Type of Flywheels – Function, Applications and Advantages

Two types of Flywheels are in market based on their functions and applications. Flywheel advantages makes them tough competitors in power grid applications.

Type of Flywheels

There are mainly two type of Flywheels available in the market. They are : –

High Velocity Flywheel

The angular velocity of these type of Flywheels comes between 30000 rpm to 60000 rpm which may even be adjusted upto 1,00,000 rpm. They contain magnetic levitation bearings and need less maintenance. They are lighter in weight if compared size/capacity wise to low velocity flywheels. They are costly in comparison to Low velocity Flywheels.

Low Velocity Flywheel

The angular velocity of these type of Flywheels comes up to 10000 rpm. They are bulky and heavy if compared to high velocity Fly wheels. They need periodic maintenance and does not use magnetic levitation bearings. Their installation needs special concrete construction to support its weight. They are cheaper in comparison to high velocity Fly wheels.

Advantages of Flywheel over General Battery

These type of flywheels are more efficient than general batteries (only if we neglect installation cost) and so they are given preference over general batteries. Here is a list of few advantages of Flywheel over General Battery:

• Greater capability to store energy
• More life span
• Storage capability is not affected by charging / discharging cycle
• Less Maintenance involved
• Lesser thermal loss
• More round trip efficiency
• More peak-load capability
• Ease of operation

Applications of Flywheels

• in wind turbines
• along with motor driven generator to store energy
• in automobile engines
• in electric cars to boost speed (in experimental stage)
• In advanced locomotive propulsion systems
• In advanced technology transit buses
• In satellites to control direction
• In Big electricity grids for protection against interruptions

Read more about Flywheel Energy Storage, Energy Calculations and Rotor Requirements