Grid integration of multiple energy-storage flywheels
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Abstract
The focus of this competition is on integration of energy storage technologies into the energy system, and not on
developing the underlying technologies. The industrial partner Williams Grand Prix Engineering have already developed the
underlying technology behind the flywheel, and have a fully working product. The project is therefore aims to look at how
multiple flywheel units can be best integrated into the grid. This will include developing a control strategy for a multiple
flywheel system in order to optimise efficiency, and life. Optimal arrangements of grid tie inverters (size and quantity) in
terms of efficiency and cost, will also be investigated for a wide range of power requirements, to further improve the
complete energy-storage package.
developing the underlying technologies. The industrial partner Williams Grand Prix Engineering have already developed the
underlying technology behind the flywheel, and have a fully working product. The project is therefore aims to look at how
multiple flywheel units can be best integrated into the grid. This will include developing a control strategy for a multiple
flywheel system in order to optimise efficiency, and life. Optimal arrangements of grid tie inverters (size and quantity) in
terms of efficiency and cost, will also be investigated for a wide range of power requirements, to further improve the
complete energy-storage package.
Planned Impact
With the increased diversity of energy sources, means of achieving grid stabilisation has become a key concern,
particularly in weak grids. Therefore, this project would further demonstrate the usefulness of flywheel energy storage
systems as viable candidate technology.
particularly in weak grids. Therefore, this project would further demonstrate the usefulness of flywheel energy storage
systems as viable candidate technology.
Organisations
| Description | The key findings are associated with development of a novel control technique which enables the speed synchronisation of a pack of flywheels. |
| Exploitation Route | The findings have been taken forward by the collaborating company Williams F1. |
| Sectors | Energy |
| Description | The outcome of the research has been adopted by Williams F1. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2015 |
| Sector | Energy |
| Impact Types | Economic |