Compact, High Density Energy Storage Devices

"A reliable bearing system is key to the success of any flywheel energy storage system. Thebearings must consume little power and provide proper stiffness and damping properties so thatthe rotor can achieve stable high-speed operation without critical speed or resonance problems.Development of an innovative all-active magnetic suspension system is proposed for retrofit andproof-of-concept testing in an existing flywheel energy storage system. The improvementsoffered by this suspension system include more damping to avoid structural resonance as well aslower power loss and wear. Longer service life and the potential for higher speeds and morepower are additional benefits. Phase II will refine and further test flywheels with the newsuspension system, and address additional system-level requirements, including packaging toreduce overall system size and weight. The end result will be a flywheel energy storage systemthat meets or exceeds the goals of 50 kW over 10 sec in a compact, energy dense package. Thissystem will provide the Navy with a proven means of adapting commercially available energystorage technology for its unique and often low-volume needs. From powering orbiting satellites during their traverse of the earth's shadow to accelerating carsand buses, there is a ubiquitous need for efficient storage of electrical energy for rapid on-demanddelivery. A high-speed flywheel energy storage system is one of the most promising