Flywheel Arrangement With Magnetic Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flywheel energy storage systems with fluid-filled flywheels face inefficiencies due to power consumption in maintaining electromagnetic bearings, reducing storage capacity and operating life, and require a bearing and support mechanism that can adapt to changing loads while minimizing energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A flywheel system utilizing a computer-controlled array of permanent magnets for horizontal and vertical stabilization, with adjustable centralizing pins and magnetic bearings to levitate the shaft, reducing friction and power consumption by dynamically adjusting the magnetic fields and pin contact to maintain stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If electromagnetic bearings are used to support the flywheel shaft, then the flywheel can rotate with minimal friction, but power is consumed to maintain the electromagnetic fields reducing energy storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by switching between electromagnetic bearing support and mechanical bearing support. The system uses electromagnetic bearings during periods requiring high precision and minimal friction, then transitions to mechanical bearings during periods where power conservation is prioritized. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for either duration or energy usage depending on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bearing support system adjustable and adaptable. The control system dynamically selects between electromagnetic and mechanical bearing modes based on real-time operational conditions, flywheel speed, and energy storage requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to resolve the contradiction by optimizing the balance between operating life and power consumption according to specific operational needs.
2Quantity of substance
If the flywheel velocity and mass change during operating cycle, then energy storage capacity is optimized, but different stresses and strains are applied to supporting bearings reducing efficiency and operating life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that manages the transition between different bearing support modes. This control intermediary monitors flywheel velocity, mass, and operational phase, then selectively engages electromagnetic or mechanical bearings to appropriate the stresses and strains. By acting as an intermediary, the control system protects the bearing system from excessive stresses while maintaining optimized energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting bearing support characteristics based on flywheel operating conditions. The system modifies bearing stiffness, damping, and support forces according to real-time velocity and mass parameters. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures that bearing stresses remain within optimal ranges regardless of flywheel state, resolving the contradiction between energy storage capacity and bearing reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If fluid is added to the hollow flywheel to increase mass, then energy storage capacity increases, but the changing mass during operating cycle creates varying loads on bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring flywheel mass and velocity, then adjusting bearing support forces accordingly. The control system receives feedback about the current operational state and modifies electromagnetic bearing currents or mechanical bearing preloads to compensate for varying loads. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining optimal bearing load conditions despite changes in energy storage mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting bearing support parameters in response to mass variations. As fluid is added or removed from the hollow flywheel, the system modifies bearing stiffness, damping coefficients, and support forces to maintain optimal loading conditions. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures that bearing loads remain within acceptable ranges while allowing full utilization of 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
The solution enhances the efficiency and operating life of fluid-filled flywheel energy storage systems by minimizing energy consumption and adapting to changing loads, improving stability and reducing vibrations, thus optimizing energy storage and release capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first arrangement of magnets for horizontal stabilization of the shaft; and a second arrangement of magnets for vertical stabilization of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
magnetic bearings to levitate the shaft, reducing friction and power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A flywheel (6) is provided that comprises a rotatable shaft (7). At least one end of the rotatable shaft (7) is provided with a recess (51) and two magnets (15, 20, 31, 36). The flywheel (6) is provided with support means (18, 23, 34, 39) with the support means comprising: a first arrangement (18, 34) of magnets (17, 33) for vertical stabilization of the shaft (7); and a second arrangement (23, 39) of magnets (22, 38) for horizontal stabilization of the shaft (7). The first of the two magnets (15, 31) of the shaft (7) interacts with the first arrangement (18, 34) and the second of the two magnets (20, 36) interacts with the second arrangement (23, 39).