Flywheel energy storage generator can be connected to the grid

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.

What is China's first grid-connected flywheel energy storage project?

The 30 MW plant is the first utility-scale, grid-connected flywheel energy storage project in China and the largest one in the world. From ESS News China has connected to the grid its first large-scale standalone flywheel energy storage project in Shanxi Province’s city of Changzhi.

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.

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.

Where is China's first large-scale flywheel energy storage project?

From ESS News China has connected to the grid its first large-scale standalone flywheel energy storage project in Shanxi Province’s city of Changzhi. The Dinglun Flywheel Energy Storage Power Station broke ground in July last year.

How does rotation store energy in a flywheel?

The principle of rotating mass causes energy to store in a flywheel by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy in the form of rotational kinetic energy. The energy fed to an FESS is mostly dragged from an electrical energy source, which may or may not be connected to the grid.