Italy makes energy storage flywheel

What makes a flywheel a great energy storage system?

The flywheel is modular and offers unparalleled configurability in terms of power to energy ratio, which makes it the first dynamic energy storage system whose discharge duration can be matched exactly to the customer’s needs.

What are some new applications for flywheels?

Other opportunities for flywheels are new applications in energy harvest, hybrid energy systems, and flywheel’s secondary functionality apart from energy storage. The use of new materials and compact designs will increase the specific energy and energy density to make flywheels more competitive to batteries.

Are flywheels a good choice for electric grid regulation?

Flywheel Energy Storage Systems (FESS) are a good candidate for electrical grid regulation. They can improve distribution efficiency and smooth power output from renewable energy sources like wind/solar farms. Additionally, flywheels have the least environmental impact amongst energy storage technologies, as they contain no chemicals.

How can flywheels be more competitive to batteries?

To make flywheels more competitive with batteries, the use of new materials and compact designs can increase their specific energy and energy density. Additionally, exploring new applications like energy harvesting, hybrid energy systems, and secondary functionalities can further enhance their competitiveness.

What are some secondary functionalities of flywheels?

Other opportunities are new applications in energy harvest, hybrid energy systems, and flywheel’s secondary functionality apart from energy storage. The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

What are the advantages of flywheel energy storage systems (FESSs)?

Besides, FESSs boast advantages like long life cycles, fast responses, and less sensitivity towards temperature and humidity. This gives FESSs the potential to replace electrochemical batteries in the grid and renewable energy applications.