Abstract
A superconductor flywheel energy storage system (SFES) is an electro-mechanical battery which transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy for storage, and vice versa. A 35 kWh class SFES module was designed and constructed as part of a 100kWh/1MW class SFES composed of three 35 kWh class SFES modules. The 35 kWh class SFES is composed of a main frame, superconductor bearings, a composite flywheel, a motor/generator, electro-magnetic bearings, and a permanent magnet bearing. The high energy density composite flywheel is levitated by the permanent magnet bearing and superconductor bearings, while being spun by the motor/generator, and the electro-magnetic bearings are activated while passing through the critical speeds. Each of the main components was designed to provide maximum performance within a space-limited compact frame. The 35 kWh class SFES is designed to store 35 kWh, with a 350 kW charge/discharge capacity, in the 8,000 ~ 12,000 rpm operational speed range.
