What is a flywheel energy storage system?

Flywheel energy storage systems offer a durable, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to batteries, particularly in applications that require rapid response times and short-duration storage. For displacing solar power from midday to late afternoon and evening, flywheels provide a promising solution.

Are flywheel energy storage systems a viable alternative to batteries?

This mismatch between supply and demand necessitates effective energy storage solutions. While batteries have been the traditional method, flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) are emerging as an innovative and potentially superior alternative, particularly in applications like time-shifting solar power.

Could flywheels be the future of energy storage?

Flywheels, one of the earliest forms of energy storage, could play a significant role in the transformation of the electrical power system into one that is fully sustainable yet low cost.

How much energy does a flywheel store?

Indeed, the development of high strength, low-density carbon fiber composites (CFCs) in the 1970s generated renewed interest in flywheel energy storage. Based on design strengths typically used in commercial flywheels, σmax /ρ is around 600 kNm/kg for CFC, whereas for wrought flywheel steels, it is around 75 kNm/kg.

Are flywheels better than batteries?

Flywheels can charge and discharge energy rapidly, making them particularly well-suited for applications that require high power density and fast response times, such as grid stabilization and frequency regulation. In contrast, batteries, especially lithium-ion ones, may degrade over time if subjected to frequent and rapid charge-discharge cycles.

Are lithium-ion batteries a good choice for a flywheel?

The robust characteristics of flywheels deem them highly suitable for applications requiring fast response and high daily cycles, a need that is growing as grid inertia reduces. Lithium-ion batteries are currently the technology of choice for a fast response but suffer from limited cycle and calendar life.