Study of Flywheel Energy Storage in Shipboard Power Systems Employing Multiple Small Generators, Power Electronic Power Distribution, Robust Controllers, and Transiently Operated Loads
Abstract
This proposal requests funds to procure two - 125 kW flywheel energy storage (FES) units that will be studied in a medium voltage AC/DC shipboard power system testbed that is already operational on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). The testbed, known as the Intelligent Distributed Energy Analysis Laboratory (IDEAL), is being used to support multiple Office of Naval Research (ONR) grants that are already funded at UTA. The proposed hardware will strengthen our ongoing research projects as well open new opportunities for engagement in upcoming ONR research efforts that are planned for FY23 starts. The Navy#s next generation of smaller and larger class surface ships may introduce a host of new shipboard power system topologies aimed at improving their power quality, reliability, resiliency, and operability. The topologies being studied in the Robust Unmanned Platform Power Systems (RUPPS) program, may employ multiple smaller power generation units, #250 kW, ratherthan fewer larger units, significantly increasing the level of control the operator has over the power system. Utilizing energy storage in collaboration with the smaller generators will improve power quality, efficiency, and mean-time-between failure. Next generation ships may employ directed energy (DE) loads that operate transiently and those unique loads present challenges that can be overcome with the introduction of energy storage. In the Power Electronic Power Distribution Systems (PEPDS) program, a new power, energy, and control distribution concept is being studied employing high-power-density high-efficiency power electronics to switch and regulate power from multiple distributed generation power sources, including distributed and load dedicated energy storage. In the Robust Combat Power Control (RCPC), future naval capability (FNC) program, the control of multiple distributed power generation sources and loads within a zonal medium voltage AC/DC shipboard power system is being studied with energy storage playing a vital role in the controllability. UTA has assisted ONR with the study of lithium-ion batteries for many years now and while they hold significant promise, especially because of their high combined power and energy density, there are still safety and operational challenges that have many in the shipboard power systems community concerned. Mechanical energy storage in the form of flywheels, is an alternative energy storage technology candidate that has been discussed for some time and that needs to be further studied within the ongoing ONR programs listed. It is proposed that two # 125 kW flywheels manufactured by VYCON be procured and integrated into the existing ~500 kW IDEAL MVAC/DC testbed UTA already has and is using support all these programs with active research grants. The hardware will be used to study the electrical, mechanical, and controls challenges, advantages, and disadvantages that FES offers when compared with other energy storage technologies. The hardware proposedas well as the plan for integration and evaluation in the UTA testbed will be discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 24, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312731
Entities
People
- David Alan
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Texas at Arlington