REPULSIVE LIFT SYSTEMS, FLYWHEEL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS UTILIZING SUCH SYSTEMS AND METHODS RELATED THERETO

• Main Authors: FRASH, MARTIN, W, HOCKNEY, RICHARD, L, BRACKETT, NORMAN, C
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 13.04.2011
• Subjects: BEARINGS; BLASTING; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER; DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES; ELECTRICITY; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; GENERATION; HEATING; LIGHTING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; SHAFTS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; WEAPONS

Featured is a method for passively-repulsively lifting a rotor assembly (11) of a flywheel energy storage system (10), comprising the steps of mechanically coupling a first permanent magnet (204a) to the rotor assembly (11) and fixedly positioning a second permanent magnet (204b) proximal to the first permanent magnet (204a) so that a repulsive force is generated therebetween causing the first permanent magnet (204a) to move with respect to the second permanent magnet (204b), thereby causing the rotor assembly (11) to be lifted to an operating level. The method further includes applying a radial force sufficient in magnitude and direction to oppose a radial force being generated by the permanent magnet repulsive force. Also featured is a passive-repulsive rotor assembly lift system (100) for a flywheel energy storage system (10) and a flywheel energy storage system (10) including such a repulsive rotor lift system (100).