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A vacuum management and regeneration apparatus and method for operating an energy storage flywheel system having a flywheel supported by a bearing system inside an evacuated chamber enclosed within a container. A motor/generator stores and retrieves energy by accelerating and decelerating the flywhe

A vacuum management and regeneration apparatus and method for operating an energy storage flywheel system having a flywheel supported by a bearing system inside an evacuated chamber enclosed within a container. A motor/generator stores and retrieves energy by accelerating and decelerating the flywheel. A vacuum is maintained in the container with a vacuum level sufficient to reduce the aerodynamic drag on the flywheel, typically between 10-1Torr to 10-3Torr depending on the flywheel construction and its operating tip speed. The vacuum management system, including a vacuum pump and a timer, maintains the vacuum level in the container. The timer periodically enables operation of the vacuum pump, such as a mechanical vacuum pump or a getter pump, to reduce the pressure in the container. A vacuum gauge can be used, periodically activated by the timer, to measure the internal vacuum; if the internal pressure is above a certain allowable level, the vacuum pump can be started or activated to restore the vacuum. If the vacuum gauge is omitted, the timer periodically activates the vacuum pump directly.

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A vacuum management and regeneration apparatus and method for operating an energy storage flywheel system having a flywheel supported by a bearing system inside an evacuated chamber enclosed within a container. A motor/generator stores and retrieves energy by accelerating and decelerating the flywhe

A vacuum management and regeneration apparatus and method for operating an energy storage flywheel system having a flywheel supported by a bearing system inside an evacuated chamber enclosed within a container. A motor/generator stores and retrieves energy by accelerating and decelerating the flywheel. A vacuum is maintained in the container with a vacuum level sufficient to reduce the aerodynamic drag on the flywheel, typically between 10-1Torr to 10-3Torr depending on the flywheel construction and its operating tip speed. The vacuum management system, including a vacuum pump and a timer, maintains the vacuum level in the container. The timer periodically enables operation of the vacuum pump, such as a mechanical vacuum pump or a getter pump, to reduce the pressure in the container. A vacuum gauge can be used, periodically activated by the timer, to measure the internal vacuum; if the internal pressure is above a certain allowable level, the vacuum pump can be started or activated to restore the vacuum. If the vacuum gauge is omitted, the timer periodically activates the vacuum pump directly. he electrical appliance of claim 13, wherein the hole in the housing includes a tab adapted to fit within an opening of the U-shaped extending member. 15. The electrical appliance according to claim 14, wherein the tab locates the U-shaped extending member within the hole in the housing to removably lock the snap-fit mechanism to the housing. 16. The electrical appliance of claim 9, wherein at least two snap-fit mechanisms are provided on the motor amount assembly to removably lock the motor mount assembly within the housing. 17. The electrical appliance of claim 16, wherein at least two snap-fit mechanisms are provided on one side of the motor mount assembly. 18. The electrical appliance of claim 9, further comprising: at least one member extending from the motor mount assembly opposite the snap-fit mechanism, wherein the member is adapted to fit within a corresponding feature provided in the end panel, such that the motor mount assembly is removably secured within the housing by the snap-fit mechanism and the member. 19. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, where at least one of the housing, end panel, or modular component include a biocide. 20. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein the modular component includes a fan, and the end panel includes an exhaust outlet adjacent the fan. 21. The electrical appliance of claim 20, further comprising a motor, with the fan rotatably attached the motor. 22. The electrical appliance according to claim 21, further comprising a light fixture provided within the housing. 23. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein the modular component further comprises a heating element. 24. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein the modular component further comprises an infrared device. 25. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes at least one channel provided along at least a portion of the open side portion of the housing, such that the end panel fits within the channel. 26. The electrical appliance according to claim 25, wherein the end panel is flat. 27. The electrical appliance according to claim 26, further comprising: an elongated slot provided in the channel along a wall; and a detent mechanism extending from a side of the end panel and elastically deformable, the detent mechanism adapted to engage with the slot and removably lock the end panel within the housing. 28. The electrical appliance according to claim 27, wherein a slot is provided in each channel of the two opposite side walls, and a corresponding detent mechanism is provided extending from opposite sides of the end panel, wherein the detent mechanisms extend into the slots for removably locking the end panel in the housing. 29. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein the end panel includes an electrical compartment. 30. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one snap-fit mechanism provided on the modular component to removably locate the modular component within the housing, wherein the modular component is placeable in and removable from the housing without tools. 31. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein the end panel includes a plug adapted to electrically connect with a connector on the modular component. 32. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein a wiring assembly is provided on the end panel adapted to cooperate with electrical components of at least the modular component to allow the electrical components to be electrically powered. 33. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein the end panel includes a exhaust outlet. 34. The electrical appliance according to claim 33, wherein the exhaust outlet includes a fan. 35. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein the end panel fits within the housing such that the end panel may be replaced without expanding beyond the housing by moving the end panel perpendicular to a back