Flywheels, one of the earliest forms of energy storage, could play a significant role in the transformation of the electrical power system into one that is fully sustainable yet low cost.
A overview of system components for a flywheel energy storage system. Calnetix/Vycon Flywheel , which includes a steel flywheel and an electrical machine, is designed for UPS. Ricardo TorqStor , which includes a composite flywheel and magnetic gear, is designed for automotive applications.
Thanks to the unique advantages such as long life cycles, high power density, minimal environmental impact, and high power quality such as fast response and voltage stability, the flywheel/kinetic energy storage system (FESS) is gaining attention recently.
Indeed, the development of high strength, low-density carbon fiber composites (CFCs) in the 1970s generated renewed interest in flywheel energy storage. Based on design strengths typically used in commercial flywheels, σ max /ρ is around 600 kNm/kg for CFC, whereas for wrought flywheel steels, it is around 75 kNm/kg.
Calnetix/Vycon Flywheel , which includes a steel flywheel and an electrical machine, is designed for UPS. Ricardo TorqStor , which includes a composite flywheel and magnetic gear, is designed for automotive applications. Comparison of power ratings and discharge time for different applications of flywheel energy storage technology.
The use of new materials and compact designs will increase the specific energy and energy density to make flywheels more competitive to batteries. Other opportunities are new applications in energy harvest, hybrid energy systems, and flywheel’s secondary functionality apart from energy storage.