Flywheel Motor Generator with Power Electronics for Kinetic Energy Recovery System

Project ID: 1766-AP
Available for licensing

Background

Flywheel energy storage systems excel in vehicular applications (passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses), as they allow the storage system designer to tailor power capability and energy storage independently and thus avoid over-designing either parameter. In this regard, flywheel systems meet the energy storage needs of a broad class of vehicles, while simultaneously using their higher power density advantage and improved efficiency to achieve a significantly lower mass system, resulting in superior performance and fuel consumption

Flywheels offer very high reliability and cycle life without degradation, reduced ambient temperature concerns, and construction free of environmentally harmful materials. For hybrid vehicle applications, flywheels offer much higher power densities than conventional batteries and are well suited for power load level during acceleration and recapturing braking energy during deceleration for re-use for vehicle acceleration.

Invention Description

The approach created by the Center for Electromechanics (CEM) is unique in its integration of an optimized electromechanical device to deliver high power with low device mass. Researchers at the CEM have developed a Flywheel Motor Generator (FMG) and a Flywheel Power Conversion Module (FPCM) to be used as an energy recovery system for automobiles. This system has the capability to recover energy during the braking cycle and store it in the FMG, enabling the energy to be released in a burst from the FMG to a vehicle's transmission.

Benefits

Superior to chemical batteries and capacitors for recovering braking energy
Stores energy which can be re-used to provide acceleration and boost efficiency

Market Potential/Applications

Automotive energy recovery

Development Stage

Lab/bench prototype

UT Researcher

Mark M. Flynn, Ph.D., Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin
Michael C. Lewis, BSME, Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin
Joseph H. Beno, Ph.D., Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin
Stephen M. Manifold, M.S., Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin
Richard J. Hayes, BSME, Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin
John D. Herbst, BSME, Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin
John D. Herbst, BSME, Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin
Clay S. Hearn, B.S., Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin
Richard C. Thompson, M.S., Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin
Richard C. Thompson, M.S., Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin
Robert E. Hebner, Ph.D., Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin
Hamid Ouroua, Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin
Brian Murphy, Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin

OTC Contact Information

Max Green, Licensing Associate
mgreen@otc.utexas.edu
512-471-9054