This is really a much bigger deal than you might think. Energy storage is insanely difficult and inefficient, so inertia-based systems like this one provide an excellent way to keep efficiency high while still providing constant power.
I heard an idea like this that involved gigantic tanks of water...water would be pumped up with turbines when energy use dips, and when it peaks the water would pour back down through a different set of turbines to generate extra power. I'm guessing that flywheels are a heckuvalot easier to work with, though.
Anyone think that you'll eventually have a set of 3 flywheels like this in a power management station in homes?
The Helms Pumped Storage station here in California operates under those principles you mentioned. During high load times, the upper reservoir drains to the lower and generating electricity using a turbine / generator. When the load is low (and electricity is cheaper), the water is then pumped back up to start the process again. This also creates a net money gain for the company.
This station was at least partially constructed in order to be the off-peak load for the company's nuclear power plant (where I work), which usually runs at full capacity regardless of grid demands.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
David MacMillan @ Jun 17th 2008 9:27AM
This is really a much bigger deal than you might think. Energy storage is insanely difficult and inefficient, so inertia-based systems like this one provide an excellent way to keep efficiency high while still providing constant power.
I heard an idea like this that involved gigantic tanks of water...water would be pumped up with turbines when energy use dips, and when it peaks the water would pour back down through a different set of turbines to generate extra power. I'm guessing that flywheels are a heckuvalot easier to work with, though.
Anyone think that you'll eventually have a set of 3 flywheels like this in a power management station in homes?
Calcifer @ Jun 28th 2008 1:39AM
The Helms Pumped Storage station here in California operates under those principles you mentioned. During high load times, the upper reservoir drains to the lower and generating electricity using a turbine / generator. When the load is low (and electricity is cheaper), the water is then pumped back up to start the process again. This also creates a net money gain for the company.
This station was at least partially constructed in order to be the off-peak load for the company's nuclear power plant (where I work), which usually runs at full capacity regardless of grid demands.
Nick @ Jun 18th 2008 6:12AM
Fly wheels have been undervalued so much. what makes them perfect for beacon is that they release energy faster then any chemical battery's.
Its a shame that there has never been anlot of research and development into fly wheels.