Kinetic-energy storage for mass transportation

Journal Article · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1974 · Mech. Eng.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6697794

Lawson, L J

Theoretical studies and practical demonstration programs by Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. since 1968 have indicated that flywheel energy storage in flywheel hybrid vehicles and pure flywheel vehicles is a practical means of pollution-free, efficient propulsion suitable for many types of urban vehicles. The specific energy of present-day flywheels is sufficient to make flywheel-only vehicles practicable for urban route applications with ranges up to 30 km (18.6 miles), and flywheel/heat-engine hybrid vehicles are entirely feasible for family and commuting use. Maraging steel flywheels with energy densities up to 200 j/g have been built and tested. Parallel developments in solid-state rectifying devices provide means of combining an optimized flywheel with a practical electric drive system. With a bilateral transmission system, the flywheel can recuperate vehicle kinetic energy during braking operations, reducing energy consumption and improving brake-system life. Some flywheel/heat-engine hybrid configurations and pure kinetic-energy drives are discussed.

• OSTI ID: 6697794
• Journal Information: Mech. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Mech. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 96:9; ISSN MEENA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250500 -- Energy Storage-- Flywheels
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330500* -- Advanced Propulsion Systems-- Flywheel Propulsion
AUTOMOBILES
ELECTRIC-POWERED VEHICLES
ENERGY STORAGE
ENGINES
FLYWHEEL ENERGY STORAGE
FLYWHEELS
HEAT ENGINES
HYBRID ELECTRIC-POWERED VEHICLES
HYBRID SYSTEMS
REGENERATIVE BRAKING
STORAGE
USES
VEHICLES