On the modeling and control of a novel flywheel energy storage system

The concept of a novel axial flux permanent magnet machine for flywheel energy storage system is presented. Modeling and control of this novel flywheel energy storage system are given. This flywheel energy storage system is designed to work as a fast-response energy storage device which is planned for use in ride-through applications in wind power. Therefore the flywheel has to store and release energy at high power rating in short period of time to meet such requirements. Motoring torque and axial force of this flywheel are well controlled by a simple control technique. The flywheel is driven by a single power converter. Mathematical model of the proposed flywheel is presented and verified by Matlab simulations. In order to evaluate this novel machine concept, an experimental test-rig was fabricated and tested. Experimental and simulation results are presented and compared.