Different flywheel energy storage drives for renewables - Limits and optimization

The main problem of the renewable energies is their stochastic availability. To compensate it, energy storage is necessary. The short time turbulent power pulsation can be balanced by flywheel energy storage drive. This paper deals with this method focusing mainly to the wind power applications. After the theoretical considerations of the system the possible drive types and the limits of the operation are discussed. Considering the properties of the different methods, optimal selection is possible. The operation of the system is investigated by simulations.