Integrated Flywheel Electrical Machine for Stable Energy Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flywheel energy storage systems are complex, require multiple components (motor and generator), and fail to maintain flywheel rotation speed during energy conversion, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A simplified rotating electrical machine with a frame, rotating device, first and second stators, and a flywheel, allowing operation in energy storage or release modes, and a variable moment of inertia flywheel design with ball screw devices and masses to stabilize rotation speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motor and generator are separately connected to both ends of the flywheel shaft, then the flywheel can store and release energy, but the system structure becomes complex and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor and generator into a single integrated rotating electrical machine structure. The stator windings serve dual functions: when energized from an external power source, they create a magnetic field that drives the rotor as a motor; when the rotor rotates due to flywheel inertia, it generates electricity in the stator windings as a generator. This merging eliminates the need for separate motor and generator components connected to both ends of the flywheel shaft, significantly simplifying the system structure while maintaining full energy storage and release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating electrical machine is designed with universal functionality to operate in multiple modes using the same components. The stator windings can function as either a motor drive or a generator output depending on the direction of energy flow. The control system switches between energy storage mode (motor operation) and energy release mode (generator operation) without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional components, achieving multi-functionality through a single integrated system.
2Power
If the flywheel converts rotational kinetic energy to electrical energy, then energy can be released, but the flywheel rotation speed gradually slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the flywheel's rotation speed and the energy state of the system. When the flywheel speed drops below a predetermined threshold during energy release operation, the control system automatically switches from generator mode back to motor mode, using the external power source to replenish energy to the flywheel. This feedback-based mode switching ensures the flywheel maintains optimal rotation speed for stable energy release while preventing excessive speed degradation that would compromise system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between energy storage and energy release modes to maintain flywheel rotation speed. Instead of continuous energy extraction that would cause progressive speed decline, the control system implements periodic cycles where the flywheel charges during motor operation and discharges during generator operation. This periodic action allows the flywheel to maintain a relatively stable average rotation speed while still providing net energy release to the load.
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
Reduces energy loss and stabilizes energy release, simplifying the system and maintaining efficient flywheel rotation speed.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor is configured to rotate by electromagnetically interacting with the first and second stators
Implementation Method 2
This generator operates using the energy stored in the flywheel to generate electric power
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotating electrical machine (100) comprises a frame (10), a rotating device (20), a first stator (30), a second stator (40), and a flywheel (60). The rotating device (20), along with the first stator (30) and the second stator (40), is accommodated inside the frame (10). The rotating device (20) consists of a rotor (21) and a shaft (23) fixed at the center of the rotor (21). The rotor (21) rotates by electromagnetically interacting with the first stator (30) and the second stator (40). The shaft (23) rotates simultaneously with the rotor (21). The flywheel (60) is coupled to the shaft (23) and is driven by it. Thus, the rotating electrical machine (100) can operate in either energy storage or energy release mode. And an operating method for the rotating electrical machine (100).