Uk flywheel energy storage

What is a flywheel energy storage system?

Flywheel energy storage systems offer a durable, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to batteries, particularly in applications that require rapid response times and short-duration storage. For displacing solar power from midday to late afternoon and evening, flywheels provide a promising solution.

Are flywheel energy storage systems a viable alternative to batteries?

This mismatch between supply and demand necessitates effective energy storage solutions. While batteries have been the traditional method, flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) are emerging as an innovative and potentially superior alternative, particularly in applications like time-shifting solar power.

Why should you use a flywheel for solar power?

Moreover, flywheels can store and release energy with minimal losses, particularly when used for short-duration storage (on the order of minutes to a few hours). This makes them ideal for solar power applications where energy needs to be stored during the day and discharged in the evening.

How does a flywheel work?

It works by using electricity to accelerate a rotor to a high speed, transferring the electrical power into rotational energy and storing it. Energy can then be drawn by slowing down the flywheel, which converts the kinetic energy back to electrical energy to be transmitted to wherever it is required.

Can flywheels store more energy?

However, over the last 30 years, scientific innovation has meant that flywheels can store more energy in less weight and volume, increasing their potential for energy storage. Newer flywheels are made from very strong composite materials and are operated on a bed of near frictionless magnetic bearings housed in a vacuum enclosure.

What is the EFDA Jet Fusion flywheel energy storage system?

The EFDA JET Fusion Flywheel Energy Storage System is a 400,000kW energy storage project located in Abingdon, England, UK. The electro-mechanical energy storage project uses flywheel as its storage technology. The project was commissioned in 2006. The EFDA JET Fusion Flywheel Energy Storage System is owned by EFDA-JET (100%).