Advanced Flywheel

The Advanced FlywheelTM (AF) technology utilizes an innovative configuration in conjunction with modern materials to deliver a flywheel energy storage system with an energy density in excess of 500 W-hr/kg and over 420 W-hr/liter. Using this technology, GTL proposes to develop an FOB scale (150 KWh) system that is capable of delivering 1 Megawatt of power. Based on the anticipated energy density, this 150 KWh system would be approximately 3.0 ft diameter and 2.0 ft tall, weighing 300Kg; which is dramatically smaller than any competing technology. Additionally, AF offers more than 2M cycles and a 20 year operating life with few maintenance requirements and the ability to withstand a broad range of operating temperatures. In the proposed effort, GTL will balance, spin and test an existing rotor developed on a previous DARPA project and demonstrate proof of concept. Should DARPA exercise the optional task, GTL would fabricate and test a magnetic bearing to verify its performance. The results of this effort will be used to determine the maximum performance that can be achieved with this transformational technology.