Stacked Flywheel Plate Assembly for Compact Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemical batteries for electrical energy storage are expensive, complex, environmentally unfriendly, and have short lifespans, making them undesirable for residential and utility-level applications, while existing mechanical energy storage solutions are too large or complex for residential use.
Innovation Solution
A flywheel system comprising massive plates held together by clamping plates and axles, with a clamping force applied via fasteners, allowing for efficient energy storage and scalability, including a sealed enclosure and improved bearings for safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If chemical batteries are used for electrical energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but cost, complexity, environmental impact, and lifespan are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical battery systems with a mechanical energy storage system using a flywheel. The flywheel stores energy kinetically through rotation, eliminating the need for chemical reactions, toxic materials, and complex battery management systems while providing scalable energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental storage mechanism from chemical to mechanical kinetic energy. By altering the physical state and storage method, the system achieves simplified architecture, reduced environmental impact, and extended operational lifespan while maintaining energy storage functionality.
2Reliability
If mechanical energy storage solutions are used, then lifespan and environmental friendliness are improved, but size and complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flywheel is constructed from multiple stackable plate assemblies that can be vertically stacked. Each assembly contains plates, clamping plates, and axles that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modular segmentation allows the system to achieve required energy storage capacity and lifespan while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for residential applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking of plate assemblies to increase energy storage capacity in the vertical dimension rather than expanding horizontally. This dimensional approach allows the system to achieve greater energy storage capacity without proportionally increasing the overall system footprint, making it suitable for space-constrained residential installations.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple massive plates are stacked to increase energy storage capacity, then energy storage capacity is improved, but structural stability and manufacturing complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flywheel is divided into multiple identical or similar plate assemblies that can be manufactured using standardized processes. Each assembly includes plates, clamping plates, and axles that can be produced independently and then stacked vertically. This segmentation enables modular manufacturing, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while allowing scalable energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple plate assemblies are combined through vertical stacking with shared axles and clamping mechanisms. The clamping plates apply uniform clamping force across all plates in an assembly, merging the structural function across multiple components. This combining approach simplifies assembly procedures and reduces the number of unique parts required.
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 flywheel system provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and scalable solution for energy storage, capable of handling power fluctuations and power outages, with improved manufacturability and reliability, enabling integration with renewable energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of fasteners coupling the top clamping plate with the bottom clamping plate, the plurality of fasteners applying a clamping force on the one or more massive plates
Implementation Method 2
flywheel-based mechanical energy storage units
Data Source
AI summary
A flywheel system may include one or more massive plates. A system may include two or more clamping plates including a bottom clamping plate and a top clamping plate, the one or more massive plates being located between the two or more clamping plates. A system may include two or more axles including a top axle and a bottom axle, the bottom axle being physically disconnected from the top axle. A system may include a plurality of fasteners coupling the top clamping plate with the bottom clamping plate, the plurality of fasteners applying a clamping force on the one or more massive plates using at least one of the two or more clamping plates and the two or more axles.