초록 ▼

A flywheel energy conversion device provides highly efficient conversion between kinetic and electrical energy. The flywheel produces increased output by providing armature coils in an air gap formed about the flywheel (both radial and axial embodiments are described). In preferred embodiments, fiel

A flywheel energy conversion device provides highly efficient conversion between kinetic and electrical energy. The flywheel produces increased output by providing armature coils in an air gap formed about the flywheel (both radial and axial embodiments are described). In preferred embodiments, field coils of a magnetic circuit are energized with DC drive current that creates homopolar flux within a rotating solid rotor having teeth cut from a flat disk. The total reluctance of the magnetic circuit and total flux remain substantially constant as the rotor rotates. The flux may travel radially outward and exit the flat disk through the teeth passing across an armature air gap. Airgap armature coils are preferably utilized in which the changing flux density (due to the rotating teeth) induces an output voltage in the coils. The flux is diffused before returning to the rotor in one of several ways such that core losses are effectively reduced, thereby enabling the flywheel to operate efficiently at high frequencies.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for converting between electrical and kinetic energy, said apparatus comprising:a solid rotor having a plurality of integral protrusions extending therefrom and forming and axial air gap, said rotor being constructed of substantially magnetic material and having an axi

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for converting between electrical and kinetic energy, said apparatus comprising:a solid rotor having a plurality of integral protrusions extending therefrom and forming and axial air gap, said rotor being constructed of substantially magnetic material and having an axial thickness that remains substantially constant or decreases when measured at increasing radial positions;a member that generates homopolar flux, said rotor and said flux generating member forming a magnetic circuit having a total reluctance that remains substantially constant while said rotor is rotated about an axis; andat least one stationary airgap armature coil mounted within said axial air gap with the active portion of said armature coil extends to substantially the entire axial length of said protrusions such that said flux induces an AC voltage in said at least one airgap armature coil when said rotor is rotated about said axis.