Flywheel Energy Storage Module with DC Link Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems, such as battery storage and flywheel systems, face challenges in effectively stabilizing and supporting both local and non-local power grids due to limitations in capacity, reliability, and environmental safety, particularly during power failures, and lack the ability to efficiently absorb and deliver energy as needed.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage module comprising multiple flywheel storage units connected in parallel via a common DC voltage intermediate circuit, with a control system that allows for seamless operation between external voltage networks and an internal supply network, enabling energy storage and release during normal and emergency conditions without the need for additional emergency power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery storage systems are used for grid stabilization, then energy storage capacity is improved, but maintenance intensity and fire risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful chemical components from the energy storage system by replacing battery chemistry with mechanical flywheel energy storage. The flywheel system stores energy kinetically without chemicals, eliminating fire risks and chemical hazards while maintaining energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs modular flywheel units that can be individually replaced or maintained without shutting down the entire system. Each flywheel module is designed as a standalone unit with simplified maintenance requirements compared to battery systems.
2Quantity of substance
If pumped storage plants are used for large capacity energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but adaptability to local grid stabilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy storage system into multiple independent flywheel modules that can operate autonomously or in coordination. This modular architecture allows the system to be scaled and configured for different applications, from local grid stabilization to larger scale energy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The flywheel system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on grid requirements, seamlessly transitioning between charging and discharging states to provide rapid response for local grid stabilization while maintaining capacity for larger scale energy storage tasks.
3Reliability
If decentralized energy storage systems are used for local stabilization, then local grid quality is improved, but capability to support non-local voltage grid deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the flywheel energy storage system with universal applicability, enabling it to perform multiple functions including local grid stabilization, non-local voltage grid support, and emergency power supply. The system can be deployed at various locations and scales to address different grid needs.
4Reliability
If emergency generators are added to ensure operation during power failures, then reliability during emergencies is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flywheel energy storage system is designed to autonomously maintain operation during grid failures by utilizing its stored kinetic energy. The system self-regulates to continue powering essential components without requiring external emergency generators, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a reliable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective energy storage system capable of supporting both local and non-local power grids, maintaining operational readiness during power failures, and reducing the complexity and cost of emergency power generation.
Implementation Method 1
comprising several flywheel storage units (2) electrically connected in parallel to a common DC voltage intermediate circuit (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an energy storage module (1) for the reversible storage of electrical energy, comprising several flywheel storage units (2) electrically connected in parallel via a common DC link (3), a first control system (31) connected to the DC link (3), which in normal operation (NO) connects the DC link (3) to one or more external voltage networks (ES1, ES2) for receiving (En) / supplying (Ep) energy to / into the external voltage networks (ES1, ES2), and a second control system (32) with an input side (32E) and an output side (32A), wherein the input side (32E) is connected at least to the DC link (3) and the output side (32A) is connected to an internal supply network (4) for supplying one or more electrically driven operating units (51, 52, 53, 54) required for the operation of the flywheel storage units (2).wherein the second control system (32) is configured to connect the DC link (3) to the internal supply network (4), at least in emergency operation (NF) when an external power supply network (ES1, ES2) is unavailable, and to supply the supply network (4) with the required power (VL) for the continued operation of the flywheel storage units (2) solely from the DC link (3) at least for a first time interval (T). The invention further relates to a method for controlling such an energy storage module (1).