crtoca

Grid-based Energy Storage: Birth of a Giant

Contrary to some posters, the Beacon flywheel has not been approved for regulation services in three regional power grids. Those grids have tested the ability of the small prototype flywheels to follow the regulation signal. However, the tariffs require systems to provide much more energy than the flywheel has stored. Beacon is currently trying to change those rules. Beacon has not yet demonstrated its large, grid application, flywheel.

I also encourage a look at the VRB Flow Battery. It is one of the few advanced energy systems that are commercially available. It's as fast or faster than a flywheel, has an indefinite life - it can be refurbished, similar to a diesel engine overhaul - and can provide megawatts of capacity with hours of storage and with unlimited cycling.