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Flywheel-based energy storage methods and apparatus

  • US 5,124,605 A
  • Filed: 01/11/1991
  • Issued: 06/23/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/11/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An energy storage device, comprising:

  • a housing;

    a shaft assembly comprising a shaft which defines an axis, contained within the housing and attached thereto;

    a first flywheel adapted to rotate around said axis, comprising a plurality of tube assemblies substantially parallel to said axis; and

    a second flywheel adapted to rotate around said axis in a direction counter to the direction of the first flywheel, comprising a plurality of tube assemblies substantially parallel to said axis;

    wherein the shaft of the shaft assembly comprises a substantially radial portion and two substantially cylindrical axial portions and the shaft assembly further comprises;

    at least one magnetic shaft bearing adjacent the radial portion of the shaft; and

    at least one magnetic shaft sleeve substantially surrounding the axial portions of the shaft.

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