초록 ▼

Flywheel-based energy storage devices are provided along with methods for their use and fabrication. The devices have the capacity to store electric energy as kinetic energy and to generate electric energy from the stored kinetic energy. Preferred devices comprise a pair of counter-rotating anisotro

Flywheel-based energy storage devices are provided along with methods for their use and fabrication. The devices have the capacity to store electric energy as kinetic energy and to generate electric energy from the stored kinetic energy. Preferred devices comprise a pair of counter-rotating anisotropic flywheels which are designed to rapidly rotate within an evacuated housing. The flywheels comprise a lightweight hub and a circumferentially-wound fiber rim. The hub and rim are fabricated from materials having high tensile strength and are connected with system of novel tube assemblies positioned around the hub parallel to the axis of rotation. The flywheel are principally supported by magnetic bearings and are further stabilized during rotation by a self-restoring liquid bearing system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for preparing a flywheel having minimized interstitial volume, comprising the steps of:providing a substantially circular fiber which comprises a plurality of generally parallel-oriented filaments;providing a winding substrate;winding the fiber around the substra

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for preparing a flywheel having minimized interstitial volume, comprising the steps of:providing a substantially circular fiber which comprises a plurality of generally parallel-oriented filaments;providing a winding substrate;winding the fiber around the substrate such that the fiber contacts itself in a generally parallel configuration to define a plurality of interstices thereby forming a winding substrate; andpositioning within the winding substrate a hub having a predetermined outer diameter;providing a plurality of tubes which each have a diameter greater than one-half the difference between the substrate inner diameter and the hub outer diameter;compressing at least one tube; andplacing each tube between the winding substrate and the hub. [10.] The product of the method of claim 1.