Inertia wheel energy storage principle

How does a flywheel energy storage system work?

Flywheel energy storage uses electric motors to drive the flywheel to rotate at a high speed so that the electrical power is transformed into mechanical power and stored, and when necessary, flywheels drive generators to generate power. The flywheel system operates in the high vacuum environment.

What is a magnetic bearing in a flywheel energy storage system?

In simple terms, a magnetic bearing uses permanent magnets to lift the flywheel and controlled electromagnets to keep the flywheel rotor steady. This stability needs a sophisticated control system with costly sensors. There are three types of magnetic bearings in a Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS): passive, active, and superconducting.

Can small applications be used instead of large flywheel energy storage systems?

Small applications connected in parallel can be used instead of large flywheel energy storage systems. There are losses due to air friction and bearing in flywheel energy storage systems. These cause energy losses with self-discharge in the flywheel energy storage system.

How does moment of inertia affect a flywheel?

When there’s a sudden need for power due to voltage fluctuations or interruptions in the power supply, the moment of inertia keeps the flywheel and rotor turning, converting the stored kinetic energy into electricity. The moment of inertia is a key factor in determining how much energy a flywheel can store.

How does an energy storage system work?

Energy Storage: The system features a flywheel made from a carbon fiber composite, which is both durable and capable of storing a lot of energy. A motor-generator unit uses electrical power to spin the flywheel up to high speeds. As it spins, the flywheel accumulates kinetic energy, similar to how a spinning top holds energy.

Where is flywheel energy storage located?

It is generally located underground to eliminate this problem. Flywheel energy storage uses electric motors to drive the flywheel to rotate at a high speed so that the electrical power is transformed into mechanical power and stored, and when necessary, flywheels drive generators to generate power.