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About Flywheels
 A
flywheel energy storage system draws
electrical energy from a primary source, such as the utility
grid, and stores it in a high-density rotating flywheel. The
flywheel system is actually a kinetic, or mechanical battery,
spinning at very high speeds (>20,000 rpm) to store energy
that is instantly available when needed.
Upon power loss, the motor driving
the flywheel acts as a generator. As the flywheel continues
to rotate, this generator supplies power to the customer load.
Performance is measured in energy units indicating the amount
of power available over a given period of time. Typical single-flywheel
systems, such as the Smart Energy
6 and Smart Energy 25, are
intended for standby power applications.
A more recent Beacon Power flywheel design proposes an integrated
system of 10 higher-power (25 kWh) flywheels, interconnected
in a matrix to provide energy storage for utility-grade applications.
The Smart Energy Matrix™
is designed to deliver megawatts of power for minutes, providing
highly robust and responsive frequency and voltage regulation
capabilities for increased grid reliability.
A Word About Sustainability
Sustainability is a philosophy and set of practices that have
gained considerable acceptance among global organizations in
recent years. The concept of sustainability refers to business
conduct that addresses the economic, social and environmental
impacts of operations; the so-called “triple bottom line.”
More than 50% of Fortune 100 companies have adopted sustainable
business practices and issue comprehensive annual progress reports.
These companies, including many in the energy sector, have begun
to take a longer-term view that considers the total impact of
a product or service, from development through end-of-life.
Flywheel-based energy storage systems, unlike lead-acid batteries,
are sustainable “green” technology solutions that
do not use hazardous materials for production, nor create
them during operation. Unlike batteries, flywheels operate
reliably for many years with little or no maintenance. Their
life cycle cost benefits and ROI have proven to be far superior
to those of lead-acid batteries. Despite higher initial costs,
flywheels offer an attractive and long-term cost-effective
energy storage alternative for the growing number of companies
implementing sustainable business practices.
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