Flywheel Energy Accumulator With Automatic Imbalance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage devices with flywheels face challenges in achieving balanced rotation, especially for large and heavy flywheels, due to complex balancing requirements and the need for precise imbalance compensation, which affects smooth operation and longevity.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage device equipped with an automatic balancing system that includes a measuring system for detecting imbalances and a control system to position compensation masses, along with a guidance and damping system to maintain flywheel alignment and reduce friction, utilizing a fluid energy machine to lift the flywheel and adjust the balancing mass for optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large and heavy flywheel is used to increase energy storage capacity, then the energy storage capacity is improved, but the balancing complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning balancing masses at specific locations on the flywheel before operation. The balancing masses are strategically placed during manufacturing or initial setup to counteract known imbalances, eliminating the need for complex real-time balancing adjustments during operation. This preliminary configuration ensures smooth rotation from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces balancing masses as intermediary elements that mediate between the flywheel's inherent imbalances and the desired balanced rotation. These masses act as compensating elements that offset the effects of uneven weight distribution, allowing the heavy flywheel to rotate smoothly without requiring complex balancing mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If manual balancing methods are used for heavy flywheels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical balancing systems with a simplified approach using strategically positioned balancing masses. Instead of using complex adjustable mechanisms or automated balancing equipment, the solution uses fixed balancing masses placed at specific locations, achieving high balancing precision through careful design and placement rather than through complex mechanical means.
3Device complexity
If the flywheel is allowed to contact the tub walls during rotation, then the guidance system is simplified, but the energy loss due to friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using balancing masses to counteract forces that would cause the flywheel to contact the tub walls. By maintaining proper balance, the flywheel remains centered during rotation, preventing contact with the walls and eliminating friction losses without requiring complex active guidance or positioning systems.
4Device complexity
If no balancing device is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the operational reliability deteriorates due to vibrations and imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential balancing function from complex balancing devices and implements it through simple, fixed balancing masses. By taking out only the necessary mass elements and positioning them correctly, the patent achieves reliable operation without the need for complex balancing mechanisms, sensors, or control systems.
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 ensures continuous monitoring and adjustment of the flywheel's balance, reducing imbalances and friction, leading to improved operational efficiency and extended service life by maintaining even weight distribution and minimizing contact with the tub walls.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure difference is created between a first area, located primarily on the side of the flywheel facing the bottom of the tank, and another area, located primarily on the opposite side of the flywheel. This pressure difference is generated by a fluid power machine. The pressure difference exerts a force on the flywheel, lifting it from the bottom of the tank.
Implementation Method 2
guide and damping systems are arranged around the circumference of the trough, each comprising a piston that is displaceable in the direction of the flywheel and is spring-mounted at its end facing away from the flywheel, and which incorporates a damping arrangement. The damping system thus absorbs the energy resulting from the flywheel's movement
Implementation Method 3
each comprising a piston that is displaceable in the direction of the flywheel and is spring-mounted at its end facing away from the flywheel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an energy accumulator (2) comprising a trough (4) which has a trough base (6) and a trough wall (8) and in which a flywheel disc (10) is arranged in a rotatable manner about a vertical rotational axis (12). At least one seal assembly (14) delimits at least one first region (16), which is largely arranged on the flywheel disc (10) side facing the trough base (6), from at least one additional region (18), which is largely arranged on the flywheel disc (10) side opposite the first region (16). The flywheel disc (10) can be supplied with a force which raises the flywheel disc (10) from the trough base (6) by applying a pressure difference between the first region (16) and the additional region (18). The energy accumulator additionally comprises a fluid energy machine (20) for generating the pressure difference. The flywheel disc (10) has an automatic balancing device (22) which comprises at least one balancing mass (24) that can be positioned in the radial direction and in the rotational direction of the flywheel disc (10), a measuring system for detecting an imbalance, and a control system which is connected to the measuring system for ascertaining suitable balancing positions and for controlling the positioning of the balancing mass (24). The trough (4) is equipped with guiding and damping systems (32) which are distributed over the circumference, and the guiding and damping systems (32) have a respective piston (34) which can be moved in the direction of the flywheel disc (10) and which is elastically mounted on the end facing away from the flywheel disc (10) and has a damping assembly (36).