Patent ID: 10103600

Abstract:
A flywheel based energy storage system which can include one or more flywheels and a motor/generator unit is disclosed. The system can include a universal joint connecting a suspended flywheel and motor/generator to another body (e.g., frame or mounting point on another structure). The universal joint permits automatic adjustment of an axis of the suspended flywheel to help reduce effects of gyroscopic precession on the flywheel system. A single flywheel is fixed to the drive shaft. Multiple additional flywheels are mounted to drive shaft via bearings to allow freewheeling. The fixed (or first) flywheel is fully charged before speed activated clutch engages second flywheel. All additional flywheels are started sequentially in like manner. During discharge, charged flywheels engage drive shaft via one-way ratchet type mechanism and non-charged flywheels continue to freewheel. A sectional drive shaft of one embodiment simplifies portability and assembly. A variable inertia flywheel of another embodiment further reduces charge-up time.