Merits of flywheels for spacecraft energy storage

Technical Report · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:5631574

Gross, S

Flywheel energy storage systems which have a very good potential for use in spacecraft are discussed. This system can be superior to alkaline secondary batteries and regenerable fuel cells in most of the areas that are important in spacecraft applications. Of special importance, relative to batteries, are lighter weight, longer cycle and operating life, and high efficiency which minimizes solar array size and the amount of orbital makeup fuel required. Flywheel systems have a long shelf life, give a precise state of charge indication, have modest thermal control needs, are capable of multiple discharges per orbit, have simple ground handling needs, and have characteristics which would be useful for military applications. The major disadvantages of flywheel energy storage systems are that: power is not available during the launch phase without special provisions and in flight failure of units may force shutdown of good counter rotating units, amplifying the effects of failure and limiting power distribution system options no inherent emergency power capability unless specifically designed for, and a high level of complexity compared with batteries. The potential advantages of the flywheel energy storage system far outweigh the disadvantages.

• Research Organization: Boeing Co., Seattle, WA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5631574
• Report Number(s): N-85-13857
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250500* -- Energy Storage-- Flywheels
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENERGY STORAGE
EQUIPMENT
EVALUATION
FLYWHEELS
LIFE SPAN
MECHANICAL ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POWER SUPPLIES
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
STORAGE
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES