Abstract:
The radial/rotary propulsion system of the present invention features a flywheel having concentric rings of permanent magnets attached to one or both sides or embedded into the flywheel. These permanent magnets interact with DC powered electromagnets which, when selectively energized, impart rotary motion to the flywheel. By arranging the permanent magnets in concentric rings, better control of both speed and torques may be obtained. In addition, in a regenerative mode, inertia of the flywheel is reconverted to electrical energy by either additional permanent magnet/coil combinations or through the switching of the electromagnet coils normally used for rotating the flywheel. A controller/sequencer constantly receives input signals for throttle, braking, flywheel rotational position, and battery level, and in response provides signals to control activation of electromagnets for drive, braking, and regeneration. As a flywheel accelerates or decelerates, the controller/sequencer constantly adjusts which electromagnets are to be energized, when, and for how long. Utilizing electromagnets with a range of different resistances provides additional flexibility.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a Continuation-in-Part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/771,662, filed Jan. 30, 2001, which was in turn a Continuation-in-Part of abandoned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/256,847, filed Mar. 10, 1999, which was in turn a Continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/103,898, filed Oct. 13, 1998. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a magnetically driven flywheel or wheel and, more particularly, the invention features a flywheel equipped with rings of permanent magnets adapted to interact with external, DC, capacitive discharge powered electromagnets to rotate the flywheel. Energy recovery is by the inertia of the flywheel propelling embedded magnets in an axial flux array to generate electrical power to recharge a battery.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     A magnetic wheel drive is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,633 for MAGNETIC WHEEL DRIVE; issued to Donald A. Kelly on Dec. 18, 1979. Kelly teaches a wheel having a series of permanent magnets radially disposed along its circumference. These permanent magnets are arranged to interact with a series of pairs of permanent magnets placed on oscillating, toggle bars powered by an external motive force. The “flipping” of the toggle bars alternately place the north and south poles of the magnet couples in close proximity to the permanent magnets on the wheel. By synchronizing the toggling of the fixed magnets, alternate north and south poles attract oncoming, rotating wheel magnets. By controlling the speed of the toggling, the rotational speed of the wheel may be controlled.  
         [0004]     In contradistinction, the radial/rotary propulsion system of the instant invention requires no external, toggling of permanent magnet couples. Unlike KELLY, the inventive radial rotary propulsion system uses DC energized electromagnets in a repulsion only modality. The inventive apparatus uses permanent magnets on a flywheel in rings of varying diameters which, in turn, interact with selectively with the DC, capacitive discharge powered electromagnets on one or both sides of the rotating flywheel. The use of concentric rings of permanent magnets helps simplify the speed control of the device and allows more efficient operation over a range of torque requirements. In addition, when the flywheel is not being powered, the inertia of the flywheel allows generation of electrical power through the drive coils which may be used to recharge the battery normally used to power the electromagnets. This helps to re-energize the system so that it can be used for vehicle propulsion or in other similar applications, while decreasing the total drain from the battery system.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,191 for DRIVING ASSEMBLY FOR MOTOR WHEELS; issued Feb. 4, 1997 to Chen-Chi Yang, teaches another apparatus for magnetically imparting rotary motion to a wheel. Yang also uses permanent magnets radially arranged at the circumference of a stator (wheel) to interact with external electromagnet coils. A clutch mechanism is provided to selectively couple the rotary motion to an axle. The present invention, on the other hand, utilizes permanent magnets embedded in, or mounted on one or both faces of a flywheel and arranged in concentric rings of varying diameters which, in turn, interact with selectively energizable electromagnets, also arranged in concentric rings so as to interact with corresponding rings of permanent magnets on the flywheel. In the inventive radial/rotary propulsion system, magnetic interaction between the permanent and the electromagnets is always repulsive, unlike YANG who relies upon an arrangement of north-south poles to provide a attraction/repulsion mode of operation. Regenerative elements allow recapture of inertial energy of the flywheel for the purpose of recharging a battery.  
         [0006]     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,458 for POWER GENERATOR WITH IMPROVED ROTOR; issued Feb. 17, 1998 to Teruo Kawal, another apparatus for imparting rotary motion to a wheel is described. KAWAL utilizes an AC current, preferably three-phase AC, to energize electromagnets to create an alternating magnetic field which interacts with semicircular pole pieces on the perimeter of the wheel. Unlike Applicant&#39;s nonmagnetic wheel, the KAWAL wheel is itself, a relatively complex magnetic structure. The KAWAL system relies upon an alternating north-south pole arrangement to implement an attraction/repulsion mode of operation. The present invention, on the other hand, utilizes a DC, capacitive discharge system to selectively energize the electromagnets which interact with concentric circles of permanent magnets, all having the same polarity within any given magnet ring, the inventive system operating in a repulsion only mode. Also, unlike the KAWAL pole pieces, the permanent magnets of the instant invention need have no special physical shape (i.e., they need not be semicircular, etc.).  
         [0007]     While in each one of these prior art inventions, apparatus for imparting rotary motion to a wheel through the interaction of permanent magnets with a magnetic field from electromagnets is described, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The radial/rotary propulsion system of the present invention features a flywheel having concentric rings of permanent magnets attached to or embedded in one or both faces. These permanent magnets are arranged on the flywheel such that all magnets in a ring on a given face have the same polarity (i.e., they are all either North or South poles). The magnets interact with DC powered electromagnets which, when selectively energized, typically using capacitive discharge energization, to provide magnetic fields which impart rotary motion to the flywheel. By arranging the permanent magnets in concentric rings and using repulsion only operation, better control of both speed and output torque may be obtained. The use of narrow pulse width DC pulses, such as may be obtained from a capacitive discharge type power supply, also helps to control the inventive radial/rotary propulsion system and facilitates operation at high speed, for example at speed in the vicinity of 24,000 rpm. By using narrow, high-energy pulses, necessary energy for high-torque output may be obtained while still operating at high rotational rates. In addition, in a regenerative mode, inertia of the flywheel is reconverted to electrical energy by either additional permanent magnet/coil combinations, or through the switching of the electromagnet coils normally used for rotating the flywheel, or by alternators positioned on the flywheel housing and tensioned against the flywheel. The energy recapture feature is particularly useful when the flywheel is utilized in a self-propelled vehicle powered by self-contained, rechargeable batteries.  
         [0009]     Activation or energization of electromagnets is controlled by a controller/sequencer. When in operation, the controller/sequencer constantly receives input from sensors that detect acceleration, braking, flywheel rotational position, and battery level. With this information, the controller/sequencer determines which electromagnets to energize or pulse when, and which electromagnets to utilize for regeneration of rotational energy into electrical energy and when to activate them. In drive mode, electromagnets are pulsed or energized after passage of a permanent magnet rotating on a flywheel, while in braking mode, electromagnets are pulsed or energized before passage of a permanent magnet rotating on a flywheel. Different electromagnets may have different resistances, resulting in different amperages, given a constant voltage. As a flywheel accelerates, the controller/sequencer changes the pulse width utilized to energize electromagnets, the timing of the pulses, and which electromagnets to energize, until the desired rotational speed is accomplished, at which time only enough electromagnet energizations are provided to maintain that rotational speed. The controller/sequencer also determines which electromagnets are utilized for regeneration and when. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of the permanent magnet equipped flywheel of the invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side schematic of the radial/rotary propulsion system utilizing the flywheel shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a side schematic of the radial/rotary propulsion system showing an energy recapture mechanism including alternators for electrical regeneration;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the permanent magnet equipped flywheel of the invention showing partially embedded magnets;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the permanent magnet equipped flywheel of the invention showing fully embedded magnets;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a system schematic block diagram of a control system for an electrically powered vehicle using the radial/rotary propulsion system of the invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view of an electrically powered vehicle utilizing the radial/rotary propulsion system of the invention for the drive wheels; and  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  is a schematic, plan view of an alternate, simplified embodiment of the magnet equipped flywheel shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is another view of the system schematic shown in  FIG. 6  showing many of the same components as shown in  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating operation of the controller/sequencer;  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  is a wave form illustrating the relationship between permanent magnet location and electromagnet energization during acceleration;  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  is a wave form illustrating the relationship between permanent magnet location and electromagnet energization during braking; and  
         [0023]      FIG. 13  is a circuit diagram illustrating activation of electromagnets in either pulse or regeneration mode. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0024]     Referring first to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there are shown a plan view and a side view, respectively, of a first embodiment of the radial/rotary propulsion system of the present invention, generally at reference number  10 . A flywheel  12  is shown mounted on axle  14  through bearing assembly  16 . Bearing assembly  16  is typically a non-magnetic one-way bearing to allow rotation of flywheel  12  in a single, predetermined direction and/or to allow coupling of the rotational motion of flywheel  12  to axle  14 . Making bearing  16  a one-way bearing simplifies the electrical control (not shown) and guarantees rotation of flywheel  12  in a known direction at start-up. If a two-way bearing is used, an additional mechanism (not shown) for coupling the rotational motion of flywheel  12  to axle  14  must be provided. Such mechanisms are well known to those skilled in the art. Flywheel  12  is composed of a dense but magnetically nonconductive material. Brass, bronze, or certain nonmagnetic stainless steel alloys have been found suitable. A composite structure having a dense material such as lead bonded between structurally rigid plates could also be employed. The greater the mass of flywheel  12 , the smoother the performance of the inventive radial/rotary propulsion system. Bearing assembly  16  allows flywheel  12  to rotate freely about axle  14  in a single, predetermined direction, assuming that bearing assembly  16  is a one way bearing. Alternatively, it could also be a magnetic bearing assembly. Permanent magnets  18 ,  20  are affixed to a side surface (i.e., face) of flywheel  12 . Magnets  18 ,  20  may be affixed to flywheel  12  using a structural adhesive or any mechanical fastening means suitable to withstand the centrifugal forces to which the magnets  18 ,  20  are subjected. Such fastening means are well known to those skilled in the art. Magnets  18  are arranged in a substantially circular pattern at a first radius from the center of axle  14  forming a first magnet group  22 . Likewise, magnets  20  are arranged in a substantially circular pattern at a second, smaller radius from the center of axle  14 . Any number of magnets may be used in first magnet group  22  or second magnet group  24 , although an even number is preferable, the magnets  18 ,  20  being arranged so that all magnets in magnet groups  22 ,  24  present the same polarity (i.e., the poles presented for interaction with external electromagnets are all are North poles or all are South poles). Permanent magnets  18 ,  20  are preferably spaced far enough apart around the face of flywheel  12  so as to provide a break, or a reduction in overlapping magnetic flux density, in the magnetic fields generated by adjacent magnets. If sufficient space is not provided, either the inventive system will not operate at all, or will operate inefficiently. Permanent magnets  18 ,  20  may be provided on one or both faces of flywheel  12 .  
         [0025]     A series of electromagnets  26 ,  28  are positioned with their poles as close as possible to the first magnet group  22  and second magnet group  24 , respectfully. Electrical leads  30 ,  32  are connected to a controller/sequencer  40  ( FIG. 6 ) which selectively applies power, generally from a capacitive discharge power supply circuit (not shown), typically forming a part of controller/sequencer  40 . Power for electromagnets  26 ,  28  is provided by battery  38  ( FIG. 6 ). By properly sequencing and controlling the pulse width and amplitude of the DC pulses applied to electromagnets  26 ,  28 , the rotational speed and torque output from the radial/rotary propulsion system may be controlled. If a two-way (not one-way) bearing assembly  16  has been used, the direction of rotation may also be controlled. The use of short duration pulses facilitates high speed operation. By using a capacitive discharge type power supply, even with narrow pulses, enough energy may be imparted to the flywheel to maintain high torque output at these high operating speeds. Typically, parallel (i.e. front and back side of flywheel) magnets are pulsed simultaneously. This minimizes lateral thrust forces on bearing  16  and thereby prevents excessive wear on bearing  16  as well as minimizing friction among bearing  16 , flywheel  12  and axle  14 .  
         [0026]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a plan view of a simplified embodiment of the present invention, generally at reference number  60 . In this simplified embodiment, flywheel  12  is connected to axle  14  by means of bearing  16 . Magnet group  22 , however, consists of only two magnets  18 , disposed on flywheel  12  diametrically opposed to one another. Likewise, magnet group  24  consists of only two magnets  18 , also shown diametrically opposed to one another. While magnet groups  22  and  24  are depicted having an orthogonal relationship to one another, it should be obvious to those skilled in the art that any angular relationship between magnet groups  22  and  24  could be chosen to meet a particular operating requirement or circumstance. Likewise, a combination of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with the embodiment of  FIG. 8  could also be created. Such an embodiment (not shown) could have two magnets in magnet group  22  and a large number of magnets in magnet group  24 , or vice-versa.  
         [0027]     Referring now again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it is important that a spacing between individual magnets  18  and  20  be chosen so that any magnetic interference between adjacent magnets is held below a critical operating threshold. Failure to provide sufficient spacing between magnets  18 ,  20  may, worst case, prevent operation of the inventive propulsion system. If insufficient spacing is provided, the system may be partially operative but efficiency and/or range of control may suffer.  
         [0028]     The radial/rotary propulsion system of the instant invention also features a regeneration system to recapture electrical energy from flywheel inertia during a coast (non driven) mode of operation. Typically the regeneration is implemented using separate components (i.e., magnets, pick-up coils, alternators, etc.) than those used to drive flywheel  12 . This will be described in detail hereinbelow. It is possible, however, by using appropriate control circuitry (not shown), to utilize the drive components, particularly electromagnets  26 ,  28  so that when they are no longer operating in a driven mode, they may be used in a reverse process during a coast (non driven or recovery) mode of operation, to recapture the inertia of flywheel as electrical energy. The recaptured energy may be used to partially recharge battery  38  ( FIG. 6 ). In one embodiment, permanent magnets  18  and/or  20  interact with electromagnets  26 ,  28 , respectively, to act as a generator. This requires a special switching arrangement (not shown) in controller/sequencer  40  ( FIG. 6 ) to accomplish this function. Such switching arrangements are well known to those in the electrical engineering arts and form no part of the instant invention. In alternate embodiments, additional magnets and coils, as are described in detail hereinbelow, may be used to perform the regeneration function.  
         [0029]     More typically, separate components are used to implement the regeneration mode. Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the regeneration system. In this embodiment, an additional set of permanent magnets  34 , also arranged in a substantially circular pattern, typically at a radius between the two radii associated with magnets  18  and  20 , are also affixed to flywheel  20 . Special alternator pick-up coils  36 , optimized as electrical generating structures are deployed as nearly as possible to magnets  34 . In this embodiment, no special switching arrangement of electromagnets  26 ,  28  is required and simple regeneration circuitry (not shown), well known to those skilled in the circuit design art, my be used. The regeneration circuit also serves as a brake for flywheel  12  because, as inertial energy is converted to electrical energy, the rotation of flywheel  12  is slowed and, ultimately, stopped. This is useful when the radial/rotary propulsion system of the invention is used to power a land vehicle by direct wheel power application. Energy which would normally be wasted may be scavenged by the regeneration system, thereby both saving wear on mechanical brakes and allowing a greater operating range for the vehicle between battery charges.  
         [0030]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , magnets  18 ′,  20 ′ are shown partially embedded in flywheel  12 . This type of mounting arrangement provides a more secure containment of magnets  18 ′,  20 ′ than does simple surface mounting.  
         [0031]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown another embodiment of a magnet placement. Magnets  18 ″ and  20 ″ are shown extending completely through flywheel  12 . Magnets  18 ′,  20 ′ ( FIG. 4 ),  18 ″ and  20 ″ are shown projecting beyond the surface of flywheel  12 . This is not necessary and, indeed, it may be preferable in some environments to keep the surfaces of magnets  18 ′,  20 ′,  18 ″ and  20 ″ flush with the surface of flywheel  12 .  
         [0032]     In operation, the placement of magnets in at least two concentric rings allows for excellent control of both velocity and torque from the radial/rotary propulsion system.  
         [0033]     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a system schematic block diagram of the instant invention. A rechargeable battery  38  is connected to a controller or sequencer (controller/sequencer)  40 . Recharge power for battery  38  is applied to controller/sequencer  40  at recharge input (alternator) connection  42 . Throttle  44  and brake  46  control signals are applied to controller/sequencer  40 . It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the throttle and brake signals may be generated by a wide variety of transducers known to those skilled in the art. In addition, it will be obvious to those skilled in the design of land vehicles that inputs other than throttle and brake may be required to make a fully functional vehicle control system. These inputs could readily be added to controller/sequencer  40 , if required. Controller/sequencer  40  includes capacitive discharge circuits (not shown) which allow energy from battery  38  to relatively slowly charge one or more capacitors (not shown). When controller/sequencer  40  energized one or more electromagnets  26 ,  28 , a high energy, short duration pulse may be provided to electromagnets  26 ,  28 . Capacitive discharge circuits are also well known to those skilled in the electrical engineering arts. Controller/sequencer  40  provides a plurality of outputs to electromagnets  26 ,  28  ( FIG. 2 ). There may be as many outputs from controller/sequencer  40  as there are electromagnets  26 ,  28 , each electromagnet being individually controlled. In alternate embodiments, groups of electromagnets associated with each of the first magnet group  22  ( FIG. 1 ) and/or the second magnet group  24  ( FIG. 1 ) could be combined (i.e., multiple electromagnets in each group could be simultaneously energized) thereby reducing the number of switching components (not shown) within controller/sequencer  40  and simplifying the electromagnet wiring (not shown). Under most circumstances, electromagnets  26 ,  28  which correspond to magnets  18 ,  20  which are diametrically opposed, will be fired simultaneously. This practice tends to equalize lateral thrust stresses on bearing  16  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and tends to provide smoother control of the inventive system. It should, however, be obvious to those skilled in the motor control arts that alternate control arrangements could be provided to accommodate a particular operating circumstance or environment.  
         [0034]      FIG. 9  is another view of the system schematic shown in  FIG. 6  showing many of the same components as shown in  FIG. 6 . A throttle or accelerator  44  mechanically actuates throttle transducer  45 , which provides one set of input signals to the controller/sequencer  40 . A brake  46  actuates brake transducer  47 , which provides one set of input signals to the controller/sequencer  40 .  
         [0035]     Another set of input signals  49  to the controller/sequencer  40  are provided by a set of one or more flywheel position sensors  48 . The flywheel position sensors  48  provide the controller/sequencer  40  information about the current rotational position of the flywheel  12 . In a preferred embodiment, the flywheel position sensors  48  will utilize the Hall Effect to determine the current position of the flywheel  12  by detecting the rotation or passage of permanent magnets that induce current flow. In this embodiment, permanent magnets  18 ,  20  are utilized, and Hall Effect sensors are interspersed with electromagnets  28  or regeneration coils  36  in a corresponding circular array. However, other configurations are also within the scope of the present invention, including utilizing permanent magnets dedicated to Hall Sensors. Also, other means of detecting rotational position of the flywheel  12  are also within the scope of this invention, including optical and electromechanical means. Rotational speed and acceleration of the flywheel  12  can then be determined by the controller/sequencer  40  through multiple readings of the flywheel position sensors  48  over time.  
         [0036]     The controller/sequencer  40  utilizes braking, throttle, and rotational position signals to determine which electromagnets  26 ,  28  to energize at what time, and when to activate regeneration. An illustrative power circuit is shown. A battery  38  provides power to recharge capacitors  39 . The capacitors  39  then selectively provide power to electromagnets  26 ,  28  via gate  64  under control  68  of the controller/sequencer  40 . The battery  38  is also selectively recharged by regeneration coils  36  via gate  65 , again under control  69  of the controller/sequencer  40 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating operation of the controller/sequencer  40 . A loop is entered, and the flywheel position is determined utilizing flywheel position sensor  48  signals  49 , step  92 . The rate of change of the flywheel position over time is utilized to determine flywheel velocity and acceleration or deceleration. Similarly, throttle  44  and brake  46  signals are received and evaluated. Utilizing this information, a decision is then made as to whether there is currently braking, step  93 . This may be based on detecting depression of a brake pedal  46 , reduced pressure on a throttle  44 , or by other means. If braking  94 , appropriate electromagnets  26 ,  28  are selected for energization prior to passage of the corresponding permanent magnets  18  (see  FIG. 12 ), an energization pulse width, and electromagnetic resistance are determined. Otherwise, if not braking, step  94 , appropriate electromagnets  26 ,  28  are selected for energization after passage of the corresponding permanent magnets  18  (see  FIG. 11 ), an energization pulse width, and electromagnetic resistance are determined.  
         [0038]     Regardless of whether or not there is braking, step  94 , a determination is then made whether electricity is currently being regenerated, step  96 . Regeneration may be utilized as part of a braking process. It may be utilized when coasting. It may even be utilized during acceleration, typically by selecting coils other than those used for drive. If regenerating, step  96 , a test is then made whether or not the battery  38  is fully charged, step  97 . If the battery  38  is not fully charged  97 , regeneration is enabled, step  99 , by selecting and activating regeneration coils  36 . Otherwise, whether or not regenerating, step  96 , or the battery is fully charged, step  97 , regeneration is disabled, step  98 , by deactivating regeneration coils  36 . It should be noted that this is exemplary, and other means of enabling and disabling regeneration are also within the scope of this invention. Typically, the controller/sequencer  40  then repeats the loop, again determining flywheel location, step  92 .  
         [0039]     In some embodiments of the present invention, regeneration utilizes the same electromagnets as does acceleration and braking, through switching of the coils utilized in the electromagnets, while in other embodiments, dedicated electromagnets are utilized, and in others, a combination of all of the above. Also, as can be seen from  FIGS. 10 and 11 , braking is typically performed by supplying a pulse to electromagnets before the passage of permanent magnets and acceleration is typically performed by supplying a pulse to electromagnets after the passage of permanent magnets. Regeneration is typically performed by capturing energy during the passage of permanent magnets by electromagnets. Thus, through switching of electromagnet coils to/from pulse from/to regeneration, it is also envisioned in some embodiments that acceleration and regeneration or braking and regeneration functionality can be combined in the same electromagnetic coils through switching.  
         [0040]     It should be understood that this method is exemplary only. The actual algorithm utilized will be to a great extent determined by the type of controller/sequencer  40  selected. Typically, a controller/sequencer  40  will be a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) microcontroller or an embedded microprocessor. Other types of controller/sequencers  40  are also within the scope of this invention. An engineer, reasonably skilled in this area of practice, will be able to implement the methodology shown in this FIG. without undue experimentation, making appropriate allowances and changes based on which type of controller/sequencers  40  selected.  
         [0041]      FIG. 11  is a wave form illustrating the relationship between permanent magnet  18  location and electromagnet  28  energization during drive or acceleration (step  94  in  FIG. 10 ). The passage of a permanent magnet  18  by the electromagnet  28  is indicated by a square wave. This will typically be computed from the flywheel position and speed (step  92  in  FIG. 10 ), based on input signals from flywheel position sensors  48 . In this illustration, every other time that a permanent magnet  18  passes by an electromagnet  28 , the electromagnet  28  is energized, illustrated by a square wave. Energizing electromagnets  28  after passage of permanent magnets  28  is done here since, in this invention, the electromagnets  28  and permanent magnets  18  are the same polarity, resulting in magnet repulsion. Thus, acceleration is accomplished by electromagnets  28  pushing against permanent magnets  18 , based on this magnetic repulsion. The pulse width for energizing electromagnets  28  is typically determined based on rotational speed of the flywheel  12 . At a minimum, it is preferable that the magnetic field from energizing an electromagnet  28  have significantly died out before possibly interacting with the magnet field of the next permanent magnet  18  rotating by that electromagnet  28 .  
         [0042]     This FIG. illustrates energizing an electromagnet  28  after every other passage of a permanent magnet  18 . However, this is illustrative only. Since the controller/sequencer  40  is preferably microcontroller or microprocessor based, when to energize or pulse which electromagnet  28  is programmable, and thus totally flexible. In a preferred embodiment, the frequency of electromagnet  28  energization will decrease as the speed of the flywheel  12  increases. Also, acceleration will also help determine frequency of energization—the faster the desired acceleration, typically the more frequent the electromagnet  28  energization. When the flywheel  12  approaches the desired revolution speed, the frequency of energization will drop off, preferably to a minimum frequency to maintain this desired rotational speed.  
         [0043]     Finally note that in this FIG., electromagnets  28  are energized every other time a permanent magnet  18  rotates by them. This is illustrative only. In this invention, more complicated orderings are also possible. In particular, one way to view electromagnet  28  energization is by rotational degree. Thus, if a flywheel has four permanent magnets  18  in a ring or circle, the permanent magnets  18  are separated by 90° of rotation. If an electromagnet  28  is energized for every other rotation of a permanent magnet  18  by that electromagnet  28 , energization can be seen to be every 180° of rotation. This can be increased by 90° increments indefinitely. Thus, a given electromagnet  28  may be energized in the following sequence 90°, 90°, 90°, 180°, 180°, 270°, 360°, 480°, 720°, 1080°, etc. Another sequence may be 90°, 180°, 270°, 360°, 450°, 480°, etc.  
         [0044]     What is not shown here is that there are typically multiple electromagnets  28  spaced evenly around a ring or circle to drive the permanent magnets  18  on a flywheel  12 . Each electromagnet  28  can be, and preferably is, individually pulsed or energized by the controller/sequencers  40 . This provides added flexibility when combined with a programmable controller/sequencers  40 . However, preferably electromagnets  28  are energized in pairs on opposite sides of the flywheel  12  in order to minimize lateral forces on the flywheel. In one embodiment, opposite pairs of electromagnets  28  are energized in pairs on each side of a flywheel  12  at the same time, thus resulting in sets of four electromagnets  28  being energized together. Thus, if pairs of electromagnets  28  at the top of the assembly are energized, the corresponding pairs of electromagnets  28  at the bottom are also energized at the same time. Energizing all four of these electromagnets  28  at the same time balances the forces applied to the flywheel  12 , resulting in lower friction, less wear, and higher potential rotating speeds. Other energization sequences are also within the scope of this invention.  
         [0045]      FIG. 12  is a wave form illustrating the relationship between permanent magnet  18  location and electromagnet  28  energization during braking or deceleration (step  95  in  FIG. 10 ). The passage of a permanent magnet  18  by the electromagnet  28  is indicated by a square wave. This will typically be computed from the flywheel location and speed (step  92  in  FIG. 10 ), based on input signals  49  from flywheel position sensors  48 . This differs from the previous FIG. illustrating acceleration, in that, during braking or deceleration, energization of electromagnets  28  precedes passage of permanent magnets  18 . Thus, again using magnetic repulsion, braking is accomplished by pushing against rotationally upcoming permanent magnets  18  having the same polarity as the electromagnets  28 . Again, the use of microprocessors or microcontrollers for a controller/sequencer  40  provides almost unlimited flexibility in sequencing electromagnetic  28  energizations.  
         [0046]      FIG. 13  is a circuit diagram  60  illustrating activation of electromagnets  28  in either pulse (energization) or regeneration mode. An electromagnet  28  typically comprises a core  63  wrapped by a coil of wire  62 . The amount or length of wire in the coil  62  typically determines the amount of resistance of the electromagnet  28 . In pulse mode, utilized for drive (acceleration) or braking (deceleration), capacitors  39 , recharged by battery  38 , are coupled  66  via a switch  64 , to an electromagnet  28  to energize the electromagnet  28  in order to provide an electromagnetic pulse. The switch  64  is controlled by signals  68  from the controller/sequencer  40 . In regeneration mode, utilized to recapture flywheel inertial energy into electronic energy, the battery  38  is coupled  67  via a switch  65  to the electromagnet  28  to regenerate electricity into the battery  38 . The switch  65  is controlled by signals  69  from the controller/sequencer  40 . This FIG. is illustrative only. An engineer reasonably skilled in the applicable arts will typically implement this circuitry as required for his specific implementation.  
         [0047]     The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes two groups of permanent magnets  18 ″,  20 ″ embedded in the flywheel  12  (see  FIG. 5 ). Both groups are embedded in and extend through the flywheel  12 , presenting one polarity (e.g. North) on one side of the flywheel  12 , and the opposite polarity (e.g. South) on the other side of the flywheel  12 . Each of the two groups of permanent magnets  18 ″,  20 ″ is positioned in a ring or circle, with the center of each of the two rings being the center of the flywheel  12  or axle  14 . The inner ring of permanent magnets  20 ″ comprises four cylindrical magnets evenly spaced around the inner ring, with all such permanent magnets  20 ″ emplaced around and embedded in and through the flywheel  12  so as to each have the same, or a uniform, polarity (e.g. North) on one side of the flywheel  12 , and the opposite polarity (e.g. South) on the second, opposing, side of the flywheel  12 . The outer ring of permanent magnets  18 ″ comprises eight magnets evenly emplaced around and embedded in and through the flywheel  12  so as to each have the same, or a uniform, polarity (e.g. North) on one side of the flywheel  12 , and the opposite polarity (e.g. South) on the second, opposing, side of the flywheel. Note that in this example, all permanent magnets  18 ″,  20 ″ are shown with one uniform polarity (“North”) on one side of the flywheel  12 , and the other polarity (“South”) on the other side. This is illustrative only. The polarity between groups of permanent magnets  18 ″,  20 ″ may vary between groups instead, such that the inner group of permanent magnets  20 ″ has one uniform polarity (e.g. North) on one side of the flywheel  12 , while the outer group of permanent magnets  18 ″ has the other uniform polarity (e.g. South) on that side.  
         [0048]     Also in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, electromagnets  26 ,  28  are mounted in rings proximate to the two rings of permanent magnets  18 ″,  20 ″, on each side of the flywheel  12  so as to provide drive or braking, when pulsed, and/or to provide recapture of electronic energy through regeneration. Thus, there are two rings of electromagnets  26 ,  28  on each side of the flywheel, for a total of four rings or groups of electromagnets. The electromagnets  28  in the inner ring of electromagnets are primary utilized for drive and braking, but may also be utilized for regeneration. The electromagnets  26  in the outer ring are primarily utilized for regeneration. The inner rings of electromagnets  28  each comprise eight electromagnets of varying resistance evenly spaced in a circle with a center corresponding to the center of the flywheel  12  or axle  14 . The outer rings of electromagnets  26  each comprise sixteen electromagnets of identical resistance evenly spaced in a circle with a center corresponding to the center of the flywheel  12  or axle  14 . All of the permanent magnets  18 ″,  20 ″ and electromagnets  26 ,  28  are mounted perpendicular to the surface of the flywheel  12 .  
         [0049]     In this embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnets  28  mounted in each of the two inner rings (one of each side of the flywheel) are of various resistances, ranging from 1 Ω (ohm) down to 0.3 Ω, in steps or increments of 0.1 Ω. In the preferred embodiment, the battery  38  provides twelve volts (V) of power. With Ohm&#39;s law, since V=IR, and, thus, I=V/R, this results in a range of amperage (A) from 12 amps (for 1 Ω) up to 40 amps (for 0.3 Ω). This configuration can run the full gamut of ohmic resistance. Both pulse width of the power provided to the electromagnets and amperage, through selection of which electromagnets to energize, for how long, and when, are adjusted as the speed of the flywheel increases during operation. Corresponding electromagnets on each side of the flywheel preferably have the same resistance and are pulsed simultaneously in parallel in order to minimize transverse forces on the flywheel and axle that would result from energizing them separately.  
         [0050]     One pair of electromagnets  28  may be pulsed or energized at one time. Alternatively, up to four pairs of the electromagnets  28  in the inner ring may be pulsed or energized at the same time, corresponding to the four permanent magnets  20 ″ mounted and embedded in the flywheel  12 . On the other hand, pairs of electromagnets  28  not being pulsed or energized for drive or braking, may sometimes be utilized for regeneration. Thus, at one point in time, two pairs of electromagnets  28  may be utilized for drive or braking, while two others utilized for regeneration. At a different point in time, one pair could be utilized for drive or braking, while three pairs are utilized for regeneration. Then, at still another time, one pair could be utilized for drive or braking, while no pairs are utilized for regeneration. This decision of which electromagnets  28  to utilize for which purpose is controlled by the controller/sequencer  40 .  
         [0051]     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a schematic of a typical electrically powered vehicle, reference number  50 . The vehicle  50  chosen for purposes of disclosure is equipped with four wheels. It should be obvious that the radial/rotary propulsion system of the invention could readily be applied to many different vehicle configurations from a unicycle to a multi-wheeled transport vehicle. Front wheels  52 , each equipped with a radial/rotary propulsion system, are coupled to a steering wheel  54  by means of steering box  56 . Vehicle  50  is also equipped with a pair of rear wheels  58  which may also be equipped with the radial/rotary propulsion system of the instant invention. In still other embodiments, four wheel drive could be provided, front and rear wheel being independently equipped with the radial/rotary propulsion system of the present invention. In alternate embodiments, only rear wheels  58  may be equipped with the radial/rotary propulsion systems. In still other embodiments, the vehicle could remain essentially conventional and only the engine be eliminated and replaced with a radial, rotary propulsion system mounted to the transmission. Controller/sequencer  40  is shown located in the front of vehicle  50  but could readily be located any convenient place within the body of vehicle  50 . Battery  38  ( FIG. 6 ) has not been shown in vehicle  50 . In common practice, battery  38  is made from multiple cells of the lead/acid type which many be distributed through the vehicle as required for good weight distribution and acceptable body styling.  
         [0052]     This FIG. shows front wheels controlled by a steering box. However, in an alternate embodiment, steering is partially, or totally, controlled through applying different drive or braking to rotary propulsion systems mounted on two or more wheels, similarly as is typically done with tracked vehicles. Also, in  FIG. 9  are shown throttle  44  and brake  46  pedals as are typically utilized today in many land vehicles today, such as automobiles. However, other methods of indicating throttle, braking, and steering are also within the scope of this invention, including use of hand controls, such as a joy stick for steering and a hand throttle. Also, the brake pedal  46  in  FIG. 9  is shown providing input signals to the controller/sequencer  40 . In some embodiments, braking will be done entirely by mechanical means, as is currently done in many land vehicles today, such as automobiles. In other embodiments, braking is done by electromagnetic means under control of the controller/sequencer  40 , utilizing both active pulsing of electromagnets (see  FIG. 12 ) and/or regeneration. In a preferred embodiment, braking utilizes both mechanical and electromagnetic means, with mechanical braking providing additional safety in the case of loss of electrical power.  
         [0053]     It should be obvious that in alternate embodiments, electromagnets could be deployed on or in the flywheel in concentric, circular patterns and permanent magnets could be located adjacent the flywheel. Power to the electromagnets could be provided through slip rings or in other manners well known in the art.  
         [0054]     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.