Flywheel vacuum energy storage

What is mechanical flywheel energy storage?

The short-term storage of energy has shortly been revolutionized by an innovative technology: mechanical flywheel energy storages. They are used as stationary or mobile systems in different applications. Part two of the series on “vacuum for energy storage” by Pfeiffer Vacuum focuses on stationary flywheel systems.

What is a stationary flywheel system?

They are used as stationary or mobile systems in different applications. Part two of the series on “vacuum for energy storage” by Pfeiffer Vacuum focuses on stationary flywheel systems. Stationary flywheel systems are, for example, used as Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) in data storage centers and hospitals.

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 is a Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS)?

A Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) is defined as a system that stores energy for a distinct period of time to be retrieved later. There is a class distinction between flywheels used for smoothing the intermittent output of an engine or load on a machine and these energy storage systems.

How does a Flywheel energy storage system work?

A flywheel energy storage system works by applying a torque in the direction of rotation to speed up the rotor, and applying a torque in the reverse direction to slow it down. On one level, it is simple to implement and understand in comparison with many other energy storage methods, and can store and release energy for potentially unlimited cycles.

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.