Flywheel energy storage northern cyprus

How does a flywheel energy storage system work?

Flywheel Energy Storage Systems (FESS) rely on a mechanical working principle: An electric motor is used to spin a rotor of high inertia up to 20,000-50,000 rpm. Electrical energy is thus converted to kinetic energy for storage. For discharging, the motor acts as a generator, braking the rotor to produce electricity.

Are flywheel energy storages commercially available?

Flywheel energy storages are commercially available (TRL 9) but have not yet experienced large-scale commercialisation due to their cost disadvantages in comparison with battery storages (higher investment, lower energy density). Another challenge is the comparably high standby loss in FESS caused by the magnetic drag of the motor-generator.

What are large synchronous flywheels used for?

Large synchronous flywheels are also used for energy storage, yet not to be mistaken with FESS. They use very large flywheels with a mass in the order of 100 tonnes. These are directly connected to a synchronous condenser in order to provide grid inertia.

How long does a fess flywheel last?

However, only a small percentage of the energy stored in them can be accessed, given the flywheel is synchronous (Ref. 2). FESS is used for short-time storage and typically offered with a charging/discharging duration between 20 seconds and 20 minutes. However, one 4-hour duration system is available on the market.