This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the material and design changes that are required to build low-cost flywheel energy storage systems for use in polar environments. Significant progress has been recently made in reducing the cost and complexity of magnetic bearing, vacuum, and motor/generator systems and in low-cost composite flywheel rims. Material property studies at low temperatures are required to predict the performance of flywheel components over the required operating temperature range of -75 to 130 degrees Centigrade. Phase I will test and evaluate composite materials for use in low ambient temperature operations. Another objective is to design innovative low-cost flywheel rims with satisfactory low temperature performance, using the materials selected in the project. It is anticipated that flywheel technology will fulfill the promise of environmentally friendly energy generation and storage when combined with emerging high-performance, renewable solar and wind resources. In addition to applications in polar regions, large markets are expected in developing countries where construction of a national energy grid is prohibitively expensive.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships (IIP)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9860907
Program Officer
Ritchie B. Coryell
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1999-01-01
Budget End
1999-06-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
$98,792
Indirect Cost
Name
Beacon Power Corporation
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Woburn
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01801