Homemade flywheel energy storage

How does a Flywheel energy storage system work?

Flywheel energy storage (FES) works by accelerating a rotor (flywheel) to a very high speed and maintaining the energy in the system as rotational energy. This is a common method for energy storage.

How much energy does a flywheel use?

The flywheel in an all-electric propulsion system is assumed to have an energy storage capacity of 0.5 kWh and weigh 35 kg. It is assumed to use 75% of its total energy stored, which implies a practical speed range of half the total speed range (from half the maximum speed to the maximum speed).

How does a flywheel store energy?

A flywheel stores energy mechanically by confining motion of a mass to a circular trajectory. The most important element of a flywheel is the mass that stores the energy, which can be in the form of rings, disks, or discrete weights. The kinetic energy stored in the flywheel rotor is proportional to the mass of the rotor and to the square of its angular velocity. Flywheels store energy mechanically.

How does a flywheel accumulate power?

The level of power trapped in a flywheel is proportional to the square of its rotational movement. Energy is delivered to a flywheel by the utilization of a torsional power to it, consequently raising its rotational velocity, and as a result its accumulated power.

Why are flywheels used in reciprocating motors?

As an illustration, flywheels are utilized in reciprocating motors since the power source, torque from these motors, are irregular. Dispensing energy at rates beyond the capability of a persisting source of energy.

Can a flywheel be used in an EV?

Conversion to electrical power would have limitations, and ideally a flywheel would convert its energy directly to vehicle motion in an EV, where the high power may be best suited to acceleration and braking. Also the relatively short "self-discharge" makes them more suited to a type of hybrid.