Size of flywheel energy storage device

How does a flywheel energy storage system work?

Flywheel Energy Storage Systems (FESS) rely on a mechanical working principle: An electric motor is used to spin a rotor of high inertia up to 20,000-50,000 rpm. Electrical energy is thus converted to kinetic energy for storage. For discharging, the motor acts as a generator, braking the rotor to produce electricity.

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 flywheel technology?

Flywheel technology is a method of energy storage that uses the principles of rotational kinetic energy. A flywheel is a mechanical device that stores energy by spinning a rotor at very high speeds.

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 flywheel energy storages commercially available?

Flywheel energy storages are commercially available (TRL 9) but have not yet experienced large-scale commercialisation due to their cost disadvantages in comparison with battery storages (higher investment, lower energy density). Another challenge is the comparably high standby loss in FESS caused by the magnetic drag of the motor-generator.

What makes flywheel energy storage systems competitive?

Flywheel Energy Storage Systems (FESSs) are still competitive for applications that need frequent charge/discharge at a large number of cycles. Flywheels also have the least environmental impact amongst the three technologies, since it contains no chemicals.