Third Generation Of Flywheels: A Promising Substitute To Batteries

Abstract

A review of flywheels as energy storage systems is organized in three generations. The performance is compared with that of batteries and other energy storage systems in terms of power and energy density. It is shown that a new generation, using magnetic bearings and high speeds (>60000rpm) can substitute batteries in the near future. A laboratory prototype illustrates the main parts of a 3rd Generation flywheel.