NASA STTR 2003 Solicitation

SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN (SBC):		RESEARCH INSTITUTION (RI):
NAME:	CALNETIX, INC.	NAME:	Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas
ADDRESS:	12880 Moore Street	ADDRESS:	10100 Burnet Road, Building 133
CITY:	Cerritos	CITY:	Austin
STATE/ZIP:	CA  90703-2123	STATE/ZIP:	TX  78721-0668
PHONE:	(562) 293-1685	PHONE:	(512) 471-4496

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Patrick T McMullen
pat@calnetix.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
For space-born energy storage systems, the energy to weight ratio, reliability and a long life are extremely important. For most commercial applications on the Earth, the last two factors plus design simplicity and low cost are critical. We propose a design that offers a combination of properties advantageous for both space and Earth-based applications. It features a composite rim, aluminum hub, Null-E magnetic bearings, axial flux ironless motor/generator, and PCB windings. Most of the kinetic energy is stored in the composite rim of the flywheel due to its large radii. The aluminum hub provides interface between the composite rim and other members of the flywheel assembly and also serves as a part of a magnetic bearing. High strength of the modern composite materials combined with low densities of both the composites and the aluminum result in high energy densities. Our preliminary performance estimates are 28Wh/kg (not including the housing and power electronics) and >158,000 cycles to failure. More detailed design and analysis will likely result in even better performance. Using Null-E magnetic bearings result in dramatic design simplification, cost reduction and improved reliability compared to active magnetic bearings while preserving the performance level.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 100 WORDS)
Light-weight flywheel energy storage and attitude control systems for applications in satellites and aircrafts

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 100 WORDS)
Stationary flywheel energy storage systems for UPS, Power Conditioning, Load Leveling, Micro Turbines, Fuel Cells and Railroad applications.