Development and Control of a Photovoltaic Fed Flywheel Energy Storage System for Power Conditioning

Abstract

The concept of newer energy storage and power conditioning using suitable controllers in a solar photovoltaic fed Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) is presented in this work. The power from a solar photovoltaic arrangement is harvested using a Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulated (SPWM) DC-DC converter to provide a controlled, efficient, and regulated output to drive the FESS. The FESS is designed with the BLDC motor as prime mover that drives a flywheel of cylindrical mass of suitable material and radius. The alternator connected in the same shaft of the prime mover and flywheel, powers an electrical load of 1kW. The dynamic stability of the system is taken care by the flywheel, while reliability is ensured using a well-designed controller unit. The solar PV arrangement with its controller was simulated using MATLAB, the flywheel stress was found using ANSYS. The entire FESS was simulated and based on the simulation results. A working model was fabricated, installed, and tested for the required operation. Test results were compared. Graphical representations are given to substantiate the working of the flywheel energy storage system.