Beacon Power Corporation has made substantial progress toward completion and partial start-up of the 20-megawatt (MW) flywheel frequency regulation plant the company is building in Stephentown, N.Y. More than 10 MW of energy storage capacity (i.e., more than 100 flywheels) has been installed and fully tested by Beacon and is ready for grid connection. Of this, 40 flywheels (or 4 MW) have been running successfully in a “virtual” mode, connected to a temporary on-site generator that simulates the grid connection. In addition, all support systems and ancillary hardware for the plant’s eventual matrix of 200 flywheels — including control software, power electronics, cooling and other equipment — are in place.
20 MW Flywheel Frequency Regulation Plant Nears Completion
