New South Wales startup Key Energy has installed a 8 kW / 32 kWh three-phase flywheel mechanical energy storage system at a property in the Sawyers Valley, just east of the Western Australian capital, Perth.
The installation involved a single flywheel, which stores energy mechanically meaning it has no fire risks, can run around 11,000 cycles without capacity degradation and boasts a 20 to 30 year lifespan. While these systems have low energy density, they are substantially more durable than lithium-ion based chemical batteries.
This was a major drawcard for the owner of the Sawyers Valley property, who wanted a system that did not pose a fire risk, could power their three-phase loads and provide energy security as blackouts frequently affect the area.
The project marks Key Energy’s fourth installation, with another two expected to be commissioned this year. In total, the company has installed around 16 flywheel systems with over 300 kWh of capacity, including at a boarding school and at gas company APA Group’s commercial off-grid device stations.
From Key Energy website 2023
Key Energy says it aims to leverage this residential flywheel installation, as well as future projects, to qualify its technology for WA’s Stand Alone Power System (SAPS) program, run by state-owned utilities Western Power and Horizon Power. The program is part of the state’s broad strategy to replace its stringy regional network of poles and wires with renewable standalone alternatives, which usually include a solar array, battery and last-resort diesel generator. These systems have been found by the state to be far cheaper and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Above ground innovation
Flywheel battery systems are usually installed underground – a lengthy and costly process. Key Energy previously worked with the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) to develop an above-ground enclosure for its storage systems. Key Energy says this has allowed it to shorten install times from one to two weeks with underground systems to just two days in the Sawyers Valley project.
Key Energy says it is also developing additional functionality for the flywheel, paving the way for Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) which it believes could capitalise on the flywheel system’s robust cycling characteristics and long lifespan.
Key energy, founded in 2018, is based in the Sydney suburb of Chippendale and has a test site in nearby Alexandria. Since launching, it has attracted funding from the NSW government, City of Sydney and Energy Lab.
Key Energy’s flywheels are sourced from US-headquartered company Amber Kinetics, though the rest of the battery system is believed to be manufactured in Australia.
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Before we all get too excited we should note that Wiki says: “Flywheel energy storage systems using mechanical bearings can lose 20% to 50% of their energy in two hours. Much of the friction responsible for this energy loss results from the flywheel changing orientation due to the rotation of the earth (an effect similar to that shown by a Foucault pendulum).”
That is why this unit has a vacuum enclosure and magnetic bearings
I have seen this unit at the Sawyers Valley property, and it is mind blowing. The owner of the property is a knowledgeable bloke and is convinced it is the way of the future. I also agree.