In the GyroP project, a flywheel energy storage was used to analyse the potential role of kinetic storages in energy supplies of the future. A first step consisted in designing a demonstrator of 1.5kW with an energy content of 0.3kW and modelling its properties.

Flywheels have been used for electric energy storage for many years now. However, because of their self-discharge and the high costs of energy storage, they have not been very present in energy supply. In connection with the promotion of alternative forms of energy, the optimisation of energy distribution and  the need for ensuring functionality in communication and information technologies, the storage of electrical energy has now gained importance though.

Recent enhancements in material technologies, in electrical machine design and control engineering have made it possible to design flywheel storages in new ways and to thereby redefine their storage role (long vs short term; energy vs performance). Nowadays, the most various applications for energy storages exist, lying in the energy (grid stability, USV, power smoothing) and mobility (mobile energy storages, support of power distribution joints) sector in particular.

A flywheel energy storage is a mechatronic system for which optimisation of its mechanical design, of the flywheel materials, of the engine/generator construction and of the mount design and engine control is crucial in order to achieve good results. Modern solutions in the design of flywheels open new perspectives which need to be quantified and tested. In all of this, safety aspects play an important role.

In the GyroP project, the IMS has analysed the potential role of kinetic storages in energy supplies of the future. A first step consisted of designing a demonstrator of 1.5kW with an energy content of 0.3kW and modelling its properties.