Synopsis:

Within the FlyGrid project a high-performance flywheel energy storage system will be integrated in a fully automated EV fast charging station. FlyGrid is a disruptive technology, which can be developed and manufactured entirely in Austria and aims at reaching the following top-level goals with high socio-economic impact:

1. Reduction of charging times of EVs and increase of EV market penetration.
2. Avoidance of costly electric network expansion, as well as improved grid stability and power quality.
3. Improved integration of volatile, renewable sources for EV propulsion.

The transition from fossil fuel-based transportation to clean electric mobility has to be considered one of the crucial steps towards decarbonization. In this sense, reducing the import of oil to gain political independence is as important as mitigating global warming due to CO2 emissions according to the international climate goals. Even though the strong projected increase of electric vehicles must be seen as a rather positive development, a number of new related challenges will arise for energy supply companies, grid operators, vehicle and charging-station manufacturers and eventually the customers. Especially the continuously rising charge power in combination with an increasing supply by volatile sources result in high loads on the grid which may cause instabilities and – in the worst case – even blackouts. Still, the development of fast charging stations with 100 kW and more is absolutely necessary to combat range anxiety attributed to EVs. Among experts, the lack of charging infrastructure is considered the biggest threat for electric mobility. In order to avoid a costly grid expansion and still provide a comprehensive network of fast-charging stations, new innovative solutions need to be found.

1. A. Buchroithner, H. Wegleiter, B. Schweighofer, „Flywheel Energy Storage Systems Compared to Competing Technologies for Grid Load Mitigation in EV Fast-Charging Applications“, 27th International Symposium on Industrial Electronics (ISIE), Cairns, Australia, June 2018 (in press).
2. A. Buchroithner, H. Wegleiter, B. Schweighofer, M. Bader and P. Haidl, „Flywheel Energy Storage for EV Fast Charging Stations (Schwungradspeicher für Elektrofahrzeug-Schnellladestationen)“, 15. Symposium Energieinnovation, Graz, Austria, February 2018.