Flywheel arrangement

Abstract

A flywheel (6) is provided that comprises a rotatable shaft (7). At least one end of the rotatable shaft (7) is provided with a recess (51) and two magnets (15, 20, 31, 36). The flywheel (6) is provided with support means (18, 23, 34, 39) with the support means comprising: a first arrangement (18, 34) of magnets (17, 33) for vertical stabilization of the shaft (7); and a second arrangement (23, 39) of magnets (22, 38) for horizontal stabilization of the shaft (7). The first of the two magnets (15, 31) of the shaft (7) interacts with the first arrangement (18, 34) and the second of the two magnets (20, 36) interacts with the second arrangement (23, 39).

Claims

1. A flywheel arrangement comprising: a flywheel having a rotatable shaft; a first support and a second support; the rotatable shaft is supported within the first and second supports by a pin and recess arrangement at one end of the rotatable shaft; two magnets disposed at the one end of the rotatable shaft; a horizontal stabilization magnet disposed on the first support and interacting with a first one of the two magnets for horizontal stabilization of the rotatable shaft; a vertical stabilization magnet disposed on the second support and interacting with a second one of the two magnets for vertical stabilization of the rotatable shaft; and wherein a respective vertical position of each of the first and second supports can be adjusted to alter a vertical position of the rotatable shaft.

2. A flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal stabilization magnet is a toroidal magnet and wherein the first one of the two magnets is arranged coaxially with and within the horizontal stabilization magnet.

3. A flywheel arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the first one of the two magnets is a toroidal magnet which has a smaller diameter than a diameter of the horizontal stabilization magnet.

4. A flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the vertical stabilization magnet is a toroidal magnet and wherein the second one of the two magnets is arranged coaxially with the vertical stabilization magnet.

5. A flywheel arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the second one of the two magnets is a toroidal magnet which has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of the vertical stabilization magnet and the second one of the two magnets is positioned above the vertical stabilization magnet.

6. A flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising: a second end of the rotatable shaft; a third support and a fourth support; two magnets disposed at the second end of the rotatable shaft.

7. A flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the pin is electrically conductive.

8. A flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a computer is provided to monitor the vertical position of the rotatable shaft and to adjust the first and second supports to alter the vertical position of the rotatable shaft.

9. A flywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a stepper motor adjusts the vertical position of the rotatable shaft.

Description

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

(2) FIG. 1 shows how a flywheel containing fluid may be housed within a containment tank.

(3) FIG. 2 shows how the different components of the present invention may be arranged.

(4) FIG. 3 shows how a top centralising pin may be situated in relation to a top vertical array of magnets

(5) FIG. 4 shows how a bottom centralising pin may be situated in relation to a vertical array of magnets

(6) FIG. 5 shows how a vertical array of magnets and a horizontal array of magnets may be arranged

(7) FIG. 6 shows how a horizontal array of magnets may be incorrectly aligned

(8) FIG. 7 shows how a horizontal array of magnets may be correctly aligned

(9) FIG. 8 shows how a horizontal array of magnets may be incorrectly aligned

(10) FIG. 9 shows how a centralising pin may be used to provide a switched electrical input signal to the computer control means

(11) FIG. 10, shows how the magnetic poles of the magnets in a horizontal array of magnets within the present invention may be arranged.

(12) FIG. 11, shows how the magnetic poles of the magnets in a vertical array of magnets within the present invention may be arranged;

(13) FIG. 12 shows an operating cycle of a flywheel according to the present invention; and

(14) FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment of the present invention.

(15) FIGS. 1 and 2, show how there is provided a containment tank 1, for housing one or more flywheels 6. The said containment tank 1, may be attached to a vacuum pump 11 to at least partially evacuate the containment tank 1. The flywheel 6, is provided with a cavity 49, for retaining fluid, the said flywheel 6, may be physically attached to a rotating centre shaft 7, by a plurality of horizontal baffles 8, the said horizontal baffles 8, may be supported by vertical baffles 9. The horizontal baffles 8, may be provided with holes 52, to allow fluid to pass freely from one compartment of the flywheel 6, to another. The vertical baffles 9, may be provided with holes 53, to allow fluid to pass freely from one compartment of the flywheel 6, to another.

(16) FIG. 2, shows how the rotating centre shaft 7, may be securely connected to a top thrust bearing rotating part 25, and a bottom thrust bearing rotating part 41. FIG. 2 also shows how the bottom thrust bearing none-rotating part 42, may be supported by a bottom thrust bearing support means 43, and the top thrust bearing none-rotating part 26, may be supported by a top thrust bearing support means 27.

(17) FIG. 2 shows how the top thrust bearing none-rotating part 26, and the bottom thrust bearing none-rotating part 42, may not be physically connected to the rotating centre shaft 7.

(18) FIG. 2 shows how a combined motor and or generator and or turbine unit 10, may be connected to the rotating centre shaft 7.

(19) FIG. 2 shows how a fluid reservoir 45, may be situated below the flywheel 6, and a fluid transfer means 46, may be attached to the flywheel 6, the fluid transfer means 46, may transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir 45, into and out of the interior of the flywheel 6.

(20) FIG. 3 shows how a vertical array of permanent magnets may be situated at or near to the top end of the vertically aligned rotating centre shaft 7, where the rotating magnet 15, may be physically connected to the rotating centre shaft 7, and supported by a magnet support means 16.

(21) FIG. 3 shows how a top vertical array of magnets may contain a non-rotating permanent magnet 17, and the said non-rotating permanent magnet 17, which may be supported by a vertically adjustable support means 18.

(22) FIG. 3 shows how a horizontal array of permanent magnets may be situated at or near to the top end of the rotating centre shaft 7. The said horizontal array of permanent magnets may contain a rotating magnet 20, and a none-rotating magnet 22. In one embodiment of the present invention the said none-rotating magnet 22, may be supported by a vertically adjustable magnet support means 23. In another embodiment of the present invention the none-rotating magnet 22, and the magnet support means 23, may be fixed and not adjustable.

(23) FIG. 3 shows how a top centralising pin 12, may be situated at the top of the rotating centre shaft 7. The conical, or tapered, tip 50, of the centralising pin 12, may be seated in the recess 51, of the rotating centre shaft 7.

(24) Bottom

(25) FIG. 4 also shows how a vertical array of permanent magnets may be situated at or near to the bottom end of the vertically aligned rotating centre shaft 7, where the rotating magnet 31, may be physically connected to the rotating centre shaft 7, and supported by a magnet support means 32.

(26) FIG. 4 shows how a bottom vertical array of permanent magnets may contain a non-rotating magnet 33, and the said magnet may be supported by a vertically adjustable support means 34.

(27) FIG. 4, shows how a horizontal array of permanent magnets may be situated at or near to the bottom end of the rotating centre shaft 7. The said horizontal array may consist of a rotating magnet 36, and a none-rotating magnet 38. The rotating magnet 36, may be supported by a support means 37, and the none-rotating magnet 38 may be supported by a support means 39.

(28) In one embodiment of the present invention the said non-rotating magnet 38, may be supported by a vertically adjustable support means 39. In another embodiment of the present invention the none-rotating magnet 38, and the magnet support means 39, may be fixed and not adjustable.

(29) FIG. 4 shows how a bottom centralising pin 28, may be situated at the bottom end of the rotating centre shaft 7. The conical tip 50, may be positioned to fit neatly into the recess 51, of the rotating centre shaft 7.

(30) To Store Energy within the Flywheel

(31) FIG. 12, shows the three periods of the operating cycle of a flywheel energy storage system.

(32) When the operating cycle of a flywheel energy storage system begins, the computer control means 48, of the present invention monitors the speed and mass of the flywheel 6. During the first period 65, of the operating cycle, in order to hold the rotating centre shaft in such a position as to allow the rotating part 25, and the none-rotating parts 26, of top thrust bearing 24, to remain in contact with each other and the rotating part 41, and the none-rotating parts 42, of bottom thrust bearing 40, to remain in contact with each other, the computer control means 48, provides coordinated electrical signals to the top centralising pin adjustment means 13, and the bottom centralising pin adjustment means 29, and the top vertical array of magnets adjustment means 18, and the bottom vertical array of magnets adjustment means 34, and the top horizontal array of magnets adjustment means 23, and the bottom horizontal array of magnets adjustment means 39. In this way all of the moving parts and adjustment means may maintain the rotating centre shaft 7, and the flywheel 6 in a stable position.

(33) When the opening cycle of the flywheel energy storage system moves in to the second period 66, fluid in the form of water, is pumped into the fluid reservoir inside tank 45. From there the fluid is pumped into the flywheel 6 such that it enters into the cavity 49, which is in the form of a peripheral reservoir.

(34) As the cycle moves into the second period 66 of the operating cycle in order to lift the rotating centre shaft 7, so that the rotating part 25, and the non-rotating part 26, of the top thrust bearing 24, are not in contact with each other and the rotating part 41, and the non-rotating part 42 of the bottom thrust bearing 40 are not in contact with each other, the computer control means provides coordinated electrical signals to the top centralising pin adjustment means 13, the bottom centralising pin adjustment means 29, the top vertical array of magnets adjustment means 18, the bottom vertical array of magnets adjustment means 34, the top horizontal array of magnets adjustment means 23, and the bottom horizontal array of magnets adjustment means 39. In this way all of the moving parts and adjustment means may move the rotating centre shaft into a position where the rotating centre shaft 7 and the flywheel 6 is arranged in a stable position.

(35) For the coordinated control of the system, the computer control means 48, using a plurality of sensors, measures the fluid flow into and out of the flywheel 6. To compensate for the different amounts of fluid within the flywheel 6, at any particular time, the computer control means 48, vertically adjusts the position of the none-rotating magnets 17, of the top vertical array of magnets and the none-rotating magnet 33, of the bottom vertical array of magnets. As can be seen from FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 the permanent magnets of the top and bottom vertical array of magnets may be positioned so that like poles are facing each other, therefor when the top adjustment means 18, lifts the none-rotating magnet 17, and the bottom adjustment means 34, lifts the non-rotating magnet 33, vertically upwards the opposing magnetic field pushes the rotating magnet upwards and the supporting means 16, and the support means 32, then lifts the rotating centre shaft 7, into a position calculated by the computer control means and corresponding to the amount of fluid within the flywheel.

(36) When the opening cycle of the flywheel energy storage system moves in to the third period 67, of the operating cycle in order to lower the rotating centre shaft 7, so that the rotating part 25, and the non-rotating part 26, of the top and thrust bearing 24, are reconnected with each other and the rotating part 41, and the non-rotating part 42, of the bottom thrust bearing 40, are also reconnected with each other, the computer control means 48, may provide coordinated electrical signals to the top centralising pin adjustment means 13, the bottom centralising pin adjustment means 29, the top vertical array of magnets adjustment means 18, the bottom vertical array of magnets adjustment means 34, the top horizontal array of magnets adjustment means 23, and the bottom horizontal array of magnets adjustment means 39. In this way all of the moving parts and adjustment means may maintain the rotating centre shaft 7, and the flywheel 6, in a stable position resting on the thrust bearings of the present invention.

(37) The fluid in the cavity 49 may be allowed to drain back into the internal reservoir 45 to reduce the inertia of the flywheel 6.

(38) Centralising Pin Support and Adjustment Means

(39) The position of the centralising pins of the present invention may be adjusted in a vertical direction.

(40) FIG. 3, shows how in one embodiment of the present invention the computer control means 48, may be used to provide a plurality of electrical signals to drive a stepper motor 54, the signals may be used to drive the said stepper motor in incremental steps, the stepper motor 54, may be used to drive a series of timing belts 55, and pulleys 56, and 57. The computer controlled adjustment of the stepper motor 54, and pulleys 56, and 57, may be used to accurately adjust the vertical positioning of the top centralising pin.

(41) FIG. 4, shows how in one embodiment of the present invention the computer control means 48, may be used to provide a plurality of electrical signals to drive a stepper motor 58, the signals may be used to drive the said stepper motor in incremental steps, the stepper motor 58, may be used to drive a series of timing belts 59, and pulleys 62, and 63. The computer controlled adjustment of the stepper motor 58, and pulleys 62, and 63, may be used to accurately adjust the vertical positioning of the bottom centralising pin.

(42) FIG. 9, shows how a centralising pin 28, and the centralising pin 12, may be used to provide a switched signal to or from the computer control means 48.

(43) It is important to note that the vertical position of the top centralising pin 12, and the vertical position of the bottom centralising pin 28, may be adjusted by the top centralising pin adjustment means 13, and the bottom centralising pin adjustment means 29, and to aid in the accurate positioning of both the top and bottom centralising pins each pin may be used as separate switches to conduct electricity and provide signals back to the computer control means 48. The switched feedback signals from the centralising pins may be used to accurately control the signals to the stepper motors so that a measured amount of pressure is placed upon the rotating centre shaft by the centralising pins.

(44) Where the connection between the centralising pin 12 and/or 28 and the rotating centre shaft 7 is broken, the rotating centre shaft 7 can be vertically adjusted by moving the magnet arrangements to re-establish the connection.

(45) It is an object of the present invention to provide an individual stepper motor which may be fitted to each individual adjustment means within the present invention to enable accurate positioning of all adjustable support means.

(46) It is an object of the present invention to provide a horizontal array of permanent magnets the said horizontal array of permanent magnets may be situated at or near to the top and or bottom of a vertically aligned rotating centre shaft 7.

(47) FIG. 6, shows how the horizontal array of the permanent magnets of the present invention may be misaligned with the centre line 69, of the none-rotating magnet 38, may be above the centre line 68, of the rotating magnet 36.

(48) FIG. 8, shows how the horizontal array of the permanent magnets of the present invention may be misaligned with the centre line 69, of the none-rotating magnet 38, may be below the centre line 68, of the rotating magnet 36.

(49) FIG. 7, shows how the horizontal array of the permanent magnets of the present invention may be correctly aligned with the centre line 69, of the none-rotating magnet 38, may be at the same vertical height as the centre line 68, of the rotating magnet 36.

(50) To achieve the optimum performance and stability of the flywheel containing fluid it is important that the computer control means 48, maintains the position of all of the adjustment means within the present invention so that the vertical positioning of the rotating centre shaft 7, is such that the position of the horizontal array of permanent magnets is aligned as shown in FIG. 7.

(51) The flywheel of the present invention may be substantially hollow and during the operating cycle fluid may be transferred into or out of the flywheel to increase or decrease the mass of the flywheel.

(52) For the coordinated control of the of all of the adjustment means within the computer control means 48, using a plurality of sensors, measures the volume and velocity of the fluid flow into and out of the flywheel 6. To compensate for the different amounts of fluid within the flywheel 6, at any particular time, the computer control means 48, vertically adjusts the position of the none-rotating magnets 15, of the top vertical array of magnets and the none-rotating magnet 33, of the bottom vertical array of magnets.

(53) FIG. 11, shows how the rotating permanent magnets 31, and the none-rotating permanent magnets 33, of the bottom vertical array of magnets may be positioned so that like poles of the magnets are facing each other, therefor when the adjustment means 34, is adjusted to lift the none-rotating magnets 33, vertically upwards the opposing magnetic field pushes the rotating magnet 31 upwards and the supporting means 32 then lifts the rotating centre shaft 7, into a position calculated by the computer control means and corresponding to the amount of fluid within the flywheel. Both the top and bottom vertical array of magnets operate in the same way in order to lift the rotating centre shaft 7.

(54) FIG. 9, shows how a centralising pin may be used to provide a switched signal to or from the computer control means.

(55) FIG. 13 shows an adjustment means, or adjustable magnetic support means, 101, which is securely attached to one or more magnet securing means 18. The magnet securing means 18, is used to securely hold the magnet 17 so that it will move in a vertical axis when the adjustable magnetic support means 101, is moved vertically. A magnet securing means 16, is used to securely hold a magnet 15. The magnets 15, and 17, are aligned so that the opposite poles of the magnet are facing each other and, thus, the magnets are attracted to one another and the pull towards each other. As a result of the attraction between magnets 15 and 17, when the adjustment means 18 is moved upwards in a substantially vertical direction, the magnetic field interactions between magnets 15 and 17 cause magnet 17 to exert a force on magnet 15, which will in turn force the rotating centre shaft 7, to also move in an upward direction along the vertical axis. An insulator 100, may be used to electrically insulate the centralising pin 12 from the adjustment means 101.

(56) It is important to note that the vertical position of the top centralising pin 12, and the vertical position of the bottom centralising pin 28, may be adjusted by the top centralising pin adjustment means 13, and the bottom centralising pin adjustment means 29, and to aid in the accurate positioning of both the top and bottom centralising pins each pin may be used as a switch to conduct electricity and provide a signal back to the computer control means 48. The switched feedback signal from the centralising pin may be used to accurately control the signals to the stepper motor so that a measured amount of pressure is placed upon the rotating centre shaft by the centralising pins.

(57) In another embodiment of the present invention all of the adjustment means within the present invention may be provided by a series of pistons and cylinders and a controlled hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to move all adjustment means. The computer control means may be used to adjust pressures to pistons and cylinders in order to accurately adjust the position of all adjustment means within the present invention. A plurality of sensors within the present invention may provide the computer control means with signals to aid the computer control means to determine how much pressure is needed in each cylinder to accurately position each adjustment means.

(58) The flywheel may comprise a peripheral reservoir created by the cavities 49.

(59) The top and/or bottom pins may be moved in combination with the magnetic support and stabilisation means so that the pin(s) may act to stabilise the rotatable centre shaft. In a particularly advantageous method of operating the system, once the flywheel is rotating, the shaft is raised using the vertical support arrangement to reduce the friction. At the same time, the pin(s) may be raised to keep in contact with the shaft with the whole arrangement moving in combination. The contact should be minimal and the pin(s) should be just touching the shaft in order to keep the shaft in a stable, substantially vertical, alignment. Where the pins comprise an electrical contact, the overall contact between the pins and the shaft can be monitored by the computer to reduce the contact, and thus the frictional interference, preferably making this as low as possible. In an alternative arrangement, it might be desirable for the pins to be fixed relative to the shaft and the shaft adjusted vertically without the pin(s) moving in combination with the support.

(60) The magnet supporting means may be brackets to which magnets are connected.

(61) Below is a list of the components show in the attached drawings. 1 Containment Tank 2 Containment tank wall 3 Containment tank top lid 4 Containment tank bottom lid 5 Central axis of rotation 6 Flywheel 7 Rotating centre shaft 8 Flywheel horizontal baffles 9 Flywheel vertical baffles 10 Combined Motor/Generator/Turbine 11 Vacuumed pump 12 Top centralising pin 13 Top centralising pin support and adjustment means 14 Top vertical array of magnets 15 Rotating magnet 16 Rotating magnet support means 17 Non-rotating magnet 18 Non-rotating magnet support and adjustment means 19 Top horizontal array of magnets 20 Rotating magnet 21 Rotating magnet support means 22 Non-rotating magnet 23 Non rotating magnet support and adjustment means 24 Top Thrust bearing 25 Top thrust bearing rotating part 26 Top thrust bearing none-rotating part 27 Top thrust bearing none-rotating part support means 28 Bottom centralising pin 29 Bottom centralising pin support and adjustment means 30 Bottom vertical array of magnets 31 Rotating magnet 32 Rotating magnet support means 33 Non-rotating magnet 34 Non-rotating magnet support and adjustment means 35 Bottom horizontal array of magnets 36 Rotating magnet 37 Rotating magnet support means 38 Non-rotating magnet 39 Non rotating magnet support and adjustment means 40 Bottom Thrust bearing 41 Bottom thrust bearing rotating part 42 Bottom thrust bearing none-rotating part 43 Bottom thrust bearing none-rotating part support means 44 Fluid reservoir outside tank 45 Fluid reservoir inside tank 46 Fluid transfer means 47 Fluid pump 48 Computer control means 49 Cavity 50 Centralising pin coned tip 51 Rotating centre shaft recess 52 Holes in horizontal baffle 53 Holes in vertical baffle 54 Stepper motor 55 Timing belt 56 Pulley 1 57 Pulley 2 58 Stepper motor 59 Timing belt 60 Computer input terminal 61 Computer input terminal 62 Pulley 3 63 Pulley 4 64 Fluid 65 Operating cycle first period 66 Operating cycle second period 67 Operating cycle third period 68 Centre line 69 Centre line