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 Fradella's US Patents 6566775 and 6794777 and patent pending.

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. 

Another version provides a selectable effort level, similar to health club exercise equipment. It can be used to supplement power from onboard EV photo-voltaics, to extend range by recumbent cycling while driving.

These generators are described in Fradella's pending generator patent.

 Ultra-efficient Regenerative Brushless DC Motors 

RPM developed one of the first brushless DC motors, covered by US Patents 4085355 and 4520300. Another version, 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 EVs.

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.

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: