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Active Power Logo

Flywheel vs. Battery

Comparison Matrix

Active Power CleanSource®

Battery-based Alternatives

Flywheel Technology VRLA
(10 year)
VRLA
(20 year)
Flooded
(20 year)
Life Span • Design: 20+
• Operational: since 1997
• Design: 10 in float service
• Operational: 3 to 6, typical
• Design: 20 in float service
• Operational: 10 to 15, typical
• Design: 20 in float service
• Operational: 10 to 18, typical
Discharge Cycles • Unlimited for product life span
• 1000-2000 shallow
• 100-200 deep
• 2500-5000 shallow
• 250-500 deep
• 2500-5000 shallow
• 250-500 deep
Optimal Temp (deg C) • -20 to +40 • 25 • 25 • 25
Maintenance • Air filters: as req.
• Oil Change: 12 mos.
• Bearings: 30 mos.
• Preventative maintenance: 3 to 6 mos.
• Jar replacements: as req.
• Preventative maintenance: 3 to 6 mos.
• Jar replacements: as req.
• Preventative maintenance: 3 to 6 mos.
• Jar replacements: as req.
Predictability • Self Diagnostics: standard
• Monitoring software & cards: optional
• Requires battery monitoring system • Requires battery monitoring system • Requires battery monitoring system
Footprint (w/ service access) • 500kW =>
• 20 sq.ft.
• 500kW =>
• 60-80 sq.ft.
• 500kW =>
• 100+ sq.ft.
• 500kW =>
• 200+ sq.ft.
"Green" Technology • No environmental hazards • HazMat disposal issues
• Spill containment
• Personnel safety
• EPA regulations
• HazMat disposal issues
• Spill containment
• Personnel safety
• EPA regulations
• HazMat disposal issues
• Spill containment
• Personnel safety
• EPA regulations
• HVAC requirements