Flywheel Batteries

RPM (Regenerative Power & Motion) is developing an eco-friendly flywheel power storage and regeneration system, having practically zero idling losses, ultra-efficient power transfers (motor/generator ~99% and power electronics ~96%) and ultra-high reliability.  It will not need maintenance over its entire (20-year warranty) life.  So its flywheel can be installed in a safe site, where it won't need servicing like others.  Its electronics can be accessed directly and remotely, for setting control options and status monitoring.  Its smart power electronics, contactless levitated integral rotor, and advanced manufacturing processes, will facilitate safe dependable on-site power.  It will enable dependable power on demand and greater energy yields, from clean, non-polluting, care-free, distributed on-site solar/wind power options.  Building-integral solar/wind power, with RPM's on-site power storage/regeneration, can provide most future global power needs, for reliable, high-quality, on-site electricity.

Near-term applications include carefree, virtually unlimited service life without maintenance, far more reliable,  clean,  quiet, operable over wide temperature range,  on-site UPS (Uninterruptible Power Systems) for fast growth (now $4 billion yearly) critical power needs.  RPM's UPS will afford profound advantages, over chemical battery storage and fuel-burning generators, for critical manufacturing, hospitals, com-towers, etc. (which now sustain $100 billion yearly losses due to power outages, sags, and spikes), plus remote on-site solar/wind/UPS.  Versions for satellite and space-craft installation, in addition to power storage/regeneration, can also provide complete inertial pitch/roll/yaw control, without jet thrustors, precession torque actuators, or gyros.

Future applications include high-energy electric storage for on-site solar and wind power installations ($200 billion global market expected in RPM's 10th year) -- and even electric highways that supply in-transit power to high-performance dual-mode EVs.

A full magnetic bearing version and a low-cost magnetic plus ball bearing version prototype have been constructed and tested.  They are covered by our US Patents 6566775 and 6794777 and our patents pending.

Potential markets for our flywheel batteries and services are about $100 Billion/year.

Broad-speed-range Generators

RPM's generators include integral switch-mode boost regulation electronics, and their coreless assemblies have zero cogging torque. So a version intended for coupling to wind turbines is capable of generating power over a very broad wind-speed range, with 2x to 10x the energy yields of conventional generators that produce useful power only in a very limited speed range. 

A vertical spin axis version, mainly for vertical axis wind turbines, is shown in the image at left.

A horizontal spin axis version, mainly for axial-vane wind turbines, is shown in the image below it.

Another version of our horizontal axis generator provides a selectable effort level, similar to health club exercise equipment. 

It can be used to supplement power from onboard our solar/fitness EV photo-voltaics, to extend range by recumbent cycling while driving.

These generators are tested, proven and successfully demonstrated technology, described in our US Patent 7646178 plus another in progress with more improvements. 

Potential markets for our generators are about $100 Billion/year.

 Ultra-efficient Regenerative Brushless DC Motors 

RPM developed one of the first ultra-efficient regenerative brushless DC motors, covered by our US Patents 4085355 and 4520300. Our motors are tested, proven and have been very successfully demonstrated to customers.

Left photo shows our motor in a portable stand, connected by 4 signal leads and 4 power leads to power interface electronics.

A speed and regenerative brake control box is shown in front of our motor.

The electronics power interface is shown in between a 48vdc battery pack and the motor. Signal leads from the control box are shown connected to the electronics.

An automatic battery charger is included within the electronics' fully EMI shielded enclosure.

The power interface displays battery current and voltage from its two meters.

The battery charger is shown plugged into a standard wall outlet at the rear.

Motor parts are displayed before assembly in the photo below.

Another version of our motor, having a rotatable rotor body with ball bearings connected to a non-rotating tubular shaft that supports it and provides a conduit for its 8 conductors to onboard electronics, would enable a unique motor-wheel for our solar/fitness EVs. Its patents are pending.

Ultra-light Low-cost EV with Physical Exercise Option

RPM's onboard pedal-powered generator and motor-wheel are core technologies for enabling a no-gas low-cost onboard battery/solar and optional pedal power EV. Batteries could be charged when the EV is parked in sunlight, or by plugging into a standard garage 120-volt 60-Hz power outlet for over-night charging.

Potential markets for our EV exceed $200 Billion/year.

An image of our solar/fitness EV is shown below.

Driver and passenger would normally sit in a recumbent (reclining) position, to accommodate a low EV height for minimum aero drag. 

Its 2 rear motor-wheels provide 94% efficiency power conversion, between its onboard solar panels, batteries, and optional pedal-powered generators.

It has no gas, water, or oil tanks, nor radiator. Nor pumps needed for them.

It has no gears or transmission, nor differential gears. Nor drive train universal joints. 

Very importantly, it does not sustain power losses for these parts, nor their expense and maintenance.

Its "electronic differential" for the 2 wheel-motors costs nothing and does not incur power loss. Entry to the EV would be thru a slide-back door at each side. 

For more about RPM's technology, how it can improve power quality, and how it can enable practical lower-cost on-site solar and wind power -- and much more -- visit these links: