Hub for use in flywheels for kinetic energy storage
A unitary hub and method of fabricating such a hub for use in conjunction with flywheels for inertial energy storage apparatus are disclosed. The hub has a double convex domed configuration cut into double spider leg shape upon which a flywheel rim, such as one comprising fiber composite material, may be wound directly. The hub further comprises two cylindrical bars affixed to the center of the outer convex surfaces of the oppositely facing domes to form axles of the hub, and two similar bars which are affixed to the center of the inner concave oppositely facing surfaces of the hub domes to form height limiting devices. Vertical height increasing stress is applied to the hub, resulting in a decrease in the hub diameter. A fiber composite material rim may be wound upon the circumferential perimeter of the hub. This stationary height increased configuration of the hub permits the unitary structure to increase in diameter at high rotational velocities when subjected to severe centrifugal forces. As a result, destructive metal fatigue is precluded by a re-direction and distribution of centrifugal force induced stresses within the legs of the hub. Separation between a fiber material rim of lower modulus of elasticity and the hub is also precluded, thereby preventing dynamic instability of the flywheel at high speeds of rotation. The pre-stressed height increase also results in a greater hub spring constant during rotation and thus adds further to the dynamic stability of the flywheel.
- Assignee:
- U S Flywheels Inc
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4341001
- OSTI ID:
- 6740940
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 11 Aug 1980; Other Information: PAT-APPL-176746
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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