The Development of a Parametric Model for Flywheel Energy Storage Systems

Flywheel Energy Storage (FES) systems are a form of energy storage that uses a lowloss environment to store kinetic energy in a rotor. They have applications in mobile vehicles; where by recent developments in material science have enabled a recent increase in the frequency of both academic and industrial publications regarding FES system design. An extensive literature review was conducted into the field of parametric modelling for the process of optimisation algorithms, especially into discussion of flywheel energy storage systems. It was found that significant work had been done in recent periods, particularly into the development composite multi-rim flywheels. Considering the technical information available, parametric models were generated that would allow for the input of parameters regarding external influences pertaining to the FES system application, geometry, and coupled components. Two flywheels types are considered in this thesis. The first flywheel considers a parametric system represented primarily by a spline-fit curve to an axisymmetric model of a metal flywheel. A multi-rim composite flywheel parametric model was also introduced to facilitate the capability of using composite materials in varying arrangements. An extension of this was discussed to facilitate the parametric model of a flywheel hub. Optimisation algorithms were recommended for these models, designed to be indifferent to any particular optimisation technique used. The thesis works to gather rather discontinuous literature into a single formulated structure. An initial design stage of an FES system for a mobile application can use the work provided to optimise a flywheel to minimise mass for a required operational range