Testing validates control, safety and power systems as Qnetic advances 200-kWh prototype toward full-speed operation and independent EPRI evaluation
Qnetic Pulsar flywheel energy storage system
NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Qnetic today announced it has begun low-speed testing of Pulsar™, its first full-scale 200-kWh flywheel energy storage prototype, marking the system’s transition from assembly and component validation to integrated system testing.
The initial test program focuses on validating Pulsar’s control systems, safety systems and power electronics under live operating conditions before advancing to progressively higher rotational speeds. Data from the testing is being used to confirm system models, identify potential issues, and refine controls as Qnetic works toward full-speed validation.
Most recently, Pulsar successfully completed its first 100 continuous charge-discharge cycles with zero faults or capacity degradation – a key initial indicator of reliability and cycle life for high-throughput applications. Tested separately, the system’s motor produced 130 kW of power output at 97.3% efficiency with speeds exceeding 11,000 rpm, validating the system’s power conversion architecture.
This milestone follows completion of Pulsar’s mechanical assembly in June, and a series of component and structural tests designed to reduce technical risk before the system operates at its full design speed.
“Repeatedly cycle testing Pulsar is important because we’re now validating how the major systems operate together, not simply whether individual components meet their specifications,” said Michael Pratt, CEO of Qnetic. “Our approach is to increase operating conditions methodically, validating the data at each stage and resolving issues before moving on. That process fundamentally de-risks a system of this scale before full-speed testing and eventual customer deployment.”
Testing from the ground up
The Pulsar flywheel system stores electricity mechanically in a high-speed rotor rather than through an electrochemical reaction. As the rotor accelerates, electrical energy is converted into kinetic energy; when electricity is required, the motor operates as a generator to convert that stored kinetic energy back into electricity.
Under full operating conditions, the amount of energy stored in a large flywheel places significant demands on its mechanical systems, controls, and containment. Qnetic is therefore following a staged validation program that began at low rotational speeds and progressively increases operating conditions as system performance and safety are verified.
Building an independent validation record
Results from Pulsar testing are being shared with the Electric Power Research Institute starting this fall as part of Qnetic’s participation in EPRI’s energy storage deRISKED (Readiness Informed by Shared Knowhow, Evaluation, and Data) program.
Qnetic entered the program in August through a full evaluation sponsored by Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). The program combines prototype development data with pilot-scale system testing and independent analysis of performance, safety, reliability, and commercial readiness. Qnetic is providing EPRI with prototype test data as well as subsequent pilot system performance data, with findings later presented to utilities participating in deRISKED.
“Independent validation is a critical part of moving an emerging energy storage technology from development into the field,” Pratt said. “The data we’re generating with Pulsar allows us, EPRI, and ultimately utilities and customers to evaluate the technology based on measured performance. We’re deliberately building that evidence as we move toward commercialization.”
Qnetic’s flywheel technology is being developed to provide rapid response, virtually unlimited cycling and decades of safe operation with minimal performance degradation. The company is targeting applications including AI data centers, renewable energy integration, grid balancing, microgrids, and industrial power resilience.
Climate Week New York
Hugh McDermott, Qnetic’s Chief Commercial Officer and President of the Americas, will be in New York City the week of September 20 for Climate Week. In addition to participating in several panel presentations, he is also available for meetings with storage industry stakeholders.
About Qnetic
Qnetic is developing next-generation flywheel energy storage systems that help utilities, renewable energy developers, commercial facilities and AI data centers improve grid reliability and power resilience. Its proprietary long-duration mechanical energy storage technology is designed to provide rapid response, virtually unlimited cycling capability, minimal performance degradation, and predictable lifetime economics. Qnetic’s flagship Pulsar system combines advanced composite materials, magnetic bearings and high-efficiency power electronics to deliver safe, sustainable and cost-effective grid-scale energy storage for the next generation of electric infrastructure. For more information, visit Qnetic’s website.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/29eb7169-c0da-461d-9e36-6d1309272c28
