Mobile Flywheel Energy Storage Module for Grid Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems, such as pumped storage power stations and battery storage devices, are not mobile, adaptable, or cost-effective for decentralized energy management in power grids, leading to challenges in voltage control and grid stabilization due to their fixed locations and high maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A mobile energy storage module with a flywheel module, vacuum module, and modular control system, housed in a robust and transportable container, allowing for quick deployment and scalability to meet varying energy demands in power supply grids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pumped storage power stations are used for energy storage, then large amounts of energy can be stored and they are available as a minute reserve for power supply grids, but they are geographically bound to their location and cannot be set up at any place and transferred when necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into modular components (flywheel modules, vacuum modules, control modules) that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. Each module is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, enabling the system to be configured in different locations and scales without being geographically bound.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the gravitational potential energy mechanism of pumped storage with rotational kinetic energy storage using flywheels. This substitution eliminates the need for elevation differences and large-scale civil engineering structures, enabling mobility while maintaining high energy storage capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If battery storage devices are used, then they can be moved to other locations and used in a variable manner, but they are not adapted to be resistant to load changes during operation and quickly degrade because of temperature effects, system failures and operating errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrochemical energy storage with mechanical energy storage using flywheels. The flywheel system stores energy as rotational kinetic energy, which is physically more stable and resistant to degradation from temperature effects and load changes compared to battery chemistry, while maintaining mobility through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental energy storage parameter from electrochemical to mechanical (rotational kinetic energy). This parameter change fundamentally improves resistance to load changes and degradation, as mechanical energy in a vacuum-sealed flywheel is isolated from environmental factors like temperature that cause battery degradation.
3Quantity of substance
If energy storage systems with high energy storage capacity and output are deployed, then grid stabilization is improved, but the extension of the power supply grid is cost-intensive and requires long approval and construction phases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized, pre-fabricated modules that can be manufactured off-site and rapidly deployed. This modular approach eliminates the need for lengthy approval and construction phases associated with traditional large-scale energy storage projects, as modules can be quickly assembled and connected to the grid.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are pre-manufactured, pre-tested, and prepared in advance at fabrication facilities. This preliminary action allows the system to be rapidly deployed when needed, eliminating long construction phases and enabling quick response to grid stabilization requirements.
4Quantity of substance
If mechanical energy storage systems with high capacity are set up in a stationary manner, then local grid problems are solved, but they are not mobile and can neither be subsequently modified quickly in their capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into independent, standardized modules that can be easily added or removed. This segmentation enables both mobility (the entire system or individual modules can be relocated) and quick capacity modification (modules can be added or removed without affecting the core system), directly resolving the contradiction between stationary setup and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design creates universal components that can serve multiple functions and be deployed in various configurations. Each module is designed with standardized interfaces and characteristics, allowing them to be combined in different numbers and arrangements to meet varying capacity requirements while maintaining mobility and ease of modification.
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 mobile energy storage module provides a flexible, high-capacity energy storage solution that can be easily transported and scaled, improving grid stability and security by enabling rapid deployment and adaptation to changing energy needs without the need for extensive infrastructure changes.
Implementation Method 1
a flywheel module (3) having a plurality of flywheel energy storage units (31) which, together, are connected to the at least one power connection interface (21a, 21b, 21c) via a DC link (32)
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum module (4) for generating a minimum vacuum in the respective flywheel energy storage units (31) required for operating the flywheel module (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile energy storage module is provided having a high energy storage capacity and output. An energy storage system having such energy storage modules and to a method for adjusting the energy storage system to the demands in the power supply grids is also disclosed. To achieve this, the mobile energy storage module comprises an enclosing module housing having at least one power connection interface and at least one data interface, and additionally comprises a flywheel module having a plurality of flywheel energy storage units, a vacuum module for generating a minimum vacuum required for operating the flywheel module, a cooling module for removing at least internal thermal loads during operation of the flywheel module, and a module control system that is configured to appropriately control the modules in the module housing.