Research report on safety issues of flywheel energy storage

Are flywheel energy storage systems safe?

While supercaps and batteries have no moving parts and potential danger lies primarily in possible electric shock or fire due to a short circuit, a flywheel energy storage system requires a different, comprehensive safety concept. The main problem with FESS is that the entire kinetic energy can be released within a very short time.

Is a flywheel energy storage system a burst containment?

The housing of a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) also serves as a burst containment in the case of rotor failure of vehicle crash. In this chapter, the requirements for this safety-critical component are discussed, followed by an analysis of historical and contemporary burst containment designs.

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.

What is a flywheel energy storage system (fess)?

Flywheel Energy Storage Systems (FESS) play an important role in the energy storage business. Its ability to cycle and deliver high power, as well as, high power gradients makes them superior for storage applications such as frequency regulation, voltage support and power firming.

What makes a safe flywheel system?

Robust system design, in combination with the use of certified critical materials, relevant quality control measures and documentation, are the basis for the construction of safe flywheel systems. These can be certified by appropriate independent parties as in the manufacture of many other products.

What are the potential applications of flywheel technology?

Flywheel technology has potential applications in energy harvesting, hybrid energy systems, and secondary functionalities apart from energy storage. Additionally, there are opportunities for new applications in these areas.