Shaftless, Magnetically Levitated Flywheel Energy Storage Systems

MagneMotion, Inc.Acton MA

ACCOMPLISHMENTS Burst tested to 79,500 RPM.

32% higher than design speed. Rotor / System tested to 36,000 RPM.

Flywheel was very stable. Bearing losses need to be examined in greater

detail.

COMMERCIALIZATION Linear synchronous motors and maglev are the core

of MagneMotion's business. Applications in that arena include providing high peak

power for short periods of time, something that is hard to do with batteries.

SmallBusinessInnovationResearch

1997 Phase II, SS5- 060

GOVERNMENT/SCIENCE APPLICATIONS When used for both energy storage and attitude control

the system has the potential to be lighter, more efficient and with a longer life expectance than is possible with conventional alternatives.

Results are promising but further development is required to create a mission-ready design.

MagneMotion is in negotiation with established energy storage company to team for continuation.

Goddard Space Flight Center

INNOVATIONA maglev flywheel with a shaftless carbon fiber rotor that requires

only one axis of active control. The shaftless design eliminates resonances over a wide operating speed range, so the flywheel is

usable for both energy storage and attitude control.

Points of Contact:NASA – Bob Beaman (301) 286-2538MagneMotion – Richard D. Thornton (978) 461-5090

Ceramic core

Motor/generator

Rotor

Magnetic bearing