Levron Dynamics - Flywheel Energy Storage System for Power Grid Stabilization

AI Quick Summary

The transition towards the renewable power grid requires more than just plugging in more and more capacity - each wind turbine and solar panel needs to be integrated into the power grid without compromising the stable operation of the system. That is why we at Levron Dynamics aim at developing the flywheel energy storage system, which can provide the power grid with rotational inertia for operation with 100% renewable energy sources. ChallengeWithin the European power grid, the imperative is for electricity production to consistently match the demand in real time. Any deviation from this equilibrium results in a frequency shift from the critical 50 Hz benchmark. Even minor deviations can disrupt the grid and lead to potentially catastrophic blackouts. Sustaining stable operation of the power grid requires the energy producers to maintain control reserves. In the event of an unforeseen power plant outage or an unexpected spike in demand, it becomes essential to rapidly redistribute the energy from the grid to reestablish the balance between production and consumption. Nowadays, a substantial part of power grid inertia are supplied by the rotation of turbines in nuclear and combustion power plants. Yet, as the shift towards renewable energy gains momentum, these turbines are gradually phased out of the grid. This impending transition poses the critical challenge for power grid stability in the years ahead. Compounding on this issue: energy generation from renewable sources displays higher volatility, necessitating increased demand for grid inertia. SolutionOur objective centers on the development of a Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS), tailored to upholding control reserves. The FESS converts rotational energy into electrical energy and vice versa, achieving remarkable rotational speeds of up to 25,000 rpm. High speed goes hand in hand with high energy density and rapid energy dispatch. This performance is made possible by our innovative patent pending passive magnetic bearing system [DE102018002179A1], which is the first milestone of this project. Compared to active magnetic bearings available on the market, our suspension system does not require complicated control systems, which allows us to cut system costs, increase safety and shorten the commissioning time. Market OpportunityThe market for control reserves already exists in Switzerland and is structured by a tender-system. Among early adopters of our technology, we are looking for collaborations among 15 energy companies already taking part in the market. After this, we aim to be able to provide 166 electricity producers in Switzerland with our viable FESS technology. The goal is to develop the technology serving to uphold control reserves across the European continent.Value PropositionFESS distinguish themselves from other Energy Storage Technologies through its rapid responsiveness, prolonged operational lifespan, and a comparatively modest capital investment per power unit. Notably, flywheels exert a significantly lower environmental impact than batteries, without the use of any toxic materials. Core TeamWe are a highly motivated team of ETH students with experience in international science competitions:Alex Korocencev – MSc Physics - Research and OutreachMichal Oskedra – BSc Electrical Engineering - Fundraising and OrganizationMax Theimer – BSc Mechanical Engineering - Product development & manufacturingFurthermore we are being advised by Professor Patrick Maletinsky form the University of Basel.We envision a 100%-renewable power grid in the future with our technology serving as a keystone for unleashing the full potential of energy storage by 2030. Objectives at Energy LabBy June 2024 we aim to have fully proven our Passive Magnetic Bearing Technology our FESS is based on and have started with the further development of the Flywheels. According to our projections Energy Lab could completely cover the costs for this milestone. At the same time, we want to establish connections to the Energy Industry to further explore the potential market for energy storage, which is difficult as a novel concept, Energy Lab could help us gain presence and connections. We are currently also looking for advisors to help us with both research on magnetic bearing technology and adaptation of our product for market implementation.

Project Idea Metadata

Project Idea Name: Levron Dynamics - Flywheel Energy Storage System for Power Grid Stabilization
Date: 8/16/2023 7:49:06 PM
Administrators:
- Michal Oskedra

Project Idea Description

Challenge

Within the European power grid, the imperative is for electricity production to consistently match the demand in real time. Any deviation from this equilibrium results in a frequency shift from the critical 50 Hz benchmark. Even minor deviations can disrupt the grid and lead to potentially catastrophic blackouts.

Sustaining stable operation of the power grid requires the energy producers to maintain control reserves. In the event of an unforeseen power plant outage or an unexpected spike in demand, it becomes essential to rapidly redistribute the energy from the grid to reestablish the balance between production and consumption.

Nowadays, a substantial part of power grid inertia are supplied by the rotation of turbines in nuclear and combustion power plants. Yet, as the shift towards renewable energy gains momentum, these turbines are gradually phased out of the grid. This impending transition poses the critical challenge for power grid stability in the years ahead. Compounding on this issue: energy generation from renewable sources displays higher volatility, necessitating increased demand for grid inertia.

Solution

Our objective centers on the development of a Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS), tailored to upholding control reserves. The FESS converts rotational energy into electrical energy and vice versa, achieving remarkable rotational speeds of up to 25,000 rpm. High speed goes hand in hand with high energy density and rapid energy dispatch.

This performance is made possible by our innovative patent pending passive magnetic bearing system [DE102018002179A1], which is the first milestone of this project. Compared to active magnetic bearings available on the market, our suspension system does not require complicated control systems, which allows us to cut system costs, increase safety and shorten the commissioning time.

Market Opportunity

The market for control reserves already exists in Switzerland and is structured by a tender-system. Among early adopters of our technology, we are looking for collaborations among 15 energy companies already taking part in the market. After this, we aim to be able to provide 166 electricity producers in Switzerland with our viable FESS technology. The goal is to develop the technology serving to uphold control reserves across the European continent.

Value Proposition

FESS distinguish themselves from other Energy Storage Technologies through its rapid responsiveness, prolonged operational lifespan, and a comparatively modest capital investment per power unit. Notably, flywheels exert a significantly lower environmental impact than batteries, without the use of any toxic materials.

Core Team

We are a highly motivated team of ETH students with experience in international science competitions:

Alex Korocencev – MSc Physics - Research and Outreach
Michal Oskedra – BSc Electrical Engineering - Fundraising and Organization
Max Theimer – BSc Mechanical Engineering - Product development & manufacturing

Furthermore we are being advised by Professor Patrick Maletinsky form the University of Basel.

We envision a 100%-renewable power grid in the future with our technology serving as a keystone for unleashing the full potential of energy storage by 2030.

Objectives at Energy Lab

By June 2024 we aim to have fully proven our Passive Magnetic Bearing Technology our FESS is based on and have started with the further development of the Flywheels. According to our projections Energy Lab could completely cover the costs for this milestone.

At the same time, we want to establish connections to the Energy Industry to further explore the potential market for energy storage, which is difficult as a novel concept, Energy Lab could help us gain presence and connections.

We are currently also looking for advisors to help us with both research on magnetic bearing technology and adaptation of our product for market implementation.