7.3 Mechanical energy storage applications

Mechanical energy storage, particularly flywheels and compressed air, plays a crucial role in grid support and transportation. These technologies offer rapid response for frequency regulation, load leveling, and renewable integration, while also providing backup power and improving energy efficiency in vehicles.

Flywheels and compressed air systems find applications in various sectors, from industrial power quality improvement to spacecraft attitude control. Their high power density, fast charge/discharge capabilities, and long cycle life make them valuable tools for energy management and sustainability across different fields.

Grid Support

Frequency Regulation and Load Leveling

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• Flywheels help maintain grid frequency by providing rapid response to changes in electricity demand and supply
  • Can quickly absorb or inject power to stabilize frequency
  • Respond faster than traditional generators (gas turbines)
• Load leveling involves storing energy during periods of low demand and releasing it during peak demand
  • Helps smooth out the demand curve and reduce strain on the grid
  • Flywheels can charge during off-peak hours and discharge during peak hours
• Flywheels compete with other storage technologies (batteries, pumped hydro) for frequency regulation and load leveling applications

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and Renewable Integration

• Flywheels serve as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to provide backup power during outages
  • Maintain power quality and continuity for critical loads (data centers, hospitals)
  • Bridge the gap until backup generators come online
  • Offer high power density and longer lifetimes compared to battery-based UPS systems
• Flywheels facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources (wind, solar) into the grid
  • Smooth out the intermittent and variable nature of renewable generation
  • Store excess renewable energy when generation exceeds demand and release it when needed
  • Help maintain grid stability and power quality in the presence of high renewable penetration

Mobility and Transportation

Transportation Applications

• Flywheels are used in transportation applications to store and release kinetic energy
  • Regenerative braking systems in electric and hybrid vehicles (cars, trains)
    • Capture kinetic energy during braking and convert it to electrical energy
    • Store the energy in the flywheel for later use during acceleration
  • Provide boost power for acceleration and hill climbing
  • Reduce fuel consumption and emissions by optimizing energy usage
• Flywheels offer high power density, rapid charge/discharge, and long cycle life compared to batteries in transportation applications

Space Applications

• Flywheels find applications in spacecraft attitude control and energy storage systems
  • Control the orientation and stability of satellites and spacecraft
  • Store solar energy generated by photovoltaic panels during sunlight periods
  • Provide power during eclipse periods when solar panels are not illuminated
• Flywheels offer high reliability, long lifetimes, and the ability to operate in the harsh space environment (vacuum, temperature extremes)
• Examples of flywheel usage in space include the International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope

Industrial and Commercial

Industrial Applications

• Flywheels are employed in various industrial applications for energy storage and power management
  • Power quality improvement in manufacturing plants and industrial facilities
    • Smooth out voltage fluctuations and mitigate power disturbances (sags, swells)
    • Ensure consistent power supply to sensitive equipment (CNC machines, robotics)
  • Peak shaving in industrial settings to reduce peak demand charges
    • Store energy during low-demand periods and release it during peak periods
    • Minimize the need for expensive peak power generation or grid upgrades
  • Backup power for critical industrial processes and safety systems
    • Ensure continuous operation during power outages or disruptions
    • Maintain the integrity and safety of industrial operations
• Flywheels provide high power density, fast response, and reliable performance in demanding industrial environments