy stored by the flywheel
Data Source
AI summary
A flywheel includes a hub configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis. At least one member having a laminate casing connected to the hub, the laminate casing is formed with an enclosed space for housing at least one mass with a fixed shape. The enclosed space is structured to control radial displacement of the at least one mass. Wherein upon rotation, an operational radial force applies a through thickness laminate radial load to the laminate casing, while simultaneously radially displacing the at least one mass to apply a controllable compressive load on the laminate casing. The applied controllable compressive load increases a predetermined laminate loading capacity by an amount of compressive load counteracting the through thickness laminate radial load, resulting in a corresponding increase in a flywheel angular velocity, that therefore increases an amount of energy stored by the at least one energy storage unit.