Are flywheels a viable energy storage technology?

Flywheels have a relatively low energy density and are not feasible for longer term energy storage compared to other technologies. Additionally, they have a low current efficiency and high level of self-discharge due to air resistance and bearing losses (A.J. Ruddell, in Stand-Alone and Hybrid Wind Energy Systems, 2010).

What happened to flywheel energy technology?

Interest in flywheel energy technology fell as oil prices stabilised towards the end of the 1970s, leading to a reduction in research. The research into flywheels petered out by the mid 1980s. However, there was a revival in the 1990s due to stricter emissions legislation coming into force worldwide.

What is a flywheel energy storage & conversion system?

A flywheel energy storage and conversion system is used in applications such as a residentially sized photovoltaic-powered system tied into the utility grid for off-peak or backup service. This is an example of one application for the system.

What is a flywheel storage system?

A flywheel storage system is also almost identical in many respects to a power generator - it's often built around a magnetic coil so the motor and the output generator are the same piece of hardware, with simple switching reversing the circuit to switch between spin-up and discharge. Why would you want to fit it IN a home?

What is a flywheel assembly?

A flywheel assembly comprising: a cylindrical sleeve carried on said shaft, said sleeve closed at each of two opposing axial ends to define an enclosed volume; wherein said sleeve is deformed by expansion of said fluid within said enclosed volume to tightly engage said rotor.

What is a flywheel rotor?

The flywheel rotor has a unique axial profile to both maximize the energy density of the flywheel, to maximize the volumetric efficiency of the entire system and to provide a circumferential ridge to add balance weights without the damaging procedure of grinding away fibers.