How does a Flywheel energy storage system 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. This is a common method for energy storage.

What is the difference between a flywheel and a battery storage system?

Flywheel Systems are more suited for applications that require rapid energy bursts, such as power grid stabilization, frequency regulation, and backup power for critical infrastructure. Battery Storage is typically a better choice for long-term energy storage, such as for renewable energy systems (solar or wind) or home energy storage.

How does a flywheel work?

Here’s a breakdown of the process: Energy Absorption: When there’s surplus electricity, such as when the grid is overproducing energy, the system uses that excess power to accelerate the flywheel. This energy is stored as kinetic energy, much like how the figure skater speeds up their spin by pulling in their arms.

Can flywheels be used as a space station storage system?

Flywheels are being considered for use as the energy storage system on a proposed orbiting space station due to their potentially high storage density. During the past several years, graphite fiber technology has advanced, leading to significant gains in flywheel energy storage density.

What is the storage capacity of a flywheel?

The total energy content or storage capacity of a flywheel is 864 Wh (NEDC) and 416 Wh (FTP 75). The effective flywheel storage capacity, which refers to the range of the energy content in the flywheel between the minimum and maximum value, is 648 Wh (NEDC) and 312 Wh (FTP 75).

What are near-term flywheel energy storage systems?

Near-term flywheel energy storage systems are primarily used for on-site or user-site storage, rather than utility storage directly. Future possibilities include applications in solar and wind power. Flywheels for newly identified markets are still in the development phase.