Patent ID: 8030787
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: H02K,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A flywheel system comprising: a rotatable assembly including a flywheel mass and variable speed synchronous reluctance motor-generator rotor; the flywheel mass and the synchronous reluctance motor-generator rotor located between upper and lower supports; the flywheel mass and the synchronous reluctance motor-generator rotor having a single, substantially vertical axis of rotation; the flywheel mass constrained to rotate in synchrony with the synchronous reluctance motor-generator rotor; a substantially non-magnetic part of the rotatable assembly defining a cavity therein; the cavity housing first and second abutting permanent magnets; a first fixed assembly including a first electrical stator adjacent to the cavity; a second fixed assembly including a second electrical stator adjacent to the synchronous reluctance motor-generator rotor; the upper support bearing the weight of the second electrical stator; a containment enveloping the rotating assembly and the first and second fixed assemblies; the flywheel system operable to supply an external load with electric power from the second stator; and, the flywheel system operable to supply a load critical to safe flywheel system operation with electric power from the first stator.