China has launched the world’s largest energy storage system based on flywheel technology

In the city of Changzhi, in the Shanxi province of China, the largest energy storage system in the world using flywheels has been connected to the power grid. The project, operated by Shenzhen Energy Group, has a total installed capacity of 30 MW and consists of 120 units.

How the Flywheel System Works

The flywheel-based energy storage system works by converting electrical energy into kinetic energy, which is stored in a rotating flywheel housed in a vacuum. When energy is needed, the flywheel slows down, and the kinetic energy is converted back into electrical energy. This system stands out for its ability to quickly discharge the stored energy, making it ideal for stabilizing power grids or providing emergency backup power. While the storage capacity of this type of system is smaller compared to, for example, lithium-ion batteries, it offers high durability and a long lifespan.

Details of the Dinglun Project The construction of the Dinglun Flywheel Energy Storage Power Station began in June 2023. This project is the first of its kind in China and one of the largest in the world. Previous records in this field were held by installations in the United States, such as the 20 MW projects in New York and Pennsylvania, managed by Convergent Energy + Power.

The Dinglun project uses 120 high-speed flywheel units, which are divided into modules. Each module consists of 12 units, which together form a system for energy storage and frequency regulation. The entire system is connected to the power grid at a 110 kV voltage level.

The Dinglun project is part of a broader strategy to implement modern energy storage systems in China. It aims to support the stabilization of the power grid, particularly through frequency regulation, which is crucial for maintaining a continuous energy supply during sudden changes in demand.

The project was made possible through collaboration among several key players in the energy market. China Energy Construction Shanxi Power Engineering Institute and Shanxi Electric Power Construction Company were responsible for the construction, while the technology was provided by BC New Energy. The total investment cost amounted to 340 million RMB (approximately 48.1 million USD).

Source: energy-storage.news