Design optimization of a flywheel using solidworks modeling and simulation capabilities

Although flywheels have been used for many years as the most simple device for mechanical energy storage, only since 1998 they were included in systems designed to replace classical batteries. Recent advances in power electronics, magnetic bearings and materials with high specific strength correlated with the increasingly wider use of renewable energy have allowed the development of high performance flywheel energy storage system (FESS) that become an attractive battery alternative. In present investigation, using SolidWorks modeling and simulation capabilities, a total of 44 configurations of the flywheel geometry has been created and analyzed, in order to be able to optimize the shape of the flywheel. Conclusions regarding the influence of each analyzed parameter on the behavior of the wheel and especially on the specific energy accumulated by the flywheel has been drawn.