A low-drag, low-power magnetic bearing and a permanent magnet brushless d-c motor-generator have been developed for a satellite flywheel. These will be combined with a terrestrial flywheel and control electronics to make up a flywheel energy storage and conversion system for use in a stand-alone solar photovoltaic residence. Technical and economic performance analyses indicate that, contrary to general thought, a flywheel system will be competitive if not superior to more conventional systems utilizing either present-day or advanced batteries. This derives from the ability of the flywheel to perform the functions of d-c to a-c inversion and optimal impedance matching between the PV arrays and the load in addition to providing energy storage. The motor-generator design will also be discussed. This paper describes the structural topology, performance data, design parameters, and test measurements of the magnetic bearing and motor-generator as well as a description of the flywheel and control electronics to be used. A preliminary discussion of the economic aspects is also included.
A Flywheel Energy Storage and Conversion System for Solar Photovoltaic Applications
