Wind-power flywheel integration

A flywheel energy store is used to absorb fluctuations in the power output of a 55-kW wind turbine generator caused by wind turbulence. Both synchronous and asynchronous methods of linking the flywheel with the wind turbine are described. Wind power has been successfully harnessed on Fair Isle, Shetland, and now provides over 90% of the electricity to the community. The variation of wind speed and wind turbine power over a sample of 80-s periods is shown. Supply and demand are matched by a load control system involving frequency-dependent switching of domestic space- and water-heating loads.<
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