Flywheel Energy Storage System

A Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) is a technology used to store energy in the form of

rotational kinetic energy. It works by converting electrical energy into kinetic energy, storing it

in a high-speed rotating flywheel, and then converting it back to electrical energy when needed.

(Choudhury, 2021) This system is designed to provide grid stability, manage fluctuations in

energy supply and demand, and enhance the efficiency of energy transmission and distribution.

Energy Type Stored: Kinetic Energy

How It Works:

1. Charging Phase: During periods of excess electrical energy generation or low demand,

surplus electricity is used to spin up a massive flywheel. Electric motors accelerate the

flywheel to extremely high speeds, converting electrical energy into kinetic energy. The

flywheel is typically enclosed in a vacuum to minimize air resistance, allowing it to spin

with minimal energy loss due to friction.

2. Energy Storage: The kinetic energy stored in the spinning flywheel can be maintained for

an extended period due to its low energy loss characteristics. The rotational speed is

carefully controlled and monitored to ensure stability.

3. Discharge Phase: When there is a sudden increase in energy demand or a power outage

occurs, the kinetic energy stored in the flywheel is converted back into electrical energy.

The spinning flywheel is connected to a generator, which produces electricity as the

flywheel's rotational energy is transferred back to the grid.

Energy Storage Capacity: The energy storage capacity of a flywheel system depends on several

factors, including the mass of the flywheel and its maximum rotational speed. Typical flywheel

systems used for grid applications have storage capacities ranging from a few kilowatt-hours

(kWh) to several megawatt-hours (MWh). For example, a small-scale FESS might store around

5-10 kWh of energy, while larger utility-scale systems can store up to 500 MJ (megajoules) of

energy. The energy storage capacity of an FESS depends on factors such as the size and speed of

the flywheel. (Choudhury, 2021)

Pros of Flywheel Energy Storage:

1. High Efficiency: Flywheels are known for their high round-trip efficiency, typically

exceeding 90%. This means that most of the energy put into the system during charging

can be recovered during discharge. (Brun et al., 2020)

2. Fast Response Time: Flywheel systems can respond rapidly to changes in grid demand,

making them suitable for providing grid stability and backup power.

3. Long Lifecycle: Flywheels have a longer lifecycle compared to some other energy

storage technologies, with minimal degradation over time.

4. No Chemicals or Emissions: FESS does not involve chemical reactions or emissions,

making it an environmentally friendly option.

Cons of Flywheel Energy Storage:

1. Limited Energy Storage Capacity: Flywheels are typically designed for short-duration

energy storage. They may not be suitable for storing large amounts of energy for

extended periods.
 2. Mechanical Wear: The high-speed rotation of flywheels can lead to mechanical wear

and require maintenance to replace bearings and manage the risk of mechanical failure.

3. High Initial Costs: The upfront capital costs for flywheel energy storage systems can be

relatively high, which may hinder widespread adoption.

In summary, Flywheel Energy Storage Systems store energy as kinetic energy in a rotating

flywheel and convert it back to electrical energy when needed. They offer high efficiency, rapid

response times, and a long lifecycle, but they have limited energy storage capacity and can be

costly to implement. These systems are best suited for applications that require quick, short-term

energy supply and grid stability.

References:

1.Choudhury, S. (2021). Flywheel energy storage systems: A critical review on

technologies, applications, and future prospects. International Transactions on
Electrical Energy Systems, 31(9). https://doi.org/10.1002/2050-7038.13024
‌2. Brun, K., Allison, T. C., & Dennis, R. (2020). Thermal, Mechanical, and Hybrid
Chemical Energy Storage Systems. Academic Press.