Flywheel: How Does It Function?

Engines seem happiest and most effective when they produce power along a continuous and comparatively faster speed. The sole problem is that the cars and machinery they control must function at various speeds and must occasionally come to a complete halt.

Gears and clutches help in overcoming this issue in part. A clutch is essentially a "switch" which has the capability to disconnect the machine and the engine. In contrast, a gear features a couple of interlocked wheels featuring specially-designed teeth that change the torque and pace of a machine, allowing it to alternate between faster and slower speeds while the engine is running at a consistent speed. Unfortunately, clutches and gears are unable to preserve the force that is spent when you break and return it later. That's the task for a flywheel.

What is a flywheel?

A flywheel is simply a large, heavy wheel that requires a lot of power to spin. It may be a large-diameter wheel with spokes and a hefty metal rim, or a smaller-diameter cylinder made of a carbon-fiber composite. In any case, it's the type of wheel that requires a lot of effort to get spinning. Just as a flywheel requires a lot of effort to start, it also requires a lot of force to stop.

Significance of flywheel in engine

• The steam engine produces power sporadically, and the flywheel helps to smoothen out the power received by the wheels. So, while the engine's cylinder may transfer power to the flywheel every thirty seconds, the wheels might absorb power from the flywheel at a constant, continuous rate and help roll the engine smoothly.
• The flywheel may be used in slowing down the vehicle, much like a brake. However, unlike a brake, it absorbs the vehicle's energy rather than squandering it.
• When the engine cannot provide enough power, a flywheel can be employed to offer temporary additional power. Assume you wish to pass a horse and cart that is traveling slowly. Assume that the flywheel has been spinning for some time but is no longer attached to the engine or the wheels. When you reconnect it to the wheels, it acts as a second engine, providing additional power.

Types of Flywheels

Flywheels are available in a multitude of shapes and sizes. Some of the most common types of flywheels are mentioned below.

1.      Rimmed Flywheel

A solid disc-type wheel of comparable weight and diameter will burst at a significantly lower rotating speed than a rim-type flywheel. A flywheel can be made of high-strength steel and manufactured as a thick tapered disc in the center for less weight and great energy storage capacity.

2.      Low-Velocity Flywheel

The low-velocity flywheel has a velocity of 10000 RPM. They are larger and heavier than high-velocity flywheels. They need periodic maintenance and do not employ magnetic levitation bearings.

3.      High-Velocity Flywheel

The high-velocity flywheel has a velocity ranging from 35000 RPM to 85000 RPM. This can also be increased up to 100,000 revolutions per minute. They are also lighter than a low-velocity flywheel.

4.      Solid Disc Flywheel

The solid disc flywheel is composed of cast iron and is utilized in a single flywheel thresher. A flywheel hub and disc are included with the solid disc flywheel. Various characteristics are utilized as inputs in designing a solid disc flywheel.

The importance of an optimally configured flywheel for a vehicle cannot be overstated. Hence, you must regularly monitor its efficiency and seek the help of an expert in case of any variations in the performance.