04-10-2010, 01:14 PM
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Flywheel energy storage
INTRODUCTION
Flywheel energy storage systems store kinetic energy (i.e. energy produced by motion) by constantly spinning a compact rotor in a low-friction environment. When short-term back-up power is required (i.e. when utility power fluctuates or is lost), the rotor's inertia allows it to continue spinning and the resulting kinetic energy is converted to electricity.
Active Power's CleanSource® Flywheel Technology, as shown below, integrates the function of a motor, flywheel rotor and generator into a single integrated system. The motor, which uses electric current from the utility grid to provide energy to rotate the flywheel, spins constantly to maintain a ready source of kinetic energy. The generator then converts the kinetic energy of the flywheel into electricity. This integration of functionality reduces the cost and increases product efficiency.
