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. Under Phase I, tradeoff design studies will be completed to size the system and assess the configuration that will yield the highest power and energy densities while also having minimal maintenance requirements and shock tolerance. Under Phase II, a technology demonstrator will be designed, built and tested. The overall goal is to demonstrate and verify the power density gains and reduced footprint possible through effectively integrating the generator, bearing and flywheel components. MiTi’s proposed solution is a high-speed flywheel energy storage module that uses our unique combination of shock tolerant and low loss magnetic bearings and high performance permanent magnet brushless DC motor/generator. Both 35 and 80 kW/60,000 rpm motor/generators that have already been developed and tested by MiTi will form the core design of the composite flywheel system. Flywheel speeds as high as 100,000 rpm will be examined. A subcomponent bearing test will be completed as a part of the Phase I effort.