Flywheel arrangement

Abstract

A flywheel arrangement comprising a shaft with a flywheel fixedly connected thereto. The flywheel comprises at least one cavity and that cavity is at least partially filled with particulate matter.

Claims

1. An energy storage flywheel arrangement comprising a shaft with a flywheel fixedly connected thereto, wherein the flywheel comprises at least two prefabricated cavity sections that are discrete with respect to each other, each of the at least two prefabricated cavity sections having an external connection surface, wherein the respective external connection surfaces of the at least two prefabricated cavity sections are connected together at an interface to at least partially form the flywheel as a segmented flywheel, wherein each of the at least two prefabricated cavity sections has a cavity therein, and wherein the cavity of at least one of the at least two prefabricated cavity sections is at least partially filled with particulate matter that is non-removable from the cavity section.

2. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least one baffle extends substantially radially with respect to the shaft to at least partially partition the cavity of at least one of the prefabricated cavity sections.

3. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least one baffle extends substantially parallel with the axis of the shaft.

4. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two prefabricated cavity sections constructed from composite material.

5. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a fluid conduit is provided within the flywheel and the fluid conduit has an outlet that comprises at least one aperture to allow fluid from within the fluid conduit to pass into each cavity of the prefabricated cavity sections.

6. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the fluid conduit is a first fluid conduit, the flywheel arrangement comprising a second fluid conduit that is provided within, or adjacent, the shaft, and the second fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first fluid conduit.

7. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a sensor is provided within the cavity of the at least one prefabricated cavity section to monitor the particulate matter therein.

8. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the flywheel has flanges comprising at least one magnetic element and supports are provided for magnetically stabilising the flywheel.

9. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a vibration means is provided which is arranged to vibrate the flywheel.

10. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 9, wherein vibration means comprises a computer-controlled vibration mechanism and/or fluidising channels to aid with the even distribution of particulates within the flywheel.

11. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the flywheel arrangement is contained within a containment vessel and the containment vessel comprises one or more inwardly directed destructive nodes.

12. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the respective external connection surfaces of the of the at least two prefabricated cavity sections are connected together along the interface which lies in a radial plane of the energy storage flywheel arrangement.

13. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the respective external connection surfaces of the at least two prefabricated cavity sections extend to an outer diameter of the flywheel and are connected together such that the outer diameter of the flywheel is segmented.

14. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two prefabricated cavity sections includes at least one side wall, the at least one sidewall including the external connection surface and an internal surface, wherein the internal surface at least partially forms the cavity and the external connection surface is outside the cavity opposite the internal surface, and wherein the respective external connection surfaces of the at least two prefabricated cavity sections are connected together with a connection mechanism.

15. An energy storage flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least two prefabricated cavity sections constitute part of an arrangement of prefabricated cavity sections that are connected together to fully encircle a rotational axis of the shaft.

16. A prefabricated energy storage flywheel section for use in an energy storage flywheel, the prefabricated energy storage flywheel section comprising a cavity that is at least partially filled with non-removable particulate; wherein the prefabricated energy storage flywheel section comprises at least one side wall, an external face, and an internal cavity, wherein the at least one side wall is provided with a part of a connection mechanism for connection to a second flywheel section of the energy storage flywheel.

17. A flywheel arrangement comprising a shaft with a flywheel fixedly connected thereto, wherein the flywheel comprises at least one cavity wherein the cavity is at least partially filled with particulate matter, wherein a sensor is provided within the cavity to monitor the particular matter therein.

18. A flywheel arrangement comprising a shaft with a flywheel fixedly connected thereto, wherein the flywheel comprises at least one cavity wherein the cavity is at least partially filled with particulate matter, wherein the flywheel has flanges comprising at least one magnetic element and support means are provided for magnetically stabilising the flywheel.

19. An energy storage flywheel arrangement comprising a shaft with a flywheel fixedly connected thereto, wherein the flywheel comprises at least one prefabricated cavity section, wherein the cavity section has a cavity therein, wherein the cavity of the cavity section(s) is at least partially filled with particulate matter that is nonremovable from the cavity section, and wherein a fluid conduit is provided within the flywheel and the fluid conduit has an outlet that comprises at least one aperture to allow fluid from within the fluid conduit to pass into the, or each, cavity.

20. An energy storage flywheel arrangement comprising a shaft with a flywheel fixedly connected thereto, wherein the flywheel comprises at least one prefabricated cavity section, wherein the cavity section has a cavity therein, wherein the cavity of the cavity section(s) is at least partially filled with particulate matter that is non-removable from the cavity section, and wherein a vibration means is provided which is arranged to vibrate the flywheel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Embodiments of the present invention will now be described to show more clearly how it may be put into effect with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows an arrangement in accordance with the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a more detailed view of a centre shaft and flywheel in accordance with the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a fluid conduit arrangement in accordance with the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a containment vessel housing a flywheel in accordance with the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a further fluid conduit arrangement in accordance with the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a magnetic composite flywheel and magnetic bearings in accordance with the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 shows an outer wall of a flywheel in accordance with the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8 shows an arrangement in which a motor, generator or turbine may be connected to a flywheel arrangement in accordance with the present invention;

(10) FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic view of a horizontal axis flywheel arrangement according to the present invention;

(11) FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the flywheel arrangement of FIG. 9;

(12) FIG. 11 shows a flywheel in accordance with the present invention;

(13) FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the flywheel of FIG. 10 with the internal elements removed; and

(14) FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a section of the flywheel of FIG. 12.

(15) FIGS. 1 to 8 show a flywheel 3 that is housed within a containment vessel 1. The flywheel 3 has outer wall 5 and a cavity 17 is arranged between the outer wall 5 and a central axis of rotation 4 of the flywheel 3. The flywheel 3 is fixed to a central shaft 13 so that rotation of the central shaft 13 rotates the flywheel 3.

(16) The flywheel 3 is provided with vertical baffles 19 and horizontal baffles 20, the former extending substantially parallel with the central shaft 13 and the later extending radially therefrom. The central shaft 13 has a plurality of passageways or particulate conduits 25 therein that allow the passage of particulate therethrough. The inlets 26 to the passageways are provided with Y-shaped injection nozzles 32 that allow the entry of particulate 10 and compressed air 33. The particulate 10 passes through the nozzles 32, into the passageways 25 and exits the passageways 25 through outlets 27 that lead into the cavity 17 of the flywheel 3.

(17) The centre shaft 13 is further provided with a plurality of fluid passageways, or fluid conduits, 30 that extend through the centre shaft 13 and pass into the vertical baffles 19 and the horizontal baffles 20 and exit therefrom at vertical baffle outlets 49 and horizontal baffle outlets 44. A compressor 34 is connected to a connection tube 40 that provides compressed gas 33 through adjustable air connection 37 and seal 38. The lower end of the central shaft 13 is provided with a pin 18 that sits in a centralising recess 45.

(18) The central shaft 13 of the flywheel 3, may be supported by magnetic bearings 12, at the top and bottom of the centre shaft 13. The magnetic bearings 12, supporting the flywheel 3, may be used to stabilise the flywheel 3, from movement in a horizontal direction and in the vertical direction. For greater support of the flywheel 3, the flywheel 3 has flanges 16 that are constructed from magnetic composite materials 6, which extend into a recess of a magnetic stabilisation element on the internal wall of the containment vessel 1. The magnetic interaction between the stabilisation elements and the flanges 16 of the flywheel 3 aid in the support of greater masses more than one magnetic field 15 in the vertical direction.

(19) Sensors 22 are provided within the cavities 17 to monitor the mass of particulate therein and the forces within the cavity 17. The information is fed back to computer control system 24 that then controls the rotational speed and the flow of particulate material to balance the flywheel. Additional, or alternative, sensors may be used, for example, accelerometer to monitor the rotation and balance of the flywheel. The sensors, such as the accelerometer and sensors 22, may be connected to the computer control means 24 by electrical wires or wirelessly, for example short-range wireless transmitters. The computer control system 24, may use the signal from the sensors and signals from the centralising pin recess 45 to determine where within the flywheel 3, would be the most appropriate position to deposit particulates 10, to maintain or improve the balance of the rotating flywheel 3.

(20) Particulates 10 may enter the centre shaft 13 through inlets 26 from one or more nozzles 32 aided by gravity. The particulates 10 then may fall from nozzles 32 into the centre shaft inlets 26 where they continue to travel through the passageways 25, again, aided by gravity and centrifugal forces. The particulates 10 then exit the centre shaft 13, through the outlets 27, where centrifugal forces maintain the movement of the particulates 10, until the particulates 10 come to rest in the cavities 17 near to the flywheel outer wall 5.

(21) Alternatively, or additionally, particulates 10 may enter the centre shaft 13 through inlets 26 from one or more nozzles 32 aided by a compressed fluid 33. The particulates and the compressed fluid 33 are combined within the Y-shaped nozzle 32, so that the particulates 10 enter the centre shaft 13 with enough force to enable the particulates 10 to travel through the centre shaft 13 and exit the outlets 27, continuing to traveling until the particulates 10 come to rest within the cavities 17 adjacent the flywheel outer wall 5. It is possible for the particulates 10 and compressed gas 33 to be combined remotely before they reach the nozzle 32.

(22) The containment vessel 1 has incorporates one or more inwardly directed destructive nodes 2. The containment vessel 1 is employed not only to contain the flywheel 3 under normal operating conditions, but also in the event of a structural failure of the flywheel 3. Thus, the containment vessel 1, can be used to assist in the destruction of the rotating flywheel 3 and to confine the same within the containment vessel 1. Should structural failure of the flywheel 3 occur, all of the components used in the construction of thereof are contained within the containment vessel 1. In the event of a failure of the flywheel 3 during which the flywheel 3 becomes detached from the central shaft 13, it may be necessary to release the accumulated energy into a harmless form as quickly as possible. Therefore, the nodes 2 of the containment are provided to allow the detached flywheel 3 to smash against, which are constructed from materials, such as steel, that are tougher than the composite materials of the flywheel 3. The destructive nodes 2, may contain spikes 7 to assist with breaking-up the flywheel 3 to dissipate the kinetic energy. The nodes 2, are constructed in such a way as to force the mass of the flywheel 3, to be concentrated on a very small destructive node 2, thereby applying great destructive forces to the composite material 6. In this way the destruction of the flywheel 3, and the dispersal of the accumulated energy may be safely contained within the containment vessel 1.

(23) The containment vessel 1, may be attached to a vacuum pump 8, which may be used to evacuate some or most, possibly all, of the air from within the vessel 1, thereby reducing the internal pressure and thus reducing the losses of energy caused by turbulence of a rotating flywheel 3. Additionally, or alternatively, the containment vessel 1, may be attached to a vibration means 9, with the vibration means 9, being able to shake the containment vessel 1, which in turn shakes the flywheel 3 containing particulates 10. The controlled vibration may be used to aid in the even distribution of particulates 10, within the cavity 17 of the flywheel 3. A vibration means 39, may additionally or alternatively be attached to the flywheel 3. The timing of the operation of the vibration means 9 and/or the vibration means 35, is determined by computer control means 24 after processing signals received from feedback sensors 22 and/or sensors 23, and other sensors within the flywheel of the present invention.

(24) Vibration means 35 is arranged close to the flywheel 3 and the vibration means 35 is an electromagnetic device controlled by computer control means 24. When an electrical current is provided to the electromagnetic device 35, a magnetic field may be created to attract or repel a magnetic component 46 that is physically attached to the structure of the flywheel 3. The computer control means 24 can be used to change the value of the electrical power supplied to the vibration means 35, to increase or decrease the strength of the magnetic field and thereby lift and release the flywheel 3, causing the flywheel 3 and the particulates 10 to vibrate, thereby aiding with the even distribution of particulates 10 within the flywheel 3. The vibration means may be a pneumatic or hydraulic piston.

(25) A reservoir 11 is situated within the containment vessel 1 that is used to hold a supply of particulates 10. The particulate may be transferred from the reservoir 11 by way of conveyors and/or pumps.

(26) A compressor 34 is provided to supply compressed gas 33 and compressed gas travels through the connecting tubes 40 to the gas control valve 41. The control valve 41 is turned on or off at the appropriate time by electrical signals from the computer control means 24. The appropriate time is determined by the computer control means 24, after processing electrical signals received from sensors means 22, and accelerometer means 23, which are positioned throughout the flywheel 3. The fluid or compressed gas 33 may be transferred from the compressor 34 through passageways 30 within the centre shaft 13 and passageways 28, within the horizontal baffles 20, and passageways 29, within the vertical baffles 19. The compressed gas 33 then travels through the flywheel 3 to the bottom of the amassed particulates 10 and passes through the particulates 10, thereby fluidizing the particulates 10 increasing their ability to flow. The action of flowing air or gas through the particulates 10 provides an increased fluidity and movement within the particulates 10. Thus, when the particulates 10 are relatively free to move and the centre shaft 13 is rotating, the centrifugal forces assist with the movement of the particulates 10 towards the outer wall 5 of the flywheel 3. The particulate becomes fluidised to aid with the movement of the particulates 10 within the flywheel 3.

(27) Once compressed air or gas has been transferred into the centre shaft 13, the adjustable air or gas connection means 37, may be disconnected to let the flywheel 3, rotate unhindered. The adjustable air or gas connection means 37, may be fitted with a seal 38, to prevent a loss in pressure of the compressed air or gas.

(28) The computer control means 24, may be used to coordinated the control of the combination of the compressed air or gas 33, traveling through the particulates 10, at the same time as the vibration of the flywheel 3, and the centrifugal forces of the particulates 10, rotating about a central axis of rotation 4, provide a situation where the particulates 10, within the flywheel 3, may be evenly distributed throughout all of the cavities 17, of a partially hollow flywheel 3, of the present invention.

(29) The flywheel 3 is provided with a lower aperture 61 that can be closed to keep the particulate material within the cavity or opened to allow the particulate material to flow out of the flywheel, which may be particularly important when the flywheel is slowing down. Similarly, the horizontal baffles 20 may be provided with hatches or apertures to allow movement of the particulate material through to a lower level, eventually passing to the bottom level to leave the flywheel 3 through lower aperture 61. A particulate return tray 60 is provided beneath the lower aperture 61 to direct the particulate back to reservoir 11. The lower aperture 61 may be provided with a closable hatch or valve to allow it to be opened and closed.

(30) FIG. 7 shows pre-fabricated flywheel sections 65 that incorporate a support means 62 which create cavities within the wall of the flywheel to support a quantity of particulates 10. The sides 63 of the section 65 are be bonded to the sides 63 of adjacent sections 65 to form the outer wall 5 of the flywheel 3.

(31) As shown in FIG. 8, a motor 51 may be attached to a flywheel 3 by way of a clutch, the motor being used to convert electrical energy into rotational energy, which may be used to turn the flywheel 3. When the clutch 55, is engaged, the electrical energy supplied to the motor 51, may be used to drive and turn the flywheel 3. The computer control means may be used control the motor speed and direction and coordinate the addition of particulates into the cavity 17 of the flywheel 3.

(32) FIG. 8 also shows how motor 58 may be situated remotely from the flywheel 3. The motor 58 may be used to drive a turbine 56 and pressure created within the turbine 56 may be used to transfer energy by the pressure of fluids, where one turbine 56 is used to transfer fluids in order to drive another turbine 54 and where the turbine 54 may be used to drive the flywheel 3.

(33) A generator 58 may be attached to the flywheel 3 by way of the clutch 55. When the clutch 55 is engaged the kinetic energy stored within the rotating flywheel 3 may be transferred through the central shaft 13 and through the clutch 55 to the drive shaft of the electrical generator 58. The generator is used to convert the kinetic energy stored within the flywheel into electrical energy and the kinetic energy may be transferred through rotational energy from the flywheel to the generator.

(34) A turbine 54 may be attached to the flywheel 3 by way of a clutch 55. When the clutch 55, is engaged, the kinetic energy stored within the rotating flywheel 3 may be transferred through the central drive shaft 13 and through the clutch 55 to the drive shaft of the turbine 54, which may in turn be connected to another turbine 56, situated remotely from the flywheel 3. The turbine may be directly connected to an electrical generator 57, which may also be situated remotely from the flywheel 3 to provided that may be used to transfer energy in to or out of the flywheel of the present invention. A clutch mechanism may be provided to connect or discount the central drive shaft of the flywheel to the drive shaft of a motor, generator or turbine.

(35) When energy is available to be stored in the flywheel of the present invention then the clutch 55, is operated by signals from the computer control means and the clutch then engages the centre shaft of the flywheel with the drive shaft of the motor 51. When electrical energy is provided to the motor 51, the motor then turns and the engagement of the motor drive shaft with the flywheel drive shaft the speed of the flywheel is increased. The computer control means 24, receives signals from sensors that are positioned to measure the rotational speed of the flywheel and the forces therein. When the flywheel is rotating at a predetermined speed the computer control means 24, then provides signals to activate valves 41, to thereby allow the transfer of particulates from the reservoir to the injection nozzles 32.

(36) FIGS. 9 and 10 show a horizontal axis flywheel arrangement wherein the flywheel comprises radially extending baffles, or supports, 70 that connect the central shaft 71 to the outer wall of the flywheel 5. A pin 18 is positioned within a recess and magnetic bearings 73 are employed to reduce friction on the flywheel when it rotates. A motor, generator or turbine 72 is provided and releasably connects to the flywheel by way of a clutch 55. The arrangement is contained within a destructive container 1.

(37) Hatches may be provided which may be used to release particulates from within the flywheel. For example, the flywheel may be fitted with emergency escape hatches to release particulates from within the confines of the cavity of the flywheel 3. The emergency release hatches may be fitted with catches that allow the opening or removal the hatches 52, should the hatches come in to contact with the destructive nodes 2. This allows the rapid evacuation of the particulate in a radial direction.

(38) FIGS. 11 to 13 show a prefabricated flywheel 3 that is constructed for a plurality of sections 65 that are bonded to one another. The sections 65 are connected such that the side walls 63 are connected to the side walls 63 of adjacent sections 65. At least some, but preferably all, of the sections are provided with cavities 17 into which particulate can be placed.

(39) Once the sections 65 are connected together, the flywheel 3 has a fixed mass, although the particulate 10 may be able to move within a cavity and may be allowed to pass through conduits or apertures (not shown) to pass into adjacent cavities 65. This arrangement allows for the flywheel 3 to be simplified without the need to an inlet through which particulate can pass into the flywheel 3. Should there be a desire to expand the flywheel 3, further sections 65 can be applied to the existing arrangement. The external surface of the sections 65 comprises the outer wall 5 of the flywheel 3.

(40) Electrical energy may be derived from renewable energy generators such as for example photo electric solar panels, wind turbines, water turbines. Electrical energy may also be derived from other forms of electrical energy generation such as for example coal or gas turbines. Whichever form of electrical energy generation is used to supply electrical energy to the energy storage flywheel of the present invention the result is the same in as much as the electrical energy is used to drive a motor or a turbine which is then connected to the flywheel of the present invention through a clutch which may be used to engage or disengage the drive shaft of the motor with the central rotating drive shaft of the flywheel. Energy may be derived from any source and may be transferred from such sources without an electrical connection. Energy may be transferred using the pressure of fluids to drive turbines.

(41) In an arrangement of the present invention a bearing may be situated at both ends of a flywheel when the central axis of rotation is situated in a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis.

(42) One or more features of one embodiment described herein may be incorporated into any other embodiment herein. For example, the features described herein relating to vertical axis flywheels may be incorporated into a horizontal axis flywheel, such as the sensors provided in and on the flywheel and/or the computer control system. Similarly, the features of the horizontal axis flywheel may be incorporated into a vertical axis flywheel. For example, the particulate movement and/or flow may need to be adjusted according to the orientation of the flywheel.

(43) Dummy sections without particulate-containing cavities may be employed to balance the flywheel. These dummy sections may be hollow or solid depending upon the requirements and they may fit adjacent particulate-filled flywheel sections.