Pentadyne and TGT have been working together since 2007 under a separate agreement and desired to affect a formal transfer of license and technology to Pentadyne.
Pentadyne has acquired the only flywheel system technology proven in wayside rail operations at the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (NYMTA) and Paris, Lyon, and London Metros. The NYMTA recently tested and successfully demonstrated the technology, now branded PowerBlock, on a NYC Transit test track on the Far Rockaway line near JFK International Airport.
Another Pentadyne PowerBlock project is currently underway for the NYMTA’s Long Island Railroad. The NYMTA is North America’s largest transit authority, providing 2.6 billion passenger trips each year.
The Pentadyne PowerBlock flywheel technology is an environmentally responsible carbon-fiber flywheel energy storage system. When connected to the rail power network, the PowerBlock system will absorb braking energy from slowing trains and then recycle that energy back for train acceleration.
The concept is similar to that used by hybrid cars, but Pentadyne claims that its hazmat-free flywheel technology is far more rugged and energy efficient than hazardous chemical batteries used in hybrid cars.
Chandler Williamson, vice president of business development at Pentadyne, said: “This flywheel technology is a key technology acquisition and proven product for the growing rail market at a time when transit agencies are looking for ways to operate more efficiently, sustainably and reduce their carbon footprint.
“We are pleased to have entered into this agreement with TGT and to have the opportunity to work with the team that demonstrated this technology for key international transit agencies including NYMTA, London, Paris and Lyon Metros.”
