For space systems, the most important criteria for energy storage optimazation are high energy density and cycle life. FARE proposes the innovative design of a flywheel energy storage system, which we call the Open Core Rotator, which will achieve energy densities in excess of 225 Wh/kg and which will have infinite cyclical life. Additionally, the Open Core Rotator will have unlimited shelf-life, extreme long term reliability, and easy measurement of the state of the charge of the energy storage system.The Open Core Rotator is a unique geometry which eliminates the shaft connection by making the rotor a hollow graphite/epoxy cylinder. On the inside of the rotor a stationary support structure contains magnetic bearings, a single motor/generator armature, and mechanical bearings. Under normal operation the rotor is magnetically suspended and has no mechanical contact with the stationary support structure.Commercial Applications:There are many Commercial Applications:, some of these applications include: electric power load leveling, uninterruptable power supplies, energy storage for electric vehicles, attitude control of spacecrafts, noise reduction in underwater vehicles, magnetic bearings in machinery, and vibration isolation.
