Flywheel Kinetic Energy Storage Vacuum Pump Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kinetic energy storage devices, such as those using flywheels, face inefficiencies due to high centrifugal forces and friction in vacuum pumping mechanisms, which limit the ability to achieve low pressures and result in reduced efficiency and potential damage from rotor-stator contact.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic energy storage device employing a flywheel with a turboaxial compressor vacuum pump and magnetic bearings, where the vacuum pump is designed as a separate component on the shaft with reduced centrifugal forces, and a multi-stage pump configuration including a turbomolecular and Holweck-Gaede stages, with an outer sleeve for stability and a buffer chamber to minimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the flywheel rotates at high speed to store kinetic energy, then the energy storage capacity increases, but the centrifugal forces acting on the vacuum pump components increase, causing deformations and rotor-stator contact
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump is segmented from the flywheel structure, mounted on the shaft rather than being integral to the rotating body. This separation allows the pump components to experience reduced centrifugal forces while the flywheel maintains high rotational speed for energy storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft serves as an intermediary element, transmitting rotational motion from the motor-generator to the flywheel while providing a mounting platform for the vacuum pump. This intermediary arrangement protects the pump from direct exposure to high centrifugal forces.
2Reliability
If friction vacuum pump mechanisms are used in the housing, then vacuum can be achieved, but friction is generated in areas where friction should be avoided, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based mechanical vacuum pump mechanisms with a turbo-molecular pump system that uses molecular flow dynamics. This substitution eliminates the need for sliding friction surfaces, significantly reducing energy losses while maintaining effective vacuum generation.
3Reliability
If sealing gaps are increased at the duct webs to prevent rotor-stator contact, then damage from contact is avoided, but the efficiency of the vacuum pump is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the vacuum pump from the flywheel and mounting it on the shaft, the design eliminates the need for large sealing gaps at duct webs. The separated configuration allows for tighter tolerances and smaller gaps, maintaining pump efficiency while preventing rotor-stator contact through proper structural arrangement.
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
This configuration reduces centrifugal forces on the vacuum pump, enhances efficiency by allowing lower pressure operation, and minimizes energy requirements, thereby improving the overall efficiency of kinetic energy storage and recovery.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum pump for evacuating the interior is also arranged in the housing. This vacuum pump transfers the pumped gas preferably to a backing pump, which then compresses it against the atmosphere.
Implementation Method 2
It is particularly preferred that the bearing is carried out by means of magnetic bearings, since this reduces the energy requirement of the device and thus the efficiency can be improved.
Implementation Method 3
A shaft is connected to the flywheel. The shaft is directly or indirectly mounted in the housing. It is particularly preferred that the bearing is carried out by means of magnetic bearings
Implementation Method 4
According to the invention, it is particularly preferred in this energy storage device to provide a vacuum pump consisting of a turboaxial compressor with blade geometries and a gas friction compressor, preferably in the form of Holweck, Gaede or Siegbahn stages, which is arranged on the shaft of the flywheel. This has the advantage according to the invention that lower centrifugal forces act on the components of the vacuum pump, independently of the flywheel.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for storing kinetic energy, which has a flywheel (18) in a housing (10). The flywheel (18) is mounted in the housing (10) via a shaft (16). A motor-generator unit (22) is provided for storing energy as well as for energy recovery. In order to improve efficiency, a vacuum pump (24) for evacuating the interior (14) is arranged in the housing (10). The vacuum pump (24) is disposed on the shaft (16).