Flywheel:

In practice, there are two following kinds of cases where reciprocating engine mechanism is utilized:

 (1) An internal combustion engine or a steam engine is utilized as a prime mover to derive generators, centrifugal pumps, etc.

 (2) A punching machine is driven by a primary mover as electric motor.

In both of cases either a variable torque is supplied while demand is a constant torque or demand is variable torque while constant torque is supplied. There is mismatch among the supply and demand. It results in speed variation. In case of generators, speed variation results in modification in frequency and variation in voltage. Alternatively, punching machine needs energy at small interval just while punching is done. In order to supply such large energy, motor of high power will be required. At the similar time there will be big variation in speed. In order to smoothen these variations in torque flywheel is utilized which works as energy storage. It also results in usage of low power motor in punching machine.

Objectives

After learning this unit, you must be able to

• described the method of drawing turning moment diagram for a prime mover,
• the find out the fluctuation of energy in a cycle, and
• the estimation mass moment of inertia of a flywheel and design it.