Reinventing the flywheel – Giant electricity storage and generation units might help power grids run more smoothly

Even electric utilities can use a little extra power now and then. Usually, they get it by burning more coal, oil, or gas. Beacon Power Corp. says it has a better idea: massive rotating flywheels that store power like giant alkaline batteries spinning at twice the speed of sound.

"At the end of the day, it’s a box of energy," said Bill Capp, president of the Tyngsboro company.

By Hiawatha Bray

Full Story: http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2008/09/15/reinventing_the_flywheel/