Abstract:
A system comprising at least one flywheel, a first motor, a dynamo, and a second motor. The first motor may consuming electrical power and urging rotation of the flywheel. The dynamo may use rotational energy received from the flywheel to generate electrical power. The second motor may consuming at least a portion of the electrical power generated by the dynamo. Also, the second motor may have a rating corresponding to a maximum consumption of electrical power that is more than double the maximum consumption of electrical power of the first motor.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/840,829 filed Aug. 29, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. The Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to electrical power generation and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for utilize stored kinetic energy to overcome certain obstacles typically found in electrical power generation systems. 
         [0004]    2. The Background Art 
         [0005]    In various environments, power may be available in only one mode. For example, in third world countries, single phase power may be available. Also, that power may only be available on a limited basis. By contrast, various industrial equipment may require three phase power or greater power infrastructure that is available. 
         [0006]    Also, most electrical equipment has the ability to operate with a much lower power rating than may at first appear. For example, electrical equipment typically draws maximum current at zero velocity. A motor may draw maximum current in a stalled configuration. Thus, at start-up, an electrical motor may draw maximum current and must receive the full, rated load. 
         [0007]    However, once a motor is operated it may never draw its rated current unless it again is stalled. That is, if a load is so large that it brings the engine to a virtual stop, then the motor may again draw full current. This is the situation that results in failed motors. That is, the motor may stall and draw too much current for too long, resulting in overheating, melted insolation, electrical shorts, and destruction of the motor. 
         [0008]    Nevertheless, since most electrical equipment does not actually operate at its fully rated load, it does not actually require during operation an infrastructure that supports the fully rated load. What is needed is a mechanisms that bridges the gap between the available electrical infrastructure and the requirements of typical industrial equipment. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a method and apparatus are disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including an improved system for surviving initial transients and supporting the operation of electrical equipment at its actual operating requirements. In one embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the invention may rely on an initial power source or motor. For example, a comparatively smaller electrical motor (e.g., a five horse power motor) may operate as a single phased or multi-phased device from the current and voltage typically available. Opposite this comparatively lower rated system may be a dynamo or generator providing power to a larger motor (e.g., a fifty horse power motor), which may operate at a different phase, such as a three-phase configuration. 
         [0010]    Between the comparatively lower powered motor, and the dynamo supporting a larger motor may be a mechanical buffer storing mechanical energy. The buffer or kinetic energy storage device may store energy deliverable to the dynamo. The kinetic energy storage device may accommodate and ameliorate start-up transients of the larger motor driven by the dynamo. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the dynamo may be configured to keep the windings as close to the central shaft as possible, which may provide improved magnetic performance in a minimum envelope. Accordingly, in certain embodiments the dynamo may provide increased magnetic fields over conventional apparatus designed for similar purposes. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The foregoing features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic plot diagram of an apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is perspective view of one embodiment of the mechanical and electrical apparatus implementing the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one embodiment of staged apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dynamo in accordance with the invention for use in the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rotor for the dynamo of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is an end elevation view of one embodiment of a magnetic pole plate for the dynamo of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a partially disassembled shaft and two poles of the dynamo of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the assembled poles of the dynamo in  FIG. 1 , absent the windings around the poles; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of a control panel for the control system of an apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an exciter circuit in accordance with the invention; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a schematic block diagram of a method for operating an apparatus in accordance with the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a system  10  may include a power source  12  operating through a transmission  14  to deliver energy to a kinetic energy storing device  16 . The power source  12  may actually be any power source whether mechanical, hydrodynamic, chemical, or the like. In certain embodiments, the power source  12  may be a motor connected to a local infrastructure of a village, community, industrial plant, or the like 
         [0026]    In the illustrated embodiment, the storage device  16  may transmit power through a transmission  18  to a dynamo  20 , generator  20 , or the like. The dynamo  20  may, in turn, service a load  22  such as a motor. In the illustrated embodiment the power source  12  may typically be a motor having a substantially lower rating, and even a different phase arrangement than the load  22  serviced by the dynamo  20 . 
         [0027]    For example, an apparatus in accordance with the invention was developed having a power source  12  rated at about 5 horsepower. By contrast, the load  22  was a 25 horsepower motor driving a process in an industrial environment with a duty cycle of about 75%. Accordingly, the load  22  appeared to be drawing  25  horse power on a 75% duty cycle. As a practical matter, however, the power source  12  having only a rating of 5 horse power was adequate. 
         [0028]    It should be understood that a load  22  may be rated in order to operate in all circumstances. The start-up load, or the start-up current drawn by a load  22  may be significant. Accordingly, the motor representing the load  22  must have wiring, voltage, insolation, and so forth properly rated for start-up. In the illustrated embodiment, an apparatus actually tested relied on the kinetic energy storage device  16  to provide the start-up energy to the dynamo  20  serving the load  22 . In this way, the buffer provided by the storage device  16  provided the rating demand by the load  22 . The power source  12  was never required to support that demand on a moment-by-moment basis. 
         [0029]    A dynamo  20  and load  22  may be selected with a rating much greater than that of the power source  12 . Nevertheless, in an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention, a derating is possible by simply overcoming any transient conditions imposed by the load  22 . Accordingly, so long as the kinetic energy storage device  16  is capable of supporting the transient power drawn by the load  22 , the power source  12  may be derated far below the power rating of the dynamo  20  or generator  20 . For example, in selected embodiments, the rating of a power source  12  may be as small as one tenth the power rating of the dynamo  20  or load  22 . 
         [0030]    In the illustrated embodiment, a control system  24  may act to control the mechanical electrical equipment and connections therebetween. In selected embodiments, a control system  24  may include a controller. A controller  26  may be a processor-based controller, an analog controller, or some combination thereof. In general, the controller  26  receives information from a sensor suite  28 . The sensor suite  28 , in turn receives position, rotational speeds, power, current, and voltage readings, or the like, by electrical, mechanical, or other data transmission formats from one or more of the power source  12 , transmission  14 , storage device  16 , transmission  18 , dynamo  20 , and a line to the load  22 . A sensor suite  28  may measure any electrical or mechanical signal by measurement and reporting mechanisms as known in the art. For example, strip chart recorders, mechanical dials, gages, various types of meters, and data outputs may be incorporated within sensor suite  28 . 
         [0031]    Likewise, an actuator suite  30  may act to impose conditions or instructions in order to control the power source  12 , transmission  14 , energy storage device  16 , transmission  18 , dynamo  20 , load  22 , alone, individually, or in combination as needed. In one embodiment, the controller  26  may provide digital processor control of the actuator suite  30 . Accordingly, the actuator suite  30  may include mechanical, electrical, and data inputs to anyone of the elements  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  in the system  10 . For example, the actuator suite  30  may include controllers and solenoids to disengage clutches in the transmissions  14 ,  18 , or to actuate a break on the energy storage device  16 , or to provide an excitation voltage to a dynamo  20 , and so forth. 
         [0032]    Referring the  FIGS. 2-3 , an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention may include a frame  32 . A frame  32  may include or be covered by an enclosure  33 . In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  32  may support power source  12  rotating a shaft  34 , which may in turn drive one or more pulleys  36  secured thereto. For example, a pulley  36  may connect to a belt  38 . In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of pulleys  36  drive multiple belts  38  rotating a pulley  40  and shaft  42  associated with the kinetic energy storage device  16 . With each pulley  36 ,  40  rigidly secured to its corresponding shaft  34 ,  42 , the belts  38  may drive the shafts  34 ,  42  at the respective angular velocities determined by the ratios of the diameters of their respected pulleys  32 ,  40 . 
         [0033]    In certain embodiments, it has been found that the pulleys  36 ,  40  may be separated from direct operation with one another by a transmission  14  or clutch mechanism  14 . The clutch may be a plate, a hydrodynamic type, or the like. In certain embodiments, a tensioning clutch may simply release the tensions on the belts  38 , thus reducing friction to such a low level that no significant damage is done to the belts  38 , yet the belts  38  do not engage the pulleys  36 ,  40 . 
         [0034]    Whether used for clutching, or simply for maintaining proper frictional loads, the belts  38  may be tensioned by movement of the shaft  34 . For example, the power source  12  may be mounted to the frame  32  in such a way as to be slidable moveable. In selected embodiments, a tensioner  44  may slide the mount below the power source  12  along the frame  32  in order to put more or less tension on the belts  38 . Other mechanisms that operate more rapidly may include levers, and the like. For example, an idler wheel on a lever may also add tension to the belts  38 . By being moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position, an idler, may take up slack in the belts  38 , thus controlling the tension. Such a mechanism may provide clutching (e.g., form a transmission  14 ) between the two pulleys  36 ,  40 , by releasing the tension, or simply controlling the tension in an orderly fashion in order to spin the shaft  42  up to operating speeds. 
         [0035]    In certain embodiments, an energy storage device  16  may be embodied as one or more flywheels  46  or weighted wheels  46 . A flywheel  46  in accordance with the present invention may be of any suitable size. Accordingly, for example, a pair of flywheels  46   a ,  46   b  having a diameter of from about one to three feet, may rotate with the shaft  42  of the system  10 . In one embodiment, flywheels  46  having diameters of about two feet may successfully operate between a power source  12  rated at about 10 horsepower a load  22  rated at about 25 horsepower. 
         [0036]    Just as a first transmission  14  maybe implemented as a system of belts  38  and pulleys  36 ,  40  a second transmission  18  may be implemented in the same or different manner. For example, gear drives are possible. However, gear drives tend to require more precision. Likewise, the systems of belts  38 ,  48  in the illustrated embodiment may be implemented in comparatively low-technology environments. Technology has provided belts for automobiles that withstand many millions of cycles before failure. Meanwhile, traditionally, various types of belts  38 , 48  have been made of leather and other natural materials. Accordingly, an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention may be implemented in a very robust arrangement such that native materials and technologies may still be applied when needed. Nevertheless, the transmissions  14 , 18 , maybe implemented in any suitable format including the use of belts, gears, chains, sprockets, hydrodynamic circuits, continuously variable transmissions, plates, and the like. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, a pulley (not shown) on the shaft  42  associated with the energy storage device  16  may drive belts  48  secure to one or more pulleys  50  on the dynamo  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the pulleys  50  attached to a shaft  52  rotate the moveable elements of the dynamo  20  to produce power. 
         [0038]    In certain embodiments, a control system  24  may include a user interface  54 . A user interface  54  may be adapted to the to provide inputs and outputs useful for an operator. For example, a user interface may include various switches, status indicators, display screens, and the like. 
         [0039]    In certain embodiments, a system  10  in accordance with the present invention may be cascaded or staged. That is, multiple systems  10   a ,  10   b  may be linked together. This may provide for the output of one system  10   a  becoming the input for the next system  10   b . For example, in one embodiment, flywheels  46  may be manufactured at a maximum available, practical size. If that size is insufficient, then to two or more systems  10   a ,  10   b  maybe staged in order to provide additional energy storage. Accordingly, the ultimate output of the systems  10   a ,  10   b  may be able to tolerate greater transients, by virtue of additional storage devices  16  and storage capacity. However, in selected embodiments, certain additional stages  10  may omit the kinetic energy storage device  16 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , an apparatus  10  may include a dynamo  20 . A dynamo  20  may be selected or sized to provide the desired output. Accordingly, dynamos  20  of a wide range may be suitable for use in accordance with the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, a dynamo  20  may be rated as a twenty-five kilowatt power generator. In certain embodiments, a dynamo  20  may receive a low amperage direct current (DC) voltage in conjunction with mechanical rotation to generate a three phase, high amperage, fifty to sixty Hertz, alternating current (AC) output voltage. A dynamo  20  in accordance with the present invention may be incorporate the ability to turn the exciter voltage on and off. A dynamo  20  may also include dual stator windings, make the invention uniquely powerful. 
         [0041]    A dynamo  20  in accordance with the present invention may run very cool and not generate much heat due. It may also be lightweight, portable, and robust. The input DC voltage may typically range from about 12 VDC to about 48 VDC and may be increased in about 2-volt increments. The incremental DC voltage may stabilize the output voltage resulting from load variations. 
         [0042]    In selected embodiments, a dynamo  20  may rotate at approximately 1500 RPM (e.g., in a 50 Hz system). Other rotational speeds may also be implemented. For example, a 60 Hz system may rotate at about 1800 RPM. Eddy current losses associated with a dynamo in accordance with the present invention may be less than those of previous devices, making it much more efficient. In one embodiment, a twenty-five kilowatt dynamo may be about ten inches in diameter and seven inches long. This may be significantly smaller than previous dynamos. The use of high-grade electrical steel may contribute to the efficiency of the Dynamo design. 
         [0043]    In certain embodiments, the shaft  52  of a dynamo  20  may freely rotate prior to the DC exciter voltage being applied. Rotating the dynamo  20  to the operational speed (e.g., 1500/1800 RPM or the like) prior to turning on the DC exciter voltage may greatly reduce start-up torsional loads of the dynamo  20 . That is, in traditional systems, the DC excitement of a dynamo occurs whenever the system is rotating, causing voltage surges and large initial torsional loads. These voltage surges may damage motor drive systems. A dynamo  20  in accordance with the present invention may generate only a minimal surge. 
         [0044]    After establishing a constant rotational speed (e.g., 1500 RPM), the DC excitement current may be switched on. At this point, a dynamo  20  may become an electromagnet producing a torsional load on the system. In selected embodiments, the stator of the dynamo  20  may output a three phase, high amperage, AC voltage. 
         [0045]    In certain embodiments, a housing  56  of a dynamo  20  may be provided with convection enhancements  58 . For example, fins, oil-filled radiation panels, heat sinks, and the like maybe provide to remove excess heat from the dynamo  20 . In certain embodiments, the housing  56  provided with convection enhancements  58  may reject heat to the ambient air or other fluid. Typically, oil cooling may be used in electrical equipment to good effect since many oils are electrical insulators. In other environments, where seals are adequate, and the metals may prevent corrosion, water cooling may be very effective. By any such mode, convection enhancements  58  may improve the rejection of heat due to electrical losses in the dynamo  20  to the environment. 
         [0046]    In certain embodiments, a dynamo  20  may include a base  60 . A base  60  may mount to the frame  32  of an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention. The frame  32  and base  60  may be configured to provide relative motion therebetween. That is, for example, the tensioner  44  on the motor  12  or power source  12  may provide control of the tension in the belts  38 . By the same token, the belts  48  may be provided with a relief of tension by relative motion between the base  60  and the frame  32 . 
         [0047]    A dynamo  20  may include a stator internal thereto of any suitable configuration. Typically, the stator will involve cores and windings to maintain the electrical field for generation of electricity. The stator, will typically be configured in conjunction with a rotor to provide the proper sequencing of magnetic pulses there between. 
         [0048]    In selected embodiments, the stator of a dynamo  20  in accordance with the present invention may be wound using 18 AWG copper wire and follow the standard “basket” type of winding. When winding the stator, the wire may be wound as a pair of wires. In certain embodiments of the present invention, there may be 36 rooms in a 25 KW dynamo stator housing. That is, there may be four poles in the stator and each pole may contains nine rooms. The rooms in each pole may be wired in series, room by room. Each pole winding may output two wires. At two wires per pole and a total of four poles, eight wires may be connected in parallel to the four stator contact points. The stator wiring may be laminated, thus insulating the stator wiring from the alternator poles. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , in selected embodiments, a rotor  62  may spin within the housing  56  and inside of the stator of a dynamo  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor may be provided with various poles  64 . The number of poles  64  may vary to provide the desired result. For example, one dynamo  20  in accordance with the present invention comprises four removable poles  64   a ,  64   b ,  64   c , and  64   d . The poles  64  may be magnetic poles. In selected embodiments, the poles  64  may be made of a series of metal plates  66 . For example, the plates  66  may be made from a specially treated, high quality electrical steel. The plates  66  may be thin, small, and insulated. The plates  66  may be symmetric about the center line to avoid imbalance during operation. The plates  66  may also be individually laminated. This lamination may seal and electrically insulate each plate from its adjoining neighbor. 
         [0050]    Each of the plates  66  may include an interior edge  68  conformed to the circumference of the shaft  52 . The exterior edges  70  of each of the plates  66  may be conformed to an inner diameter of the stator of the dynamo  20 . Each of the plates  66  may have a thickness selected to minimize any eddy current losses within the plate  66 . Various types of magnet steels from carefully crystallized and oriented metallurgy to amorphous metals may be used. In certain experimental arrangements, plates along the order of 0.050 inches to about 0.075 inches in thickness have been found to operate effectively. 
         [0051]    In general, each of the exterior edges  70  of the plates  66  in a single stack effectively conform to a single solid outer surface of that particular respective pole  64 . Meanwhile, all of the poles  64 , with their corresponding exterior edges  70  form an envelope or circumference defining a circle of rotation. Of course, balancing is extremely important at the high rotational velocities of the shaft  52  and corresponding poles  64 . 
         [0052]    In certain embodiments, the plates  66  may be provided with apertures  72  aligned to bind tightly together all of the plates  66  in a single pole  64 . Accordingly, a variety of apertures  72  may be provided at strategic locations where they may provide the best mechanical advantage and provide the least interference with magnetic activity within the plates  66 . 
         [0053]    Fasteners  74  may penetrate through the respective apertures  72  securing the poles  64  together. Likewise, apertures  76  formed radially through each of the poles  64  may act to secure the poles  64  on opposite sides of the shaft  52 . Apertures  78  may be formed in the shaft  52  to receive the fasteners securing the cores  64  or poles  64  together through the aperture  76 . 
         [0054]    In certain embodiments, the plates  66  of the rotor  62  may be formed to be a single piece of metal having apertures. That is, the openings illustrated in  FIG. 8  between the various magnet cores  64  or poles  64  may actually be formed in single metal plates. However, it has been found that forming the plates  66  to be separated from one another, in an axial direction across the shaft  52  provides a compact, and powerful magnetic force due to the windings  80  acting about the poles  64  or cores  64 . Likewise, the metal selected and the thickness of each of the plates  66  reduces losses and appears to substantially improve the magnetic force applied by the magnet poles  64  of the rotor  62 . 
         [0055]    Each of the poles  64  may be surrounded by a winding a of wire  80 . The windings  80  may be formed in accordance with the magnetic equations known in the field of electrical engineering. Input bushings  82  may convey the excitation voltage to the rotor  62 . In certain embodiments, commutators may be used in place of the slip rings  82 . 
         [0056]    For example, in selected embodiments, each pole  64  may be wound with high grade 16 AWG copper wire. The pole windings  82  may be wound with one continuous wire. Each pole  64  may typically have multiple winding layers. All poles  64  may be wired in series. The pole windings may be in contact with the adjacent pole windings at the base of each pole  64 . The distance between the pole-to-pole tip edges may be fractional. Paper or other insulation may be laid between the shaft  52  and the pole  64 . Paper insulation may also be laid between assembled pole plates  66  and the windings. In selected embodiments, the windings  80  may be inset approximately 0.25 inches from the pole tip edges. So configured, they may never extend past the pole tip edges at any point. The windings on the ends of the poles  64  may extend out approximately 1.0 inches. So configured, they may never extend further than the stator windings. The pole windings may be laminated, thereby insulating the pole wiring  80  from the stator wiring. In selected embodiments, each pole  64  may be wound so that its magnetic poles alternate by one hundred eighty degrees from adjacent poles  64 . 
         [0057]    In selected embodiments, the two leads from the pole windings may terminate at two copper bushings  82  attached to the shaft  52  of the dynamo  20 . The leads may be secured to the bushings  82  by bolts, solder, some combination thereof, or the like. The DC voltage may be input to these bushings  82  via multiple, tension spring brushes. The DC input bushings  82  may be insulated from the shaft  52  and from each other by bakelite, other polymers, or fibers. The bushings  52  may be pressed onto the shaft  52 . The section of the shaft  52  between the bushings  82  and the rear may also be fiber insulation, approximately 2.00 to 2.125 inches. 
         [0058]    In certain embodiments, a dynamo  20  in accordance with the present invention may include approximately 33% fewer plates and a smaller core diameter than industry standards. For example, the distance between the stator and the rotor  62  may typically be approximately 0.063 inches. In contrast, the current industry standard stator-alternator gap is 0.125 inches. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , a control system  24  may be provided with a user interface  54 . For example, the user interface  54  may take the appearance of a control panel  54 . In the illustrated embodiments, a switch  84  may provide activation of the apparatus  10 . For example, in one embodiment, the switch  84  may actually comprise a series of relays ramping up power to activate the excitation voltage on the dynamo  20 . Likewise, the switch  84  may also activate a signal processed by the controller  26  to activate a sequence of events, various powering events, as well as various exchanges of information, such as data between various aspects of the system  10 . 
         [0060]    In certain embodiments, a status indicator  86  such as a light  86  may indicate that the system is powered up, operable, ready, or the like. Thus, various lights  86  may be implemented in order to show the status of various aspects or elements within the system  10 . In one embodiment, an adjustment mechanism  88  may provide control over fine adjustments to the excitation voltage applied to the dynamo  20 . 
         [0061]    In the illustrated embodiment, one or more input displays  90  may provide information regarding various inputs. For example, an input display  90   a  may indicate the input voltage, while another input display  90   b  may identify the corresponding frequency. Likewise, one or more output displays  92  may display various parameters to a user. In the illustrated embodiment, an output display  92   a  may display output voltage, while another output display  92   b  may display the corresponding frequency. Meanwhile, various phases may be displayed in one or more phase displays  94 , shown here as phase displays  94   a ,  94   b ,  94   c . In the illustrated embodiment, indicator lights  96  may also indicate whether a particular phase  94  is active. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , one embodiment of an excitation circuit  98  may include an input circuit  100  providing a current at some voltage. A core  101  may be shared between a coil in the input circle  100  and a coil in the transformed or output circuit  103  of a transformer  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, a rectifier bridge  104  or bridge  104  may rectify the current output by the output circuit  103 . Accordingly, a load  106  may thus be connected to receive a direct current load even if the original power source is powered from alternating current. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 10 , a dynamo  20  may be excited by direct current instead of an alternating current. In this embodiment, the load  106  may correspond to the windings  80  on the rotor  62  of the dynamo  20 . 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , a method  108  in accordance with the invention may begin with rotation  110  of the fly wheel. In general, urging rotation  110  may be a process by which the flywheel  106  is energized to bring it up to some operating speed range. That is, the value of a flywheel  46  is its comparatively large stored energy. However, the fact that it becomes a good storage device  46  is the difficulty in urging  110  its rotation. 
         [0064]    Rotation may be urged  110  in stages, or slowly, by slipping a clutch, by multiple gears, by shifting up in a transmission, or other mechanisms. In certain embodiments, the process  110  may be followed by the impartation  112  of rotation between the flywheel  46  and dynamo  20 . In certain embodiments, the rotor  62  of a dynamo  20  may actually be connected to move at all times that a flywheel  46  rotates. In such an embodiment, they may rotate together, and effectively the rotor  62  becomes part of the flywheel system  46 . In other embodiments, as discussed hereinabove, clutching or other disengagement or gradual engagement between the dynamo  20  and a flywheel  46  may be used to gradually apply momentum from the flywheel  46  to the dynamo  20 . 
         [0065]    After the dynamo  20  is up to speed, and the momentum and energy have been stored in a flywheel  46 , application  14  of an excitation voltage to the dynamo  20  is appropriate. At this point, excitation will tend to pull or cause a load on the dynamo  20 . That is, once the dynamo  20  has an excitation voltage applied  114 , it may then carry the appropriate load. However, only a modest amount of energy is required to apply  114  the excitation voltage to the dynamo  20 . 
         [0066]    Ultimately, application  116  of an electrical load to the dynamo  20  will produce substantial drag on the system  10 . Applying  116  an electrical load  22  is effectively driving a motor or other mechanism drawing power from the dynamo  20 . Ultimately a product, process, or the like will be powered by the motor. When the process is completed, the load  22  will be deactivated  118  or turned off  118 . Finally, when all components have been shut off, including the excitation voltage, and so forth, as well as any rotating drivers such as the power source  12 , the overall system  10  may be shut down  120  or turned off  120 . 
         [0067]    In the illustrated embodiment, urging  110  rotation of a flywheel  46  may include turning the system  10  to an “on” condition in an activation  122  or turning on  122  of the system  10 . This may involve activating power and enabling mechanical movement of various elements of the system  10 . 
         [0068]    Likewise, initiation  124  of rotation of the power source  12  is typically accomplished by powering up a motor  12  or other power source  12 . In certain embodiments, the power source  12  may be completely mechanical or hydrodynamic. Accordingly, rotation of the power source  12  typically will be followed by application  126  of rotation to a flywheel  46 . Typically, application  126  of rotation to a flywheel  46  may be gradual, inasmuch as the massive, or comparatively massive energy and momentum of the flywheel  46  is a significant implemented. According, gradually applying  126  rotation to the flywheel  46  permits a further de-rating of the power source  12  to a device that would be unable to rotate the flywheel  46  directly without burning up. 
         [0069]    Upon achievement  128  of an operational rotational speed for the flywheel  46 , the urging  110  of the flywheel up to speed is completed. However, energy from the power source  12  must continue to be maintained in order to maintain rotation of the flywheel  46  within the operational range. 
         [0070]    Imparting  112  rotation of the flywheel  46  to the dynamo  20  may be dispensed with in certain embodiments. That is, if the flywheel  46  and the dynamo  20  are permanently connected to rotate with one another, then the rotor  62  of the dynamo  20  acts as an additional flywheel element. However, if these are not rotating together, or in direct connection then application  130  of rotation between the flywheel and generator may be required through a clutch, slipping of belts  48 , or the like. Ultimately, a desired rotational speed of the dynamo  20  may be achieved  132 . 
         [0071]    To accommodate transient conditions, excitation voltage may be applied  114  after of the proper rotational speed of the dynamo  20  is achieved  132 . Again, if no load  22  is applied, application  114  of the excitation voltage should cause a comparatively minor disruption of the speed or slowing of the rotor  62 . Ultimately, turning “on”  134  the excitation voltage, and adjusting  136  the excitation voltage will then provide the desired output capacity for the dynamo  20 . 
         [0072]    Applying  116  an electrical load  22  to the dynamo  20  may be the comparatively higher rated mechanical and electrical activity of the system  10 . That is, because the load  22  will typically be a comparatively large motor having a higher rating, it is this very transient of applying  116  electrical load to the dynamo  20  that the flywheel  46  overcomes. Turning “on”  138  the load device  22  initiates a large current draw  140  on the dynamo  20 . The effect is to tend to slow the dynamo  20 . However, the stored energy in the energy storage device  16  and particularly a flywheel  46  may provide mechanical energy to the dynamo  20  to accommodate this large (comparatively) load on the system  10 . Once this initial transient is overcome, the actual current draw by the load  22  may decrease to a total energy use that is within the output capability of the power source  12 . 
         [0073]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.