Vycon

About Vycon

Vycon, established in 2002, operates as a specialized manufacturer of flywheel-based kinetic energy storage systems designed to deliver reliable power for mission-critical applications. In November 2014, the company was acquired by Calnetix Technologies and now functions as a wholly owned subsidiary and its energy storage products division. This acquisition was a strategic move for both companies, as Calnetix's core technologies, such as high-speed motor generators and magnetic bearings, have been integral components of Vycon's flywheel systems for over a decade.

Vycon's business model centers on providing an alternative to traditional lead-acid batteries for Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. The company markets its products to a range of sectors requiring constant power, including data centers, healthcare facilities, broadcast studios, and industrial manufacturing plants. Revenue is generated through the sale of its flywheel systems via a global network of distributors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners, which include major players like Eaton, Schneider Electric, and Mitsubishi. Vycon's technology stores kinetic energy in a high-speed rotating mass, or flywheel, which is levitated by contact-free magnetic bearings. When a power outage occurs, this stored rotational energy is instantly converted into DC electrical power, providing a seamless bridge until backup generators can take over. This mechanism allows the systems to handle frequent charge and discharge cycles without the degradation seen in chemical batteries, absorbing over 98% of power disturbances that would otherwise shorten battery life.

The company offers several product lines, including the VDC and REGEN systems. The VDC (Vycon Direct Connect) models are designed for UPS backup, connecting directly to the UPS's DC bus just like a battery bank. These systems are scalable, allowing multiple units to be run in parallel for increased runtime or redundancy. The REGEN systems are geared towards energy recycling applications, such as capturing braking energy from electric rail systems and cranes. A key benefit of Vycon's flywheel technology is its 20-year operational life and minimal maintenance requirements, contrasting sharply with the frequent replacement and environmental concerns associated with lead-acid batteries. The systems offer high efficiency and a smaller physical footprint, addressing key operational challenges for their clients.