Multi-megajoule inertial-inductive energy storage system

An inertial-inductive energy storage system is described, made up of modules each storing, nominally, ten megajoules. The energy in each module is stored initially in two counter-rotating flywheels which are arranged inside an air-cored inductor to form a self-excited homopolar generator. The storage inductor is also the primary of an air-cored transformer; the primary circuit is broken by a pressurized SF6 circuit breaker, commutated by a circuit containing a capacitor and a fuse. The function of the fuse is to disconnect the commutating circuit after it has performed its function and thereby minimize the size of the commutating capacitor. The output of the system is taken from the secondary of the transformer, and will be used to drive imploding liners as part of the LINUS program. The rationale of this approach is discussed and the prototype module is described