Electrical Energy Storage Using Flywheels

Extract

Flywheel energy storage systems use the kinetic energy stored in a rotor; they are often referred to as mechanical batteries. On charging, the fywheel is accelerated, and on power generation, it is slowed. Because the energy stored is proportional to the square of the speed, very high speeds are used, typically 20,000–100,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). To minimize energy loss due to friction, the rotors are spun in a vacuum and use magnetic bearings. The rotors today are typically made of high-strength carbon composites. One of the main limits to fywheels is the strength of the material used for the rotor: the stronger the rotor, the faster it can be spun, and the more energy it can store.