What is mechanical flywheel energy storage?

The short-term storage of energy has shortly been revolutionized by an innovative technology: mechanical flywheel energy storages. They are used as stationary or mobile systems in different applications. Part two of the series on “vacuum for energy storage” by Pfeiffer Vacuum focuses on stationary flywheel systems.

What is a stationary flywheel system?

They are used as stationary or mobile systems in different applications. Part two of the series on “vacuum for energy storage” by Pfeiffer Vacuum focuses on stationary flywheel systems. Stationary flywheel systems are, for example, used as Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) in data storage centers and hospitals.

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.

What is the function of the flywheel?

Its electrical equipment ensures the conversion of energy: While charging, the flywheel acts as a motor that is driven by electrical energy. While discharging, the flywheel constitutes a generator that produces electricity.

How does a high-speed rotating flywheel work?

The system achieves energy conversion and storage between electrical energy and the mechanical kinetic energy of the high-speed rotating flywheel through a bidirectional electric motor/generator, and is connected to different types of loads through frequency modulation, rectification, constant voltage, and interfaces .

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).