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Flywheel Design

A flywheel is a rotating mechanical device that stores rotational kinetic energy. It absorbs energy from an external power source when in motion and releases stored energy as the flywheel slows to maintain uniform power output. Flywheels come in high and low velocity types and are used in engines, turbines, locomotives, satellites, and machinery to reduce fluctuations in speed or torque caused by intermittent power loads. Formulas are provided to calculate a flywheel's kinetic energy, energy and power needs, weight, coefficient of fluctuation, and hoop stress. Sample problems demonstrate using the formulas to analyze flywheel performance.

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Vincent Andrew Sibala
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603 views11 pages

Flywheel Design

A flywheel is a rotating mechanical device that stores rotational kinetic energy. It absorbs energy from an external power source when in motion and releases stored energy as the flywheel slows to maintain uniform power output. Flywheels come in high and low velocity types and are used in engines, turbines, locomotives, satellites, and machinery to reduce fluctuations in speed or torque caused by intermittent power loads. Formulas are provided to calculate a flywheel's kinetic energy, energy and power needs, weight, coefficient of fluctuation, and hoop stress. Sample problems demonstrate using the formulas to analyze flywheel performance.

Uploaded by

Vincent Andrew Sibala
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Flywheel Design

What is a Flywheel?
• Is a rotating energy reservoir, which absorbs energy from a
power source during a portion of the operating cycle and
delivers that stored energy as useful work during the other
portion of the cycle.
• Can be classified as balance wheels or as flywheel pulleys.
• Is a heavy wheel which by its inertia assists in securing
uniform motion of machinery by resisting sudden changes of
speed.
Functions of Flywheels
• To keep the speed fluctuation within desired limits.
• To carry the pistons over the compression pressure when
operating at low speed.
• To limit the momentary rise or fall in speed during sudden
changes of load.
• With alternatives operating in parallel to keep the angular
advance or retardation within prescribed limits as compared
with a perfectly uniform angular speed.
Types of Flywheels
1. High velocity flywheels
- For angular velocity above 10,000 to 100,000 rpm

2. Low velocity flywheels


- For angular velocity below 10,000 rpm
Advantages of Flywheels
• Less overall cost
• High energy storage capacity
• High power output
• Safe, reliable, energy efficient, durable
• It is independent of working temperatures
• Low and inexpensive maintenance
• High energy density
Limitations of Flywheels
• They can take a lot of space.
• They are expensive to manufacture.
• Building material is always a limitation for it.

Uses of Flywheels
• In reciprocating internal combustion engines
• In wind turbines
• In locomotive propulsion system
• In satellites to control directions
• In Mechanical workshops
• In punching machines
Formulas
1. Kinetic energy released by the flywheel
𝑊𝑓 2
∆𝐾𝐸 = 𝑉2 − 𝑉12
2𝑔
where: Wf = weight of flywheel g = gravitational acceleration
V2 = maximum speed V1 = minimum speed

2. Energy and power needed to punch a hole


1 1 𝐸
𝐸= 𝑆𝑆𝑈 𝜋 𝑑 𝑡𝑝2 = 𝐹𝑡𝑝 𝑃=
2 2 𝑡
where: SSU = ultimate shearing stress d = hole diameter
tp = plate thickness t = time F = force
3. Weight of the flywheel and rim
𝑊𝑓 = 𝑊ℎ + 𝑊𝑎 + 𝑊𝑟 𝑊𝑟 = 𝜋𝐷𝑚 𝑏𝑡𝛾

where: Wh = weight of hub Wa = weight of arm


Dm = mean diameter b = rim width
t = rim thickness 𝛾 = specific weight

4. Coefficient of Fluctuation
𝑛2 − 𝑛1 𝑉2 − 𝑉1 𝜔2 − 𝜔1
𝐶𝑓 = = =
𝑛 𝑉 𝜔

where: n = average rotative speed n1 = minimum rotative speed


n2 = maximum rotative speed V = average linear speed
V1 = minimum linear speed V2 = maximum linear speed
𝜔 = average angular speed 𝜔1 = minimum angular speed
𝜔2 = maximum angular speed
5. Hoop Stress
𝜌𝑉 2
𝑆=
𝑔
where: ρ = density V = speed
g = gravitational acceleration
Sample Problems
1. A cast iron flywheel with a mean diameter of 36 inches
changes speed from 300 rpm to 280 rpm while it gives up 8,000
ft-lb of energy. What is the coefficient of fluctuation?
Given:
Dm = 36 in n2 = 300 rpm n1 = 280 rpm
E = 8,000 ft-lb
Required: Cf
Solution:
𝑛2 − 𝑛1
𝑛2 + 𝑛1 𝐶𝑓 =
𝑛= 𝑛
2
300 𝑟𝑝𝑚 − 280
300 𝑟𝑝𝑚 + 280 𝑟𝑝𝑚 𝐶𝑓 =
= 290
2
𝑛 = 290 𝑟𝑝𝑚 𝐶𝑓 = 0.6897

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