Are flywheels a promising energy storage element?

This paper presents an overview of the flywheel as a promising energy storage element. Electrical machines used with flywheels are surveyed along with their control techniques. Loss minimization and bearing system development are introduced. In addition, power system applications of flywheels are summarized.

How does a flywheel work?

When charging, electrical energy from the grid or a power source is used to accelerate the flywheel to very high speeds. This is done by the motor/generator acting as a motor, converting electrical energy into kinetic energy and storing it in the spinning flywheel.

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.

How can flywheels be more competitive to batteries?

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.

What is a flywheel energy storage system?

Fig. 2. A typical flywheel energy storage system , which includes a flywheel/rotor, an electric machine, bearings, and power electronics. Fig. 3. The Beacon Power Flywheel , which includes a composite rotor and an electric machine, is designed for frequency regulation.

Are flywheels energy storage systems a relevant alternative to Bess?

... The Flywheels Energy Storage System (FESS) are a relevant alternative to BESS given their better ecological balance, longer life cycle, and good efficiency . The works of - summarize the main characteristics and future challenges of FESS technologies.