RPM's Power Storage/Regeneration

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 $10 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, from the same flywheels and power electronics that provide power storage and regeneration.  Radial servos, that maintain flywheel centering, may also be used as torquers, to control angular precession maneuvers.  From a business perspective, this potential market is very important, because unit price can be very high, and thereby support income while cost reductions for terrestrial markets can be implemented.

Vast 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.

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:

Introduction to RPM's UPS:  Description, illustrations, markets
Comparison:  RPM's no-loss no-maintenance unlimited-life UPS vs. others
Building-integral solar/wind power & RPM's UPS
Flywheel power storage basic physics:  A tutorial
Dual-mode EVs & Electric Highways with RPM's UPS
Urban EV with onboard charger, batteries, PV, motor, pedals
RPM business plan summary
RPM's resources:  People, patents, labs
Technology: Public and Business Policy
Flywheel Facts and Fallacies
Future electric power options for buildings and EVs
Solar and Wind Power Benefit/Cost Estimates
Advantages of RPM's UPS+CMG for space: Analyzes spacecraft launch and orbit dynamics

If you have comments or suggestions, email me:

fradella@earthlink.net


Regenerative
       Power   and
     Motion
Updated  April 26, 2003