Large Flywheel Rotor with Flexible Disk Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current flywheel systems are inadequate for efficient long-term energy storage due to a focus on miniaturization, which limits their capacity for high-energy storage and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A large, ring-shaped flywheel system with a disk-shaped connection element and air levitation or vacuum configuration, allowing for high rotational speeds and efficient energy storage with minimal energy loss, featuring a shrink-fit connection and flexible disk-shaped elements to manage centrifugal forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If flywheel systems are miniaturized for compact applications, then device size is reduced, but energy storage capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from small-scale high-speed flywheels to large-scale low-speed flywheels. The specific parameters changed include flywheel diameter (increased to several meters), rotational speed (reduced to 300-1000 rpm), and energy storage capacity (increased to hundreds of kWh). This parameter transformation enables the flywheel to achieve both large volume and high energy storage capacity simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and energy storage.
2Quantity of substance
If flywheel rotational speed is increased to improve energy density, then energy storage capacity increases, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces rotational speed from thousands of rpm to 300-1000 rpm, which significantly reduces centrifugal forces and air resistance. This parameter change lowers energy loss while maintaining high energy storage capacity through the large flywheel mass and optimized dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs magnetic bearing technology to eliminate mechanical contact and reduce friction losses. The magnetic bearing system creates a non-contact support mechanism that minimizes energy dissipation while allowing the large flywheel to rotate at optimized speeds for maximum energy storage efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If flywheel dimensions are increased for high-capacity energy storage, then energy storage capacity increases, but structural stability becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the flywheel's geometric parameters including diameter (3-10 meters), thickness (0.5-2 meters), and rim cross-section dimensions. These parameter optimizations create a structurally stable configuration that can maintain integrity at large scales while achieving high energy storage capacity through increased mass and optimized moment of inertia.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction for the flywheel rotor, combining materials with high strength-to-weight ratios and excellent fatigue resistance. This composite structure enables the large-scale flywheel to maintain structural stability while withstanding the dynamic loads and centrifugal forces generated during operation.
4Strength
If connection elements are made rigid to ensure structural integrity, then strength increases, but ability to manage centrifugal forces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible connection elements that can dynamically adapt to centrifugal forces during rotation. These connection elements possess controlled flexibility allowing them to flex and deform elastically under centrifugal loading, then return to their original position. This dynamic behavior enables the connections to maintain structural integrity while accommodating the varying stress conditions during flywheel acceleration and deceleration cycles.
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
The system achieves high energy storage capacity with low energy loss, maintaining efficiency even at high rotational speeds, and effectively addresses the limitations of miniaturized flywheel systems by utilizing large dimensions and innovative connection methods.
Implementation Method 1
a shrink-fit connection
Implementation Method 2
air levitation or vacuum configuration
Implementation Method 3
air levitation or vacuum configuration
Implementation Method 4
a ring shaped flywheel rotor... outer radius in radial direction of at least 0.85 meter... thickness in axial direction of at least 0.30 meter... weight of at least 2.5 tons
Implementation Method 5
efficient system for storage of energy during prolonged periods of time... in a mechanical manner
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a flywheel system. The flywheel system comprises a rotation axis and a flywheel rotor connected to the rotation axis. Further, the system comprises a drive and/or a power generator connected to the flywheel rotor. According to the invention, the flywheel rotor has an outer radius in radial direction of at least 0.85 meter, preferably at least meter, and more preferably at least 1.30 meter. The invention further relates to flywheel rotors having a thickness in axial direction of at least 0.30 meter, preferably at least 0.45 meter, and more preferably at least 0.60 meter. Finally, the invention also relates to a flywheel system of which the rotor has a weight of at least 2.5 tons, preferably at least 4 tons and more preferably at least 5 tons.