Watch the flywheel energy storage power generation video

How does a flywheel energy storage system work?

A flywheel energy storage system works by spinning a large, heavy wheel, called a flywheel at very high speeds. The energy is stored as rotational kinetic energy in the spinning wheel. When electricity is needed, the flywheel’s rotational speed is reduced, and the stored kinetic energy is converted back into electrical power using a generator.

How does a flywheel work?

Here’s a breakdown of the process: Energy Absorption: When there’s surplus electricity, such as when the grid is overproducing energy, the system uses that excess power to accelerate the flywheel. This energy is stored as kinetic energy, much like how the figure skater speeds up their spin by pulling in their arms.

What is the difference between a flywheel and a battery storage system?

Flywheel Systems are more suited for applications that require rapid energy bursts, such as power grid stabilization, frequency regulation, and backup power for critical infrastructure. Battery Storage is typically a better choice for long-term energy storage, such as for renewable energy systems (solar or wind) or home energy storage.

What is a flywheel energy storage system (fess)?

The technology is referred to as a flywheel energy storage system (FESS). The amount of energy stored is proportional to the mass of the rotor, the square of its rotational speed and the square of its radius. Flywheel energy storage consists in storing kinetic energy via the rotation of a heavy object. Find out how it works.

How kinetic energy is stored in a flywheel?

Electric energy is supplied into flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) and stored as kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is defined as the “energy of motion,” in this situation, the motion of a rotating mass known as a rotor, rotates in a near-frictionless environment.

How much energy does a flywheel produce?

The flywheel energy densities are 28 kJ/kg (8 Wh/kg), omitting the torque frame, and 18.1 kJ/kg (5 Wh/kg) with the stators and casings. This was a NASA Glenn Research Center-funded design intended for component testing in a laboratory setting.