Keywords
Citation
(2006), "Advanced flywheel energy storage system", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2006.12778bab.005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Advanced flywheel energy storage system
Advanced flywheel energy storage system
Keywords: Defence sector, Spacecraft, Design
Beacon Power Corporation, has announced that it has been awarded a contract through the Air Force Research Laboratory, and co-funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of the US Department of Defense. The contract, valued at $750,000, is for the preliminary design of a space-based flywheel energy storage system for satellite applications, and is a Phase II award under the Small Business Innovation Research program of the US Small Business Administration's Office of Technology. Beacon announced completion of an associated Phase I project earlier this year.
Under terms of the contract, Beacon will lead a 15-month technical effort involving researchers and scientists from Goodrich Space Flight Systems, Optical and Space Systems Division, Goodrich Corporation; Purdue University; and Texas A&M University.
Flywheel energy storage systems have the potential to be used in a variety of space-based applications, including providing power to low-earth-orbit satellites during the 30min these satellites orbit in darkness and their solar panels cannot provide power. Compared to electro-chemical (battery) alternatives, a flywheel-based system is expected to be more reliable, have a much longer life, be able to be charged and discharged constantly, and deliver higher performance even under extreme temperatures – all significant advantages for space applications.