(2) Technology Requirements The use of flywheels has already been demonstrated in some applications; however, R&D support is required to prove the practical feasibility and cost benefits of the concept for both transportation and utility systems. Many problems, including scale-up, safety, efficiency, power conversion, bearing design, and methods of increasing energy density, must be considered. An extremely limited use of flywheel energy-storage systems has been demonstrated for vehicular propulsion and stationary power sources. Limitations in the energy-storage capabilities, efficiency, and the hazard associated with catastrophic failure of the flywheel have limited the use of the flywheel. However, recent advances in materials, and in design and construction techniques, have led to renewed interest in the development of flywheel energy-storage systems for transportation and peak-power demand applications. Firm predictions of the ultimate capability of this type of device are not possible without further work on the development of advanced material and fabrication techniques. To date no flywheels using advanced materials of construction have been built. Single elements have been tested, however, and results appear promising. Some of the questions that remain to be answered concern: • Consequences of a complete rotor failure. • Weight, costs, and lifetime of complete flywheel systems. • Behavior of rotors during power withdrawal. • Techniques for generating constant-frequency alternating current from a variable-speed source. • Materials of construction. • Safety. (3) Scope of the Program Near-term ERDA activities emphasize systems studies and a detailed definition of requirements for technology development. Work on composite materials has been initiated.
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