Flywheel energy storage with generator

How does a flywheel energy storage system work?

Flywheel energy storage uses electric motors to drive the flywheel to rotate at a high speed so that the electrical power is transformed into mechanical power and stored, and when necessary, flywheels drive generators to generate power. The flywheel system operates in the high vacuum environment.

What is a flywheel energy storage system (fess)?

Think of it as a mechanical storage tool that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy for storage. This energy is stored in the form of rotational kinetic energy. Typically, the energy input to a Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) comes from an electrical source like the grid or any other electrical source.

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.

Can small applications be used instead of large flywheel energy storage systems?

Small applications connected in parallel can be used instead of large flywheel energy storage systems. There are losses due to air friction and bearing in flywheel energy storage systems. These cause energy losses with self-discharge in the flywheel energy storage system.

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 systems a good choice for solar power generation?

Flywheel systems are ideal for this form of energy time-shifting. Here’s why: Solar power generation peaks in the middle of the day, but energy demand peaks in the late afternoon and early evening. Flywheels can quickly absorb excess solar energy during the day and rapidly discharge it as demand increases.