Flywheel Rotor Transport Posts and Magnetic Offloader
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flywheel energy storage systems face challenges in assembly, transportation, and installation due to their complex and delicate nature, which can lead to component damage and increased costs, as well as inefficiencies in energy storage and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A flywheel device with a rotor and housing design that allows for offsite assembly, safe transportation, and simplified installation, featuring posts to restrict rotor motion during transport and an upper bearing assembly with a backup thrust bearing for stability, along with a magnetic offloader to reduce friction and weight on bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the flywheel system is assembled in a factory and transported to the installation site, then assembly expertise and equipment costs are reduced, but the risk of component damage during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing blocking posts in the bearing housings before transport. These posts are positioned to contact the rotor and prevent its movement during transportation, thereby preventing component damage while allowing factory assembly. The posts are temporarily installed for transport and then removed at the installation site.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking posts provide preliminary anti-action by counteracting the potential harmful movement of the rotor during transport. The posts are positioned to contact the rotor surface, creating a restraining force that prevents the rotor from shifting, shaking, or contacting other components during transportation.
2Reliability
If blocking posts are installed to prevent rotor motion during transport, then component damage is prevented, but the posts must be removed during installation adding time to the process
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking posts are installed in advance during factory assembly, before the system is transported. This preliminary installation ensures that the rotor is secured against movement during transport, and the posts are already in position when shipping occurs, eliminating the need to install them at the installation site.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking posts serve a temporary function during transport and are then discarded (removed) at the installation site. They are not permanent components but temporary protective elements that are installed, used for protection during shipping, and then removed to allow normal operation. This approach allows the system to benefit from transport protection without permanent complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the rotor is secured with posts during transport, then the rotor remains stable, but the posts occupy space in the bearing housings
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking posts are designed as separate, removable components that can be installed in the bearing housings only when needed for transport. They are not permanent fixtures but temporary segments that divide the bearing housing space only during the transport phase, allowing the rotor to be stabilized without permanently occupying bearing housing volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking post system is dynamic rather than static - the posts are installed when needed (during transport preparation), removed when no longer needed (at installation), and can be reused for future transport needs. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.
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
Enables safe and efficient transportation and installation of flywheel systems, reducing the risk of component damage and energy losses, while allowing for efficient energy storage and distribution with minimal operational friction.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet for levitating the rotor
Implementation Method 2
The flywheel also includes multiple posts that are capable of physically contacting the primary rotational mass of the rotor to prevent motion of the rotor during transport of the flywheel assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A flywheel device includes structures allowing the flywheel system to be assembled offsite, transported safely, and installed with relatively few steps. The flywheel includes a rotor and a housing enclosing the rotor, where the housing includes a bottom plate, a top plate and side walls. The bottom plate and the top plate each includes a hole aligned with the center axis of the rotor. The flywheel also includes multiple bearing housings substantially covering the holes of the bottom plate and the top plate that are aligned to the center axis of the rotor. The flywheel also includes posts that physically contact the primary rotational mass of the rotor to prevent motion of the rotor during transport of the flywheel system. Some or all of these posts may be repositioned or removed during installation so that the rotor can spin freely.