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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Rim for use in flywheels for kinetic energy storage

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5762288
A unitary, wide rim of fiber composite material for use in conjunction with flywheels for inertial energy storage apparatus, the rim being fabricated to minimize radial stresses and equalize hoop stresses ordinarily produced at high speed rotation of the flywheel. Novel fabrication techniques include varying the density of the rim as a function of radius by means of ballasting; varying the ratio of the fiber and epoxy mixture as a function of radius; varying the winding tension of the fiber as a function of radius; using a combination of layers of fibers having different modulus of elasticity; and varying the winding geometry of the fiber from non-circular to circular as a function of radius. By utilizing two or more of the aforesaid novel fabrication techniques, a preferred embodiment of a unitary, thick flywheel rim achieves radial stress reduction to trivial levels and hoop stress equalization sufficient to permit extremely efficient energy storage as a function of flywheel weight.
Assignee:
U S Flywheels Inc
Patent Number(s):
US 4285251
OSTI ID:
5762288
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English