Flywheel UPS Gaining Momentum

Electrical

Wednesday, 25 October 2006 12:14

Written by Bob DeCoufle

Recent announcements such as Pentadyne’s press release noting that orders for its new second-generation VSS+DC flywheel-based clean energy storage systems have surpassed more than 100 units as well as research suggest that the flywheel UPS is gaining momentum as an alternative energy storage technology.

The flywheel technology has grown to be a market by itself. As suggested by recent interviews and attendance in data center related trade shows including Emerson’s AdaptiveXchange in Columbus, Ohio, the Flywheel has started to replace batteries in UPS systems. Those users who we spoke with indicated that the flywheel capability in providing seamless clean power in times of disruption is an appealing attribute. Researches on flywheel technology have revealed that it can be used for total power quality solutions due to the long-term reliability it offers apart from it being an alternative energy storage source.

How does it work?
A UPS converts AC power into DC power. In a flywheel UPS, the flywheel is connected to the DC side of the converter. This is done to provide energy to the DC bus. The output side converts this DC power into AC power to serve the premium power circuits. In case of any sort of a voltage interruption, this flywheel supported DC bus assumes the generator function to provide the AC power required.

Concerns
The major concerns about flywheel systems are safety and associated high material costs. They involve a large initial outlay, and have a limited functionality. Despite a lack of awareness about the technology, the market has grown by and large replacing batteries in the conventional UPS systems.

They are considered to be compact and require low maintenance. Flywheels are believed to provide a superior performance without the high cost of ownership and environmental impacts that the lead acid batteries present. The footprints of flywheels are also considered to be much less than those of batteries.

The Future
"Data centers are moving to higher density "blade servers" to both maximize computing power and minimize computing space,” said Frank DeLattre, Pentadyne"s Senior Vice President of Sales & Service. "However, higher capacity computing requires higher capacity UPS systems and higher capacity energy storage. So while the computing footprint is shrinking, the conventional energy storage footprint is getting much larger. The Pentadyne VSS+DC is the perfect solution for this application. It is the blade-equivalent of energy storage: delivering more power in less space, while also eliminating all the ventilation, cooling, maintenance, replacement and safety issues that plague battery installations.” Mr. DeLattre spoke at the Emerson (Liebert) Network Power AdaptiveXchange trade show in Columbus, Ohio.

The technology, as compared to the lead acid batteries, is trusted, proven, and environmentally friendly. In contrast to a battery, which requires an additional internal battery monitoring system, a flywheel incorporates the internal monitoring and communications capabilities.

The inefficiencies of UPS batteries are being overcome by the flywheel technology in maintaining affordable power, and this revolutionary device already has replaced conventional UPS batteries in some niche applications. Flywheel systems are an ideal solution for short-term power interruptions, allowing end users peace of mind without the hassle of managing and maintaining batteries. Low ride-through time suggests that these systems will be used as a bridge solution and will continue to become more and more popular thus possibly impacting the overall cost.

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