Flywheel Energy Calculator

Calculate Energy Stored in a Flywheel

Diameter (D): m
RPM:
Mass (m): kg

Understanding Flywheel Energy

Flywheels are mechanical devices that store energy in the form of rotational kinetic energy. The stored energy is a function of the flywheel's mass, its diameter, and its rotational speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Knowing how to calculate the energy stored in a flywheel is crucial for various applications in mechanical engineering, such as energy recovery systems and stability in rotating machinery.

Flywheel Energy Calculation

The energy (E) stored in a flywheel can be calculated using the formula:

• Energy (E) = 0.5 × Moment of Inertia (I) × Angular Velocity (ω)²

Where:

• Moment of Inertia (I) is determined by the mass and geometry of the flywheel.
• Angular Velocity (ω) is the rotational speed of the flywheel, converted from RPM to radians per second.

This formula allows engineers to determine the energy capacity of flywheels, which is essential for designing energy-efficient systems. Flywheels can be utilized in applications such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), energy storage systems, and in vehicles for regenerative braking systems.

Applications of Flywheel Energy

Flywheels are increasingly being used in various industries for energy storage and management. They provide a reliable way to store energy that can be released quickly when needed. Examples include:

• Energy Recovery: Capturing and storing energy during braking processes in vehicles.
• Power Stabilization: Maintaining the stability of power supply in electrical grids.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Smoothing out the fluctuations in energy production from renewable sources like wind and solar.

By understanding and utilizing flywheel technology, industries can enhance their energy efficiency and sustainability efforts.