Flywheel energy storage running time

Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, Sou th Africa. Abstract - This study gives a critical review of flywheel energy storage systems and their feasibility in various applications. Flywheel energy storage systems have gained increased popularity as a method of environmentally friendly energy storage.

A Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) is defined as a system that stores energy for a distinct period of time to be retrieved later. There is a class distinction between flywheels used for smoothing the intermittent output of an engine or load on a machine and these energy storage systems.

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.

A flywheel energy storage system works by applying a torque in the direction of rotation to speed up the rotor, and applying a torque in the reverse direction to slow it down. On one level, it is simple to implement and understand in comparison with many other energy storage methods, and can store and release energy for potentially unlimited cycles.

Fly wheels store energy in mechanical rotational energy to be then converted into the required power form when required. Energy storage is a vital component of any power system, as the stored energy can be used to offset inconsistencies in the power delivery system.

The energy stored in a vehicle-mounted flywheel system is typically low, being of similar magnitude to the kinetic energy of the vehicle operating at a moderate speed.