Robust electro-static (ES) device embodiments, with application to energy storage flywheels as an example, are described that provide reliable, high-efficiency operation in the presence of thermal and mechanical perturbations, as well as seismic events. Electro-static generators and motors, when augmented with magnetic bearings, passive three-dimensional stabilization techniques and dynamic touch-down bearings, enable robust performance in the face of these environmental concerns, as well as efficient operation during typical operational sequences, including spin-up and steady-state modalities.

A gyroscopic roll stabilizer comprises a gimbal having a support frame and enclosure configured to maintain a below-ambient pressure, a flywheel assembly including a flywheel and flywheel shaft, one or more bearings for rotatably mounting the flywheel inside the enclosure, a motor for rotating the flywheel, and bearing cooling system for cooling the bearings supporting the flywheel. For smaller units, the bearing cooling system is effective to enable a flywheel with a moment of inertia less than 40,000 lb in.sup.2 to be accelerated at a rate of 5 rpm/s or greater. For larger units, the bearing cooling system is effective to enable a flywheel with a moment of inertia greater than 40,000 lb in.sup.2 to be accelerated at a rate of 2.5 rpm/s or greater.

A gyroscopic roll stabilizer includes an enclosure, a flywheel assembly, and a motor. The enclosure is mounted to a gimbal for rotation about a gimbal axis and configured to maintain a below-ambient pressure. The flywheel assembly is rotatably mounted inside the enclosure for rotation about a flywheel axis. The flywheel assembly includes a flywheel and flywheel shaft. The flywheel shaft has a first end and an opposite second end; a first cavity formed in the first end and facing away from the second end; and a second cavity formed in the second end and facing away from the first end. The flywheel shaft has a longitudinal passage connecting the first cavity and the second cavity. This longitudinal passage may be used for inspection of one of the cavities and/or an associated seal, from the direction of the other cavity. Related methods are also disclosed.

A damper device includes an input element to which a torque from an engine is transmitted, an output element, an elastic body arranged to transmit a torque between the input element and the output element, and a rotary inertia mass damper that includes a planetary gear that includes a sun gear arranged to rotate integrally with one element of the input element and the output element, a carrier that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears and is arranged to rotate integrally with the other element of the input element and the output element, and a ring gear that meshes with the plurality of pinion gears and works as a mass body. The other element includes two plate members that are opposed to each other and coupled with each other by means of a plurality of rivets disposed between the pinion gears.

A damper device includes an input element to which a torque from an engine is transmitted, an output element, an elastic body arranged to transmit a torque between the input element and the output element, and a rotary inertia mass damper that includes a planetary gear that includes a sun gear arranged to rotate integrally with one element of the input element and the output element, a carrier that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears and is arranged to rotate integrally with the other element of the input element and the output element, and a ring gear that meshes with the plurality of pinion gears and works as a mass body. The other element includes two plate members that are opposed to each other and coupled with each other by means of a plurality of rivets disposed between the pinion gears.

A flywheel assembly for a renewable energy generation system includes a flywheel housing defining a cavity therein, a flywheel rotatably disposed within the cavity of the flywheel housing, where the flywheel is simultaneously formed from the same component as the flywheel housing, a magnetic levitation disk defining opposed upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface supporting the flywheel and the lower surface including a first plurality of magnets disposed thereon, and a base plate having a second plurality of magnets disposed on a surface thereof that is facing the first plurality of magnets, the second plurality of magnets having a polarity that is opposite of a polarity of the first plurality of magnets such that the magnetic force of the first and second plurality of magnets urges the magnetic levitation disk away from the base plate.

A flywheel assembly for a renewable energy generation system includes a flywheel housing defining a cavity therein, a flywheel rotatably disposed within the cavity of the flywheel housing, where the flywheel is simultaneously formed from the same component as the flywheel housing, a magnetic levitation disk defining opposed upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface supporting the flywheel and the lower surface including a first plurality of magnets disposed thereon, and a base plate having a second plurality of magnets disposed on a surface thereof that is facing the first plurality of magnets, the second plurality of magnets having a polarity that is opposite of a polarity of the first plurality of magnets such that the magnetic force of the first and second plurality of magnets urges the magnetic levitation disk away from the base plate.

A centrifugal pendulum includes a first support plate, being able to rotate around a rotation axis; a second support plate, facing the first support plate in the axial direction and fixed to the first support plate. A mass is disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate in the axial direction. The first support plate has a first protrusion extending axially, and the first protrusion is integrally formed with the first support plate and defines a first track. The mass has a through hole extending axially, and the through hole defines a second track. The first protrusion extends into said through hole such that the first track faces the second track in the radial direction. A roller is disposed between the first track and the second track in the radial direction, and is capable of rolling against the first track and the second track, such that the mass is able to move relative to the first and second support plates and apply a torque onto the first and second support plates. The present invention also discloses a torque transmitting device comprising the centrifugal pendulum and a vehicle.

A centrifugal pendulum includes a first support plate, being able to rotate around a rotation axis; a second support plate, facing the first support plate in the axial direction and fixed to the first support plate. A mass is disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate in the axial direction. The first support plate has a first protrusion extending axially, and the first protrusion is integrally formed with the first support plate and defines a first track. The mass has a through hole extending axially, and the through hole defines a second track. The first protrusion extends into said through hole such that the first track faces the second track in the radial direction. A roller is disposed between the first track and the second track in the radial direction, and is capable of rolling against the first track and the second track, such that the mass is able to move relative to the first and second support plates and apply a torque onto the first and second support plates. The present invention also discloses a torque transmitting device comprising the centrifugal pendulum and a vehicle.

Disclosed is a device for lubrication of a unit turning under vacuum, such as a flywheel, where the unit includes an axle rotating relative to a fixed bearing structure, via at least one bearing or roller, and where the unit is placed in an enclosure connected to a vacuum, with: a lubricant reservoir connected by pipes both to the bottom of the enclosure and also to the bearing; and fluid suitable circulator for connecting the reservoir either to the vacuum, for filling the reservoir from the enclosure by gravity, or to the atmosphere for lubricating the bearing. The fluid circulator includes a three-way valve connecting the reservoir either to the vacuum or to the atmosphere.