The flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) can be used to store and release energy in high power pulsed systems. Based on the use of a homopolar synchronous machine in a FESS, a high performance model-based power flow control law is developed using the feedback linearization methodology. This law is based on the voltage space vector reference frame machine model. To reduce the magnetic losses, a pulse amplitude modulation driver for the armature is more adequate. The restrictions in amplitude and phase imposed by the driver are also included. A full order Luenberger observer for the torque angle and rotor speed is developed to implement a sensorless control strategy. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the performance. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.