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Tekniker-IK4 participates in the design of the mechanism, based on a flywheel

Advanced kinetic energy storage system

Source: Tekniker-IK401/09/2009

September 1, 2009

The technology centre tekniker-ik4 participates in the SA²VE project, which aims to develop a system of advanced storage of kinetic energy to be implemented in areas of high potential interest: railway substations, the building and uninterruptible power supplies. The mechanism is based on a flywheel that serves as the engine when the energy is stored and the generator when recovers, thus reducing consumption and emissions. The first real rail installation based on this system is scheduled for the first half of 2010 in the substation of Cerro Negro (Madrid).

The key element underpinning the system is a mechanism that receives the name of Flywheel and based on the accumulation of energy in a flywheel spinning at high speed. Authorization and property photo: Adif.

The first applications of this project is the railway, as provided for the implementation underway of substations to improve the management of the energy consumed by trains and m due to the use of energy from braking and reducing both consumption peaks and drops in voltage in the catenary; the second of the applications is related to the optimization of the use of energy in the building, in order to obtain maximum performance both tariffs night as the management of the energy generated in bioclimatic buildings; Finally, the third of the applications is the development of a source uninterruptible power for the protection of large computer systems which, moreover, will improve in quality, reliability, environmental impact and price, to conventional batteries.

Railway application of this project is focused on a system of energy conservation for electric trains which which the energy released in each convoy braking becomes power for the start of another train

Flywheel

The key element underpinning the system is a mechanism that receives the name of Flywheel and based on the accumulation of energy in a flywheel to tour at high speed, powered by an electric machine that fulfils a dual role: serves as the engine when the energy is stored and the generator when it recovers. In addition to its contribution to the energy efficiency of rail transport, construction and power supplies, this technique represents a substantial improvement on the global conditions caused to the environment (emissions of carbon, as well as other types of pollutants and greenhouse gases).

In particular, the rail implementation of this project, focuses on a system of energy conservation for electric trains, based on a technique that the energy released in each convoy braking becomes power for the start of another train. In this way, improves the optimization of resources of the catenary of commuter or subway that has been installed.

The launch of the first actual installation in this technique-based railway application is scheduled for the first half of 2010 and the selected location will be the substation of Cerro Negro, in Madrid. From this experience, those responsible for the project will be able to assess both the energy savings obtained as the final cost of the installation of this equipment. Based on these data, they will begin to also analyze the possibilities of industrialization and marketing provided by the system.

A total of 14 partners collaborate in this project, funded through private enterprise, by 54%. Among them are, Tekniker-IK4 and Adif, agencies such as the Centre for energy research, environmental and Tecnológicas (Ciemat), the University of Seville and companies as Zigor Corporation, Metro de Madrid, Elytt Energy or Green Power.

The steering wheel serves as engine when the energy is stored and the generator when it recovers. Authorization and property photo: Adif.

Magnetism, Mechatronics and precision engineering

The specific contribution of Tekniker-IK4 in this project is directly related to their line of magnetism. Since the year 2000, Eibar Centre has been working in the field of technologies of magnetic lift and, since then, has managed to successfully develop several different prototypes. Tekniker-IK4 experts have been able to develop a head of high power, along with a number of different components in the magnetic levitation (sensors of eddy currents, power for magnetic bearings, electronic digital control of magnetic bearings for electronics)(, 'sensorless' techniques, etc.), in order to customize specific components, improve some performance and lower costs. In addition to the line of magnetism, the project also involved the Department of Mechatronics and precision engineering.

With more than 25 years of experience in technological research applied and their transfer to the company, has reached a high degree of specialization in four major areas (engineering precision and Mechatronics, surface engineering, production and automation and manufacturing technology engineering)which allows it to put its cutting-edge technology at the service of any type of task. In 2008, the Eibar technological Center made developments valued at close to 19 million euros.