Hybrid energy storage system combines flywheel energy storage with fluid power

摘要

A hybrid energy storage system comprises: a first rotor 1, such as a flywheel, acting as a major store of kinetic energy; a second rotor 2, such as a magnetic rotor, spinning about the same axis carrying the elements of a synchronous electrical motor/generator; a differential drive unit 3 connected between the first rotor and the second rotor such that it can exert torque between the two rotors to affect the difference in spin speeds of those rotors; and an external fluid subsystem that can provide power into the differential drive unit and absorb power from that differential drive unit, wherein the power is carried via fluid flow, which may be a liquid such as hydraulic oil or distilled water. The liquid may travel between a high pressure manifold 5 and a low pressure manifold 6 using control valves (fig.2 51, 52, 53) and motor/pump units 31, 32, 33 (see fig.3) which may be hydraulic gear-pumps or screw-pumps.