What is a flywheel power system?

Flywheel power systems, also known as flywheel energy storage (FES) systems, are power storage devices that store kinetic energy in a rotating flywheel. The flywheel rotors are coupled with an integral motor-generator that is contained in the housing. The motor-generator is used to store and then harness energy from the rotating flywheel.

What is a flywheel housing?

Flywheel housings contain and isolate the bearings, rotor, and electromechanical components of the flywheel power system. By providing a controlled environment the housing allows the flywheel to spin with little to no interference from any external forces that would otherwise dampen its motion.

What is a large-scale flywheel energy storage system?

Large-scale flywheel energy storage systems are measured in MWh's and use several flywheels that are coupled together. Flywheel power systems store energy very efficiently and have the potential for very high specific power when compared to batteries.

Are flywheels viable?

Applications for flywheels are viable when two conditions are met. First, the flywheel must represent a more cost-effective solution than competing forms of energy storage. Second, a market must exist so that the deployment of a flywheel system results in an economic return.

What are aluminum flywheels used for?

Aluminum flywheels are used in some vehicles. An aluminum flywheel is lighter in weight than a steel flywheel, allowing an engine to shift faster. Aluminum flywheels expand at twice the rate of steel, so they must be tightened properly at ambient temperatures to ensure optimum functionality when the engine is running.

What type of flywheel does a car use?

Cars and trucks with manual or standard transmissions use flywheels of different weights depending on the size of the vehicle and the engine. A truck flywheel is heavier to store more energy and provide more acceleration. Aluminum flywheels are used in some vehicles.