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.

How do you charge a flywheel battery?

On-board flywheels: There are two charging methods for the on-board flywheel battery, one is to use electrical energy as input energy, and the second is to directly drive the flywheel to rotate through the transmission device with mechanical energy (mainly used for braking energy recovery of electric vehicles).

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.

How efficient are flywheels?

Modern flywheels can achieve round-trip efficiencies of 85–90%, comparable to advanced battery systems. Moreover, flywheels can store and release energy with minimal losses, particularly when used for short-duration storage (on the order of minutes to a few hours).

Can flywheel energy storage improve wind power quality?

FESS has been integrated with various renewable energy power generation designs. Gabriel Cimuca et al. proposed the use of flywheel energy storage systems to improve the power quality of wind power generation. The control effects of direct torque control (DTC) and flux-oriented control (FOC) were compared.

Are flywheel systems a good choice for solar power generation?

Flywheel systems are ideal for this form of energy time-shifting. Here’s why: Solar power generation peaks in the middle of the day, but energy demand peaks in the late afternoon and early evening. Flywheels can quickly absorb excess solar energy during the day and rapidly discharge it as demand increases.