Flywheels, in short, are machines that store kinetic energy in a rotating mass. The flywheel operates via a “flywheel effect”whereby its rotation is maintained via its own inertia [1]. Although ancient science did not understand the mechanics of flywheels, ancient engineers were able to develop spindle whorls (by 6000 BC) and potter's wheels (by 3000 BC) which both used their own inertia to maintain motion [1]. Work on flywheels gradually expanded until the industrial revolution, whereby they were incorporated into engine design to smooth rotations and damp vibrations [1-3]. Early uses of flywheels in electrical systems included regulation of power generation systems [4] and damping vibrations [2, 3]; roles they continue in today [5]. However, flywheels have seen additional use as a form of battery and interest is increasing in this use as material developments are made.

Chapter Contents:

• 10.1 Introduction
• 10.2 Background
• 10.2.1 Design considerations
• 10.2.1.1 Material considerations
• 10.2.1.2 Bearing considerations
• 10.2.1.3 Motor/generator considerations
• 10.2.1.4 Power electronics
• 10.2.1.5 Containment
• 10.2.1.6 High-speed versus low-speed FES system considerations
• 10.2.2 Comparisons with alternative energy storage system
• 10.2.3 Sizing considerations
• 10.2.4 Available FES systems
• 10.2.5 FES system research
• 10.3 Applications and research of flywheels energy storage systems
• 10.3.1 Uninterruptible power supply
• 10.3.2 Power quality
• 10.3.3 Integration with renewable energy systems
• 10.3.4 Energy harvesting
• 10.3.5 Aerospace flywheel systems
• 10.3.6 Tangential applications
• 10.3.6.1 Building motion and vibration control
• 10.3.6.2 Transportation applications
• 10.3.6.3 Catapult launching systems
• 10.4 Conclusions
• References

Inspec keywords: engines; vibrations; flywheels; damping

Other keywords: flywheel energy storage systems; kinetic energy storage; vibrations damping; spindle whorls; potter wheels; rotations smoothing; engine design; flywheel effect

Subjects: Vibrations and shock waves (mechanical engineering); Engines; Storage in mechanical energy; Mechanical components; Other energy storage