Qnetic Completed Pulsar Flywheel Prototype Tests
The prototype completed initial low-speed cycles, demonstrating a durable alternative to lithium-ion grid storage.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Energy
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Qnetic has begun low-speed testing of its Pulsar flywheel energy storage prototype, which successfully completed 100 back-to-back charge-discharge cycles. This research-stage system stores 200 kilowatt-hours of energy and avoids the chemical degradation common in conventional battery cells.
Why it matters
Flywheel storage offers a potential pathway to store renewable electricity efficiently for long periods without the lifespan limitations of chemical batteries. This prototype aims to provide a durable, scalable solution for stabilizing modern electrical grids.
The Pulsar system delivered 130 kilowatts of output while reaching motor speeds of 11,000 revolutions per minute. The system achieved a power-conversion efficiency of 97.3% across 100 consecutive charge-discharge cycles.
The players
Qnetic
A hardware developer focused on mechanical flywheel energy storage systems for grid-scale applications.
Electric Power Research Institute
An independent, non-profit organization that conducts research and development related to the generation, delivery, and use of electricity.
The details
The Pulsar system generates electricity to accelerate a heavy rotor suspended inside a frictionless vacuum chamber. By storing kinetic energy rather than chemical potential, the device bypasses the degradation cycles inherent in lithium-ion battery cells. Engineers are currently using these low-speed results to verify control and safety systems before increasing rotational speeds.
Timeline
Mechanical assembly of the prototype was completed in June 2026.
Low-speed testing began in September 2026.
The Tech Race
Qnetic is sharing its performance data with the Electric Power Research Institute via the deRISKED program to validate its mechanical approach against established battery standards. This marks a critical step in moving flywheel technology from specialized research labs into long-duration grid storage deployments.
The technology aims to provide a scalable, long-lasting storage option for grid operators to manage renewable energy inputs. Because this remains in the prototype testing phase, it is not yet available for commercial deployment or industrial integration.
The takeaway
Qnetic has demonstrated that its mechanical rotor can manage multiple cycles without fault, positioning the company to compete with traditional chemical storage architectures. Watch for future test results as engineers increase rotational speeds toward the system's maximum operational capacity.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in storage infrastructure, visit the /science/energy/ section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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