Kinetic Energy Accumulator With Velocity-Responsive Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kinetic energy accumulation systems, such as those using flywheels, are inefficient as they drive all flywheels simultaneously, leading to suboptimal energy transfer and inefficiency in utilizing low inertia energy sources for high inertia loads.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic energy accumulator system comprising a plurality of rotatably mounted accumulator members with an input drive mechanism and velocity-responsive coupling members that establish magnetic coupling between members reaching a predetermined angular velocity, allowing for efficient energy transfer and continued rotational drive to loads even without continuous kinetic input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If all flywheels are driven simultaneously by the motor, then kinetic energy is accumulated in the system, but the system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the flywheel assembly into multiple independently controllable flywheels (first flywheel, second flywheel, third flywheel) that can be driven sequentially rather than simultaneously. This segmentation allows the motor to transfer energy to one flywheel at a time, reducing energy losses associated with driving all flywheels at once while still achieving cumulative energy storage in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action through sequential engagement of flywheels using one-way clutches. The motor drives flywheels in a periodic sequence rather than continuous simultaneous operation, allowing each flywheel to be accelerated and then disengaged when it reaches optimal speed. This periodic engagement pattern reduces energy losses and improves overall system efficiency while maintaining energy accumulation capability.
2Ease of operation
If a low inertia energy source is coupled to a high inertia load, then the load can be driven, but energy transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces multiple flywheels as intermediary energy storage elements between the low inertia motor (energy source) and the high inertia load. These flywheels act as mediators that can be sequentially accelerated by the motor and then used to drive the load. This intermediary approach allows efficient energy transfer by matching the inertia characteristics of different system components and reducing direct coupling losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control through velocity-responsive coupling members that engage and disengage flywheels based on their rotational velocity. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize energy transfer at different operating conditions, enabling efficient coupling between the low inertia motor and high inertia load by adapting the engagement state of each flywheel to the current 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
Facilitates efficient energy transfer from low inertia sources to high inertia loads by accumulating and maintaining rotational momentum, optimizing energy utilization and reducing inefficiencies in energy transfer systems.
Implementation Method 1
velocity responsive coupling members arranged to provide for magnetic coupling of successive ones of the accumulator members when respective ones of the accumulator members are caused successively to rotate with an angular velocity equal to, or greater than, a predetermined velocity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a kinetic energy accumulator, comprising a plurality of rotatably mounted accumulator members (100, 198) positioned adjacent one another, an input drive mechanism (116) arranged to impart rotational drive to a first of the accumulator members, and velocity responsive coupling members (106, 192) arranged to provide for magnetic coupling of successive ones of the accumulator members when respective ones of the accumulator members are caused successively to rotate with an angular velocity equal to, or greater than, a predetermined velocity. The accumulator can store kinetic energy and thereby act as source of rotational drive. Hence, there is also provided a kinetic energy transfer system, comprising the kinetic energy accumulator (118), an energy transmitter mechanism arranged to apply drive from a kinetic energy source to the input drive mechanism (116) of the energy accumulator; and a load device coupled to, and arranged to be driven by, the energy accumulator when each of the accumulator members is rotating with an angular velocity equal to, or greater than, the predetermined velocity. The load device can be an electric generator or other device.