Simple diagram of flywheel energy storage

What is a Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS)?

A Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) is defined as a system that stores energy for a distinct period of time to be retrieved later. There is a class distinction between flywheels used for smoothing the intermittent output of an engine or load on a machine and these energy storage systems.

What are the components of a flywheel energy storage system?

A typical flywheel energy storage system includes a flywheel/rotor, an electric machine, bearings, and power electronics. Fig. 3. The Beacon Power Flywheel, which includes a composite rotor and an electric machine, is designed for frequency regulation.

How does a Flywheel energy storage system work?

A flywheel energy storage system works by applying a torque in the direction of rotation to speed up the rotor, and applying a torque in the reverse direction to slow it down. On one level, it is simple to implement and understand in comparison with many other energy storage methods, and can store and release energy for potentially unlimited cycles.

Can a flywheel power a 1 kW system?

Figure 1 provides an overall indication for the system. In this paper, the utiliza-tion of a flywheel that can power a 1 kW system is considered. The system design depends on the flywheel and its storage capacity of energy. Based on the flywheel and its energy storage capacity, the system design is described.

How much energy is stored in a vehicle mounted flywheel system?

The energy stored in a vehicle-mounted flywheel system is typically low, being of similar magnitude to the kinetic energy of the vehicle operating at a moderate speed.

How to connect flywheel energy storage system (fess) to an AC grid?

To connect the Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) to an AC grid, another bi-directional converter is necessary. This converter can be single-stage (AC-DC) or double-stage (AC-DC-AC). The power electronic interface has a high power capability, high switching frequency, and high efficiency.