Difference Between Governor and Flywheel - Get Your Answer Now!

  • Thread starter R Power
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Flywheel
In summary, a flywheel is a type of energy storage device that is used to smooth out an engine's idle RPM, while a governor is a type of mechanism that is used to control the supply of fuel to an engine.
  • #1
R Power
271
0
Hi guys
What is the difference between flywheel and governor? Well, I know that flywheel is a wheel which stores and releases energy and avoid fluctutations in speed and governor controls fuels supply when speed is in access or very less through centrifugal action.
But what i am confused is what's diff between two? Both tend to stabilize speed. So is the diff only in the way of working or what?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
A governor changes its mechanical and/or electrical configuration in response to speed variations. Those changes are used to control the input.
I suppose that such mechanisms could be built into a flywheel, but I've never heard of it being done. Normally, a flywheel is a fairly rigid structure.
 
  • #3
Is there any use of governor in ic engines of cars?
 
  • #4
Tractors have governors so a set RPM may be maintained for plowing, etc..
the closest to a governor on automobiles is cruise control where a specific MPH is locked in and the engine varies RPM to maintain the speed regardless of hills , terrain
 
  • #5
Don't forget rev limiters on high-performance engines as well. These are usually built into the tach. Most just shut the engine down, but some selectively dampen spark activity to maintain rpm's at the redline. Also, some commercial vehicles such as Greyhound buses have driving speed limiters.
 
  • #6
Actually, the first governor used something like a flywheel. The invention was the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrifugal_governor" by James Watt.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #7
Don't confuse this, a flywheel is NOT a governor. A flywheel may well be a component in a governor as bluelava0207 linked to, but they're not the same. Danger's responses are bang on; in a normal automotive application any governor operates as engine overspeed protection.
 
  • #8
Flywheels are used for short-term energy storage, like on the one-cylinder hit-and-miss farm engine, which had to coast for 720 degrees (somethimes more) between spark ignition. See thumbnail. For four-clinder automobile engines, a flywheel makes the idle RPM smoother.
(picture taken from http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400085029474 )
Bob S
 

Attachments

  • Hit-and-miss.jpg
    Hit-and-miss.jpg
    25.3 KB · Views: 558
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #9
There is a governor in many cars, although not in the engine, but in the automatic transmission of non-computerized transmissions. It regulates oil pressure to change gears. Look under transmission components governor:
http://www.familycar.com/transmission.htm#Throttle Cable
 

FAQ: Difference Between Governor and Flywheel - Get Your Answer Now!

What is the purpose of a governor?

The governor is a mechanical or electronic control system that regulates the speed of an engine or motor. It ensures that the engine does not exceed a safe speed limit and prevents damage to the engine or motor.

What is the function of a flywheel?

A flywheel is a rotating mechanical device that is used to store and release energy in a machine. It helps to maintain a constant speed and smooth out any fluctuations in the speed of the machine.

What is the main difference between a governor and a flywheel?

The main difference between a governor and a flywheel is their function. A governor regulates the speed of an engine, while a flywheel stores and releases energy to maintain a constant speed.

How does a governor work?

A governor works by using centrifugal force to control the flow of fuel to the engine. As the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force also increases, causing the governor to reduce the fuel flow and slow down the engine.

Why is a flywheel important in machines?

A flywheel is important in machines because it helps to maintain a constant speed and prevents any sudden changes in speed. It also acts as a storage device for energy, which can be released when needed to keep the machine running smoothly.

Back
Top