Does the Canberra Skyrail use flywheel energy storage

The introduction of flywheel energy storage systems in a light rail transit train is analyzed. Mathematical models of the train, driving cycle and flywheel energy storage system are developed. These models are used to study the energy consumption and the operating cost of a light rail transit train with and without flywheel energy storage.

Flywheel Systems are more suited for applications that require rapid energy bursts, such as power grid stabilization, frequency regulation, and backup power for critical infrastructure. Battery Storage is typically a better choice for long-term energy storage, such as for renewable energy systems (solar or wind) or home energy storage.

Energy consumption and operating cost with and without flywheels are obtained. Introducing FESS in an LRT can result in substantial energy and cost savings. The maximum predicted energy saving is 31%. The maximum estimated cost savings is 11%. The introduction of flywheel energy storage systems in a light rail transit train is analyzed.

The use of new materials and compact designs will increase the specific energy and energy density to make flywheels more competitive to batteries. Other opportunities are new applications in energy harvest, hybrid energy systems, and flywheel's secondary functionality apart from energy storage.

One possibility is the new use of an old technology: the flywheel. You know, almost intuitively, how the mechanical energy storage system called a flywheel works. Think of a foot-operated sewing machine or a spinning top. Both collect and store kinetic energy in the flywheel, and release it when needed, typically over a short time.

Cost savings of 11% can be obtained by utilizing different flywheel energy storage systems with 1.2 kWh and 360 kW. The introduction of flywheel energy storage systems in a light rail transit train can therefore result in substantial energy and cost savings. 1. Introduction