Flywheel Power Systems

Flywheel power systems are high-speed, bore-loaded, carbon fiber flywheel rotors with an integrated iron-less generator inside a sealed, vacuum housing. They store energy mechanically in the form of kinetic energy. The use of a flywheel power system can improve the overall life and reliability of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or conventional lead-acid battery. Aluminum flywheels are used in relatively lightweight, high horsepower cars and trucks. Flywheel DC energy storage systems provide a tightly regulated, adjustable DC voltage to replace or augment batteries in UPS systems. Other types of flywheel power systems are also available.

Flywheel power systems have five main components: the flywheel housing, the flywheel rotor, magnetic bearings, a motor/generator, and touchdown surfaces. Because they expand at twice the rate of steel, aluminum flywheels need to be tightened properly at ambient temperatures to ensure a proper fit at running temperatures. An aluminum flywheel can be used to lower the high rotating mass of a stock flywheel, allowing an engine to shift faster and rev-match. Flywheel DC energy storage systems feature power ratings of 100 kW, 140 kW, 200 kW, 250 kW, 425 kW, and 500 kW. They can also be used in parallel combinations up to 2000 kW. To supply a changing current of 15 amps to 100 amps per flywheel, a flywheel DC energy storage system accepts an input float voltage ranging from 400 VDC to 600 VDC. User-adjustable output voltages can be set from 360 VDC to 550 VDC with a ±1% steady-state voltage regulation. Many flywheel DC energy storage systems are designed to operate temperatures from 0° C to 40° C. Flywheel power systems store energy very efficiently and have the potential for very high specific power compared with batteries.

Flywheel power systems are used to supplement or replace conventional lead acid batteries in a variety of applications. Some energy storage systems are designed for automotive or transportation applications. Other flywheel power systems are suitable for rural electrification projects or the remote power units used in the telecommunications industry.

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