ABSTRACT

The increasing demand for efficient energy storage solutions has sparked significant interest in the development of flywheel energy storage systems (FESS). Among the critical components of FESS, the flywheel rotor plays a pivotal role in storing and releasing energy efficiently. This final year report delves into the comprehensive study of modelling, simulating, and optimizing a metallic flywheel rotor for enhanced performance and reliability.

The report begins with a thorough review of existing literature, covering the principles of flywheel energy storage, material selection criteria, and design considerations for flywheel rotors. Subsequently, the focus shifts to the development of a detailed mathematical model that accurately represents the behavior of the metallic flywheel rotor under various operational conditions. This model incorporates factors such as material properties, geometric parameters, and rotational dynamics to simulate the behavior of the flywheel rotor.

Following the development of the mathematical model, a series of simulations are conducted to analyze the performance characteristics of the metallic flywheel rotor. These simulations involve investigating the effects of different design parameters, such as rotor geometry, material composition, and rotational speed, on key performance metrics such as energy storage capacity, rotational stability, and mechanical stress distribution.

Furthermore, optimization techniques, including parametric studies and numerical optimization algorithms, are employed to identify the optimal configuration of the metallic flywheel rotor that maximizes energy storage efficiency while ensuring structural integrity and operational safety. The optimization process aims to achieve a balance between conflicting design objectives, such as minimizing weight and maximizing energy density.

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of metallic flywheel rotors for FESS applications. By leveraging advanced modelling and simulation techniques, coupled with rigorous optimization methodologies, the report contributes to the advancement of flywheel energy storage technology, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions in the future.