How does a flywheel energy storage system work?

Flywheel energy storage uses electric motors to drive the flywheel to rotate at a high speed so that the electrical power is transformed into mechanical power and stored, and when necessary, flywheels drive generators to generate power. The flywheel system operates in the high vacuum environment.

Can a flywheel store energy?

Theoretically, the flywheel should be able to both store and extract energy quickly, and release it, both at high speeds and without any limit on the total number of cycles possible in its lifetime. However, their cost, weight, and energy density have been traditional concerns with flywheels.

How does the speed of a flywheel affect its energy storage?

Flywheels that spin faster store much more energy than ones that spin slower. The laws of physics tell us that large diameter and heavy wheels store more energy than smaller and lighter wheels, while flywheels that spin faster store much more energy than ones that spin slower.

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.

Where is flywheel energy storage located?

It is generally located underground to eliminate this problem. Flywheel energy storage uses electric motors to drive the flywheel to rotate at a high speed so that the electrical power is transformed into mechanical power and stored, and when necessary, flywheels drive generators to generate power.