Flywheel: Energy storage gains velocity

By Control Engineering Staff December 7, 2006

More power, price, and certifications have increased interest in the VSS+DC flywheel-based uninterruptible power supply system, says Pentadyne Power Corp.

Pentadyne Power Corp . received more than 100 orders for the VSS+DC flywheel-based power system. The second-generation models, shipped in July, have received industry certifications and deliver more than 50% greater power than the company’s original VSSDC model that it has sold for the last 3 years. The update presently is sold at the same price and has the same dimensions and weight as the original. The company has OEM relationships with Emerson Network Power/ Liebert and with Socomec Sicon .

The flywheel power system improves reliability of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) by replacing or extending the life of lead-acid batteries used in most UPS configurations. In comparison to batteries, flywheel is said to offer higher reliability, eliminate costly ventilation and cooling requirements, and reduce lifecycle cost and for maintenance and replacement needs. It has a smaller footprint than an equivalent battery system, Pentadyne says.

— Edited by Mark T. Hoske , editor in chief ,Control Engineering