Flywheel energy storage for automobile companies

Could flywheels be the future of energy storage?

Flywheels, one of the earliest forms of energy storage, could play a significant role in the transformation of the electrical power system into one that is fully sustainable yet low cost.

What is a flywheel energy storage system?

The implemented flywheel energy storage systems are focused on providing power, off-loading a high-energy/low-power source. Flybrid Systems was bought by Torotrak PLC in 2014. Torotrak is listed on the London stock exchange and has a market cap of 23 MUSD.

Can flywheels be used as intermediate energy storage in automotive applications?

The focus in this review is on applications where flywheels are used as a significant intermediate energy storage in automotive applications. Several tradeoffs are necessary when designing a flywheel system, and the end results vary greatly depending on the requirements of the end application.

Can electro-mechanical flywheel energy storage systems be used in hybrid vehicles?

Electro-mechanical flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) can be used in hybrid vehicles as an alternative to chemical batteries or capacitors and have enormous development potential. In the first part of the book, the Supersystem Analysis, FESS is placed in a global context using a holistic approach.

How do fly wheels store energy?

Fly wheels store energy in mechanical rotational energy to be then converted into the required power form when required. Energy storage is a vital component of any power system, as the stored energy can be used to offset inconsistencies in the power delivery system.

How much energy does a flywheel store?

Indeed, the development of high strength, low-density carbon fiber composites (CFCs) in the 1970s generated renewed interest in flywheel energy storage. Based on design strengths typically used in commercial flywheels, σ max /ρ is around 600 kNm/kg for CFC, whereas for wrought flywheel steels, it is around 75 kNm/kg.