Advanced Modular, Energy Storage Technology

The overall objective of the Phase I and Phase II proposed effort is to design, test and demonstrate the ability of a 500 kW test bed prototype energy storage module to withstand a shipboard environment. The Phase I tradeoff design studies sized and identified a shock tolerant flywheel energy storage modular system configuration that will yield the desired power and energy densities while also having minimal maintenance requirements. Under Phase II, a technology demonstrator will be designed, built and tested. The overall goal is to demonstrate and verify the power and energy density gains and reduced footprint possible through effectively integrating the generator, bearing and flywheel components. To achieve the desired power and energy densities a composite flywheel and very low loss bearings are necessary. UT-CEM as subcontractor will establish the composite flywheel structure and manufacturing layup, while MiTi will design, fabricate and test the demonstrator module. Testing under Phase II will assess system dynamics, thermal management and electrical performance.