Exploring the Role of Potential and Kinetic Energy in Flywheel Energy Storage

In summary, a flywheel stores energy through its large mass and inertia, which helps to stabilize speed fluctuations in a system. The energy in a flywheel can be calculated using the formula E=(1/2)Iw^2 and can be stored by making the wheel rotate. This energy can later be used by connecting to the rotating wheel. Energy is the ability to do work and is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy. In a collision situation, work is done by one object on another, resulting in a change in kinetic energy.
  • #1
chandran
139
1
What is energy?How a flywheel stores energy? What is the physics behind that?
 
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  • #2
Inertia. A flywheel is meant to have a mass that is, compared to the system it is in, rather large. Once the flywheel is brought up to operating speed, it's inertia helps to eliminate or reduce speed fluctuations in the system.
 
  • #3
The energy in a flywheel is E=(1/2)Iw^2.
By making the wheel rotate, this energy can be stored.
The energy can later be used by connecting to the rotating wheel.
 
  • #4
Energy is the ability to do work.
 
  • #5
No, I think the abillity to do work is potential energy. Energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy.
 
  • #6
pocoman said:
No, I think the abillity to do work is potential energy. Energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy.


So you are implying that only potential energy can do work? How would you explain a collision situation when an object (such as a billiard) collides with another billiard to change the kinetic energy of the collided billiard(changing it's velocity to a nonzero value, thereby giving it a kinetic energy)? (any change in energy is caused by work being done, therefore the colliding billiard did work on the collided billiard.)
 

FAQ: Exploring the Role of Potential and Kinetic Energy in Flywheel Energy Storage

1. What is a flywheel and how does it work?

A flywheel is a mechanical device that stores rotational energy. It consists of a spinning disc or wheel with a rotating shaft that is connected to a source of energy. The energy is stored in the form of kinetic energy, which can be released when needed by slowing down the rotation of the flywheel.

2. What are the benefits of using flywheels for energy storage?

Flywheels have several advantages over other forms of energy storage. They have a high power-to-weight ratio, meaning they can store a large amount of energy in a small, lightweight package. They also have a long lifespan and can be charged and discharged quickly, making them ideal for storing energy from renewable sources like wind and solar power.

3. How is energy stored in a flywheel?

Energy is stored in a flywheel through its rotational motion. The faster the flywheel spins, the more energy it stores. When the flywheel is connected to a source of energy, such as an electric motor, it will start to spin and store energy. When the energy is needed, the flywheel can be slowed down, releasing the stored energy.

4. What are some applications of flywheel energy storage?

Flywheel energy storage systems are used in a variety of applications. They can be used in grid-scale energy storage to help balance the supply and demand of electricity. They are also used in vehicles, such as hybrid buses and trains, to store braking energy and provide a boost of power when needed. Flywheels can also be used in smaller, portable devices like cell phones and laptops.

5. What are the limitations of flywheel energy storage?

One limitation of flywheel energy storage is that it requires a continuous power source to keep the flywheel spinning and storing energy. If the power source is interrupted, the flywheel will slow down and the stored energy will be lost. Additionally, the materials used in flywheel construction must be able to withstand high speeds and temperatures, which can be a technical challenge.

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