Grid integration of multiple flywheel energy storage systems

The project will look at optimising efficiency, fatigue life, and cost of multiple-flywheel energy storage systems for grid applications.

Energy system operators/owners have a need for energy-storage in order to stabilise grids against fluctuating power demand and supply. This is particularly relevant when incorporating renewable energy sources into islanded, remote or 'weak' micro grids. Williams' already well developed and innovative flywheel energy-storage technology is ideally suited to this application, due to its fast response, high power, low maintenance, and twenty year life. Through this project, supervisory control strategies for a scalable multiple flywheel syetm will be developed to optimise system efficiency and flywheel fatigue life. Optimal grid tie inverter arrangements (numbers and ratings), in terms of efficiency and cost, will also be investigated to further improve the complete energy storage solution.