How does Flywheel energy storage work?

Flywheel energy storage (FES) works by accelerating a rotor (flywheel) to a very high speed and maintaining the energy in the system as rotational energy.

What is flywheel energy storage system (fess)?

Flywheel energy storage system (FESS) is an electromechanical system that stores energy in the form of kinetic energy. A mass coupled with electric machine rotates on two magnetic bearings to decrease friction at high speed. The flywheel and electric machine are placed in a vacuum to reduce wind friction.

How does a flywheel work?

A flywheel is driven by a reversible electric machine that initially operates as a motor to supply energy to the inertial mass. With the drive system disconnected, the flywheel stores energy in its rotation. Upon request, this latter will be transformed into electrical energy by the generator.

What is the most common flywheel energy storage configuration?

The most common configuration for flywheel energy storage is a hermetically sealed system incorporating a motor generator, as explained in Section 1 (Fig. 11.1).

What components make up a flywheel configured for electrical storage?

The major components that make up a flywheel configured for electrical storage are systems comprising of a mechanical part, the flywheel rotor, bearings assembly and casing, and the electric drive part, inclusive of motor-generator and power electronics.

What are the potential applications of flywheel technology?

Other opportunities are new applications in energy harvest, hybrid energy systems, and flywheel’s secondary functionality apart from energy storage. The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.