Are flywheel energy storage systems economically feasible?

Equipment cost distribution for the flywheel energy storage systems. FESSs are used for short-duration power applications. Therefore, power capital cost ($/kW) could be a useful parameter to compare the economic feasibility of energy storage systems for similar power applications.

Does a flywheel storage system need a bottom-up research?

However, almost no bottom-up research has been done, i.e., research that considers the technical parameters to size the components of a flywheel storage system, estimate cost parameters based on the design, and provide a probable distribution of the total investment cost and levelized cost of storage.

What is the power rating of a flywheel energy storage system?

Utility-scale energy storage systems for stationary applications typically have power ratings of 1 MW or more . The largest flywheel energy storage is in New York, USA by Beacon Power with a power rating of 20 MW and 15 min discharge duration .

Are flywheel energy storage systems a good alternative to electro-chemical batteries?

Electro-chemical ESSs can be used in short-duration services , , but they suffer from a short lifetime and the need to dispose of toxic materials , . Flywheel energy storage systems (FESSs) are a promising alternative to electro-chemical batteries for short-duration support to the grid .

How many flywheels are required?

The corresponding number of flywheels required was calculated to be 200 and 186 (see Table 1). The TIC comprises total equipment cost, miscellaneous items cost, construction and commissioning cost, and contingency cost. The TEC, which comprises the costs of different components of the system, alone contributes about 68% to the TIC.

How much does a steel rotor flywheel cost?

The steel rotor flywheel has a lower capital cost and levelized cost of storage. The costs of composite and steel rotor flywheels are $190 and $146/MWh, respectively. Flywheel energy storage systems are increasingly being considered as a promising alternative to electro-chemical batteries for short-duration utility applications.