Assessment of photovoltaic powered flywheel energy storage system for power generation and conditioning

Abstract

Energy storage and power conditioning are the two major issues related to renewable energy-based power generation and utilisation. This work discusses an energy storage option for a short-term power requirement, which also acts as a power conditioner. The flywheel, an old invention, is included in the electrical power generation arrangement to achieve energy storage and power conditioning requirements. A Photovoltaic solar system is used as a primary source from which the required DC voltage is obtained through an SPWM-based DC-DC converter. This power is fed to an arrangement consisting of a BLDC machine as prime mover, which drives a mass of flywheel. An alternator connected with the motor and flywheel to supply a 1000 W load. The flywheel is designed to take care of the dynamic stability assisted by a suitably designed controller unit and supporting power supply units t ensure the system's reliability. Hence a conditioned and reliable power supply is provided to the load. This research aims to decide on the dimensions and material of the flywheel to be used, which was achieved using ANSYS. Two different materials were selected, and stress analysis was done to ensure their suitability as an energy storage medium in the power generation system. Similarly, the converters and controllers were simulated using MATLAB to fit them to the renewable power generation scheme based on which a working model is fabricated, and tested through proper commissioning, to get the aimed objectives. The outcome of simulation and experimentation were compared, and suitable illustrations were given to prove the successful implementation of a flywheel-based energy storage system.