The overall objective of AdD HyStor is to develop, integrate and demonstrate innovative adaptive flywheel battery hybrid energy storage systems which utilise a European manufactured and specified adaptive flywheel. Leveraging existing grid connected pilot scale battery systems in the UK and Ireland, the flywheel technology will be integrated to provide a novel hybrid solution, proving the unique energy storage system in an operational setting and laying the foundation for successful commercial exploitation by enabling maturity of the technology from TRL 6 through TRL 7 (system prototype demonstration in an operational environment) leading to achievement of TRL 8 (system complete and qualified) prior to commercialisation (TRL 9).
During the second year of the project one flywheel arrived to Rhode testsite, the flywheel was susccesfully bolted to the concrete slab and connected to the grid and the automation systems.
After delivery and installation of the first flywheel the second phase of field commissioning of the multi-source converter took place. A number of functional tests and safety tests were performed and the communication with flywheel controller and central site controller was established. Finally grid connection could be established to start extensive testing of the flywheel system and hybrid operation of flywheel and battery system. The plant has been tested and has gone live providing frequency regulation for the Irish grid, generating valuable data and very promising technical results. Testing of the flywheel showed a faster reaction than expected and an accurate behavior of the system following power commands from the energy management system.
During the final period of the project the flywheel was transferred to the Wilenhall testsite, where it was installed and additional flywheel added and connected to the grid. The functional tests and safety tests from Rhode were repeated and the system was commissioned and energised. Live testing with the additional the flywheel capacity were conducted and performance data was collected.
The flywheel and multi-source converter has now been tested on both the Irish and UK power systems, completing the objectives of this project.