Flywheel

Abstract

A computer controlled support and stabilization unit comprising of a vertical array of magnets for levitating a flywheel containing fluid, a computer controlled adjustable bearing support that can clamp and unclamp the rotating center shaft of a flywheel containing fluid between a plurality of bearings, a computer controlled adjustable magnetic lifting support for lifting the flywheel containing fluid to reduce the forces placed on the vertical array of magnets for levitating a flywheel containing fluid and reduce the forces placed on the plurality of bearings clamping the rotating center shaft of a flywheel containing fluid.

Claims

1. A computer controlled support and stabilization unit comprising: a vertical array of magnets for levitating a flywheel containing fluid, a computer controlled adjustable bearing support that can clamp and unclamp a rotating center shaft of a flywheel containing fluid between a plurality of bearings, a computer controlled adjustable magnetic lifting support for lifting the flywheel containing fluid to reduce the forces placed on the vertical array of magnets for levitating the flywheel containing fluid and reduce the forces placed on the plurality of bearings clamping the rotating center shaft of the flywheel containing fluid; and a controller for controlling the computer controlled adjustable support and computer controlled adjustable magnetic lifting support.

2. A computer controlled support and stabilization unit according to claim 1, in which a transducer is provided for sending electrical signals to the controller to enable the controller to calculate speed of the flywheel containing fluid.

3. A computer controlled support and stabilization unit according to claim 1, in which a transducer is provided for sending electrical signals to the controller to enable the controller to calculate weight of the flywheel containing fluid.

4. A computer controlled support and stabilization unit according to claim 1, in which a transducer is provided for sending electrical signals to the controller to enable the controller to calculate position of the flywheel containing fluid.

5. A computer controlled support and stabilization unit according to claim 1, in which a transducer is provided for sending electrical signals to the controller to enable the controller to calculate vibration of the flywheel containing fluid.

6. A computer controlled support and stabilization unit according to claim 1, in which a transducer is provided for sending electrical signals to the controller to enable the controller to calculate position of the adjustable bearing support.

7. A computer controlled support and stabilization unit according to claim 1, in which a transducer is provided for sending electrical signals to the controller to enable the controller to calculate the position of the adjustable magnetic lifting support.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, the present invention will now be described further with reference made by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1, shows a flywheel containing fluid in accordance with the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2, shows a flywheel containing fluid supported by an adjustable bearing support means in accordance with the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3, shows the weight of a flywheel containing fluid resting on one or more bearings being reduced by an adjustable magnetic lifting support means in accordance with the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4, shows a computer control means connected to process input and output signals within the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5, shows the three stages of the operating cycle of an energy storage system comprising of a flywheel containing fluid in accordance with the present invention; and

(7) FIG. 6 shows a centralizing system in accordance with the present invention.

(8) The Figures, show how there is provided a containment vessel 46, for housing, one or more flywheels 7. The said containment vessel 46, may be attached to a vacuum pump 4. The flywheel 7, may be provided with a cavity 8, for retaining fluid 47, the said flywheel 7, may be physically connected to a central rotating shaft 15. The rotating center shaft 15, may be connected to a stationary center shaft 9, by one or more magnetic fields 44. The rotating center shaft 15, may rotate about the stationary center shaft 9. The rotating center shaft 15, and the stationary center shaft 9, may both be positioned about a common central axis of rotation 48.

(9) The stationary central shaft 9, may contain one or more permanent magnets 10, furthermore the central stationary shaft 9, may also contain one or more electromagnets 11. The electromagnets 11 may be vertically stacked, that is, positioned on top of one another coaxially to form a vertical array. The central stationary shaft 9, may be secured into a fixed position of the flywheel containment vessel 46, by a central stationary shaft fixing means 13. The rotating center shaft 15, may contain a vertical array of magnetic cores 16. In one embodiment of the present invention the magnetic cores 16, may be constructed from a single magnet substantially toroidal, or circular, in shape. In another embodiment of the present invention the magnetic cores 16, may be constructed from a toroidal/circular array of individual magnetic cores situated about the central axis of rotation 48.

(10) The close proximity of the magnets within the stationary center shaft and the magnets within the rotating center shaft creates magnetic fields 44.

(11) Within the present invention there is further provided a reservoir 5. In one embodiment of the present invention the reservoir 5, may be situated within the containment vessel 46. In another embodiment of the present invention the reservoir 5, may be situated externally of the containment vessel 46.

(12) Within the present invention there is further provided a fluid control valve 6.

(13) In one embodiment of the present invention the fluid control valve 6, may be situated within the containment vessel 46. In another embodiment of the present invention the fluid control valve 6, may be situated externally of the containment vessel 46.

(14) Within the present invention there is further provided a connection pipe 49, for supplying fluid from the reservoir 5, to the control valve 6.

(15) Within the present invention there is further provided a connection pipe 50, for transferring fluid from the control valve 6, to the flywheel 7.

(16) The central rotating shaft 15, may be connected to a motor 19, or generator 20, or a motor 19 and generator 20, furthermore the flywheel 7, may be connected to a turbine 21.

(17) Within the present invention there is further provided a generator 20, for converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy.

(18) Within the present invention there is further provided a motor 19, for converting electrical energy into kinetic energy.

(19) Within the present invention there is further provided a Turbine 21, the turbine may be used to convert pneumatic pressure or hydraulic pressure from a remote source in to kinetic energy by driving the rotating center shaft 15, of the flywheel 7. The turbine 21, may also be used for converting the kinetic energy of the flywheel 7, of the present invention back into pressurized fluid flow for driving an electrical generator 51, which may be situated remotely from the turbine 21. The turbine 21, may be pneumatic or hydraulic or a pneumatic and hydraulic turbine.

(20) Where a plurality of flywheels 7 are present, the turbines and/or generators may be linked to one another. This may provide a more efficient system.

(21) It is an object of the present invention to support a flywheel 7, which may contain fluid by means of a plurality of magnetic fields 44.

(22) It is a further object of the present invention to adjust the strength of the said magnetic field 44, depending upon the amount of support needed by the flywheel 7, at any particular instant in time to maintain an optimum position necessary to store kinetic energy for as long as possible within the flywheel 7, of the present invention.

(23) In another embodiment of the present invention the magnetic fields 44, which may be used to levitate and support the flywheel 7, may be created between the substantially vertically aligned array of magnets 10, within the stationary center shaft 9, and the vertical array of magnets 16, within the rotating center shaft 15.

(24) In another embodiment of the present invention the magnetic fields 44, which may be used to levitate and support the flywheel 7, may be created between the substantially vertically aligned array of magnets 11, within the stationary center shaft 9, and the vertical array of magnets 16, within the rotating center shaft 15.

(25) In another embodiment of the present invention the magnetic fields 44, which may be used to levitate and support the flywheel 7, may be created between a combination of magnets with the stationary center shaft 9 and the rotating center shaft 15. Within the combination of magnets there may be a vertical array of magnets 10, a vertical array of magnets 11, a vertical array of magnets 16, and a vertical array of magnets 17.

(26) The strength of the magnetic field 44, may be adjusted by adjusting the power supplied to the electromagnets 17, or the power supplied to the electromagnets 11. The amount of power supplied to the electromagnets 17, or the power supplied to the electromagnets 11, may be controlled by the computer control means 1.

(27) A vertical array of electromagnets 11, may have power supplied to them by means of inductive coils 12, within the rotating center shaft 15, power may be induced into the inductive coil 12, by way of a magnetic inductor 45, which may be positioned within the stationary center shaft 9. Power may be supplied to the magnetic indictor 45, to increase or decrease the strength of the magnetic inductance. The amount of power supplied to the magnetic inductor 45, may be controlled by the computer control means 1.

(28) FIG. 2 shows how within the present invention there is provided an adjustable bearing support means 22, which may be attached at both ends of the rotating center shaft 15.

(29) Within each adjustable bearing support means 22, of the present invention there is further provided:

(30) a bearing 27, which may be split into two parts, part 28, one of which may be rigidly attached to the supporting plate 24. The other part 29, of the said bearing 27, may be rigidly attached to the rotating center shaft 15.

(31) The support plate 24, may be attached to a bearing adjustment means 26. The support plate 24, may be supported by one or more guide rails 25.

(32) The support plate 24, may have its position adjusted by the bearing adjustment means 26, the position and movement of the bearing adjustment means 26, may be controlled by the computer control means 1, of the present invention.

(33) A transducer 30, may be used to provide a signal back to the computer control means 1, to enable the computer to analyze and calculate any further movement necessary of the bearing adjustment means 26, after taking into account signals received from other transducers within the present invention.

(34) It can been seen from FIG. 2 that the top and bottom adjustable bearing support means 22, are similar in construction but may be adjusted independently by the computer control means 1.

(35) If after processing signals received from a plurality of transducers within the present invention, it is calculated by the computer control means 1, that the flywheel 7, is vibrating beyond predetermined parameters, the bearing adjustment means 26, may be moved into a position that enables the two parts, part 28, and part 29, of the bearing 27, to be connected together in a controlled movement.

(36) Furthermore if it is calculated by the computer control means 1, that the flywheel 7, of the present invention is unstable or is vibrating beyond predetermined parameters the bearing support means 26, at the top of the rotating center shaft 15, and the bearing support means 26, at the bottom of the rotating center shaft 15, may both be adjusted into a position to thereby clamp one or more of the bearings 27, attached to the rotating center shaft 15, and in this way any vibration of the flywheel 7, may be reduced and stability increased.

(37) If after processing signals received from a plurality of transducers within the present invention it is calculated by the computer control means 1, that the flywheel 7, of the present invention is working within predetermined parameters then signals from the computer control means 1, may be used to adjust the bearing support means 26, and thereby move to separate the two parts, part 28, and part 29, of the bearing 27, furthermore this adjustment may be made to the bearing support means 26, at the top of the rotating center shaft 15, and the bearing support means 26, at the bottom of the rotating center shaft 15.

(38) The top adjustable bearing support means 26, or the bottom bearing support means 26, or both bearing support means at the top and bottom may be adjusted into a position to where they thereby unclamp the rotating center shaft 15, and the flywheel 7, may then rotate freely, levitating on the magnetic bearing 44, of the present invention.

(39) The bearings 27, may provide stability to the flywheel 7, at times of excessive vibration but the frictional losses of the bearings 27, will reduce the speed of the flywheel by a small amount and thereby use valuable power.

(40) It is therefore an object of the present invention to conserve power by allowing the flywheel 7, to rotate freely supported only by the magnetic fields 44, and the adjustable magnetic lifting support means 31,

(41) The computer control means 1, may be programmed to move the adjustable bearing support means 26, when the flywheel 7, is within predetermined parameters and thereby release the bearings 27, from clamping the rotating center shaft 15, in this way it will be possible to conserve valuable power. To increase efficiency and to prolong the energy storage period of time 56, the computer control means 1, may be programmed to optimize the energy storage process of the present invention by unclamping the rotational center shaft 15, from the bearings 27, according to programmed parameters.

(42) FIG. 3 shows, how the force of a flywheel pushing down on to a bearing or bearings may be reduced by an adjustable magnetic lifting support means 31.

(43) The containment vessel 46, may house, one or more flywheels 7. The said flywheel 7, may be provided with a cavity 8, for retaining fluid 47, the said flywheel 7, may be physically connected to a central rotating shaft 15. The rotating center shaft 15, may rotate about a stationary center shaft 9. The rotating center shaft 15, and the stationary center shaft 9, may both be positioned about a common central axis of rotation 48.

(44) The rotating center shaft 15, may be rigidly attached to a magnetic core 33.

(45) The adjustable magnetic lifting support means 31, of the present invention may be housed within a containment vessel 46.

(46) Within the adjustable magnetic lifting support means 31, of the present invention there is further provided; a magnet 32. The said magnet 32, may be attached to a support plate 35, the said support plate 35, may be attached to an adjustment means 37, the support plate 35, may be further supported by one or more guide rails 36.

(47) The support plate 35, may have its position adjusted by the adjustment means 37, the position and movement of the adjustable magnetic lifting support means 31, may be controlled by the computer control means 1, of the present invention.

(48) The energy used by the magnetic fields 44, may be a considerable amount if the energy storage period 53, is prolonged. Furthermore the amount of energy used by the magnetic fields 44, will depend on a number of factors one of which may be the weight of the flywheel 7. For example if the flywheel 7, contains a substantial amount of fluid 47, within the cavities 8, then the weight pushing down on the magnetic fields 44, may require more power to maintain the required lift and levitation.

(49) To help reduce the power consumed by the magnetic fields 44, there is provided an adjustable magnetic lifting support means 31.

(50) A plurality of transducers within the containment vessel 46, of the present invention may provide signals to the computer control means 1, to enable the computer control means 1, to calculate the position of all moving parts within the present invention. After the computer control means 1, has performed these calculations signals may then be used to adjust the adjustable magnetic lifting support means 31.

(51) The computer control means 1, of the present invention may supply signals to the adjustable magnetic lifting support means 31, so that a controlled and constant adjustment of the position of the said adjustable magnetic lifting support means 31, may be made in order to maintain the optimum performance of the flywheel energy storage system.

(52) The position of the adjustable magnetic lifting support means 31 may be adjusted so that the magnet 32, will attract and lift the magnet 33, because the magnet 33, is attached to the rotating center shaft 15, the flywheel 7, will therefore be attracted upwards and the force pressing down on the magnetic fields 44 will be reduced.

(53) Therefore, to maintain the optimum efficiency of the flywheel energy storage system, the position of the adjustable magnetic lifting support means 31, may be constantly adjusted as the amount of fluid within the flywheel 7, is changing.

(54) FIG. 5, shows how the operating cycle of a flywheel energy storage system may be broken in to three distinct periods of time.

(55) The first period of time 55, may be the time when energy is transferred into the energy storage device from an external means.

(56) The second period of time 56 may be the time when energy is not being transferred into the energy storage device and energy is not being transferred out of the energy storage device. This is the period of time when most energy is being stored.

(57) The third period of time 57 is the time when the stored energy is being transferred out of the energy storage device.

(58) An object of the present invention is to reduce the level of energy losses of the stored energy during period 56, the vacuum pump 4, may maintain a reduced atmospheric pressure within the containment vessel 46, and the flywheel 7, may have its frictional losses reduced to a minimum by only levitating on the magnetic fields 44.

(59) During the second period of time 56, when the energy is not being transferred into the energy storage device or taken out of the energy storage device efficiency may be optimized if the bearings 27, are not clamping the rotating center shaft 15, this may be controlled by the computer control means but as previously stated will depend on the stability of the flywheel 7.

(60) FIG. 6 shows a flywheel system comprising a flywheel 7, in accordance with the previous embodiments herein described, and a stabilization system. The stabilization system comprises lifting means to support the rotating shaft 15, comprising a first toroidal magnet 10. The rotating shaft 15 comprises a second toroidal magnet 16 located coaxially with and above the first magnet 10. The magnets 10 and 16 hold the rotating shaft vertically using their respective magnetic fields. An identical arrangement is provided at the lower end of the rotating shaft 15, thereby establishing a top and bottom pair of stabilization pins to keep the rotating shaft 15 stable, whilst it rotates.

(61) When the system is rotating, the central processing unit 1 determined the amount of vertical movement required to decrease energy losses in the rotating flywheel due to friction in the bearings. At that time, a stepper motor moves raises the shaft vertically at the top and the top stabilization pin stays within the recess. At the same time, a stepper motor raises the bottom stabilization pin accordingly so that the pins remain in place, relative to the rotating shaft 15. The vertical position of the rotating shaft may be adjusted using electromagnets.

(62) A centralizing, or stabilizing, pin 60 is provided at the top and bottom of the stabilization system, which locates within a recess at the top end of the shaft 15. Should the shaft 15 deviate from a substantially vertical position, the internal surface of the recess touches the pin 60 and the system corrects itself and returns to a substantially vertical position. The position of the centralizing pin 60 is also height-wise adjustable and so can be raised or lowered so that it remains in the same position relative to the rotating shaft 15. It is envisaged that in a less preferable embodiment, the stabilizing pin may be provided only at one end of the shaft 15.

(63) The contents of GB1221186.8, filed on 24 Nov. 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.