New Affordable Energy Storage Technologies for Power Grids and Micro-Grids

Compared to Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries, which have earned the largest share of the battery storage market, flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) offer significant advantages in cycle life, power density and turnaround efficiency for short charge/discharge times, but normally at a higher cost. The goal for this Phase II program is to develop a FESS design that has lower acquisition cost than a conventional Li-ion battery system designed for the same mission with substantially lower life-cycle costs. The Team of American Maglev Technology (AMT), Inc. and University of Texas Center for Electromechanics (UTCEM) will target a military trailer-mounted field 3kW, 3kW-hr (stored energy) generator with a higher efficiency, lower acquisition cost and lower mass than a conventional Li-ion system. The candidate solution should also be scalable to accommodate larger motor-generators with peak/average power levels ranging from 40kW/30kW to 120kW/80kW. Beginning with a benchmark concept design and a series of trade studies and composite materials testing, the Team will deliver an updated concept design of an optimized flywheel solution, complete with risk analysis, as part of the Phase II baseline effort. The Phase II Options will focus on the rotor final design, fabrication of one or more rotors for spin testing, and development of the prototype FESS.