Know the Functions, Types and How Flywheels Work!

A flywheel is a machine component that is used to store kinetic energy in the form of rotation. The main function of a flywheel is to store energy for a certain period of time and then release that energy gradually. It is useful in a variety of applications, especially in machines and equipment that require stability and smooth operation.

These machine components are usually made from materials that have a high mass and are placed on a rotating shaft. When energy is applied to the flywheel, it causes these machine components to rotate and store kinetic energy in the form of rotation. Then, this energy can be released as needed to maintain the smooth operation of a particular machine or system.

Flywheels have been used in a variety of applications, including power generation engines, industrial machinery, motorcycles, and even in sports equipment such as flywheels in racing bicycles. Check out complete information via the following TransTRACK article!

Flywheel function in a car engine

The function of the flywheel in a car engine is as follows:

Car Clutch Attachment Place

The flywheel is a component that is connected to the engine crankshaft and functions as a clutch installation location. The clutch is a component used to connect or disconnect rotation between the engine and transmission. This engine component helps connect the clutch to the engine and allows the clutch to transfer power from the engine to the transmission or vice versa, depending on whether the clutch is engaged or disconnected.

Channeling and Storing Rotary Energy

This machine component also functions as a store of rotational kinetic energy. When an engine produces power, these engine components help transmit and store this rotational energy. This is useful for maintaining engine rotation stability and preventing excessive fluctuations. In addition, this engine component helps maintain a stable engine speed when the car is moving.

Balancing Engine Speed

This machine component has a weight that is evenly distributed and is designed to have a certain moment of inertia. This helps in balancing the engine rotation. When the engine rotates, the presence of these engine components helps reduce vibrations and rotation fluctuations which can damage engine performance and driving comfort.

Turning the Engine When Turned on

This engine component also helps in starting the car engine when turned on. When the ignition key is activated and the starter motor is used to rotate the engine, this engine component acts as inertia that helps rotate the engine until the engine can function on its own. After the engine is running, these engine components continue to play an important role in maintaining the stability and balance of the engine rotation.

Thus, the flywheel is a very important component in a car engine, contributing to various aspects of performance and operation involving the transfer of rotational power between the engine and transmission as well as maintaining engine rotation stability.

Flywheel Type

Flywheels can be classified into two main types based on the desired rotation speed:

High-Speed Flywheel (High-Speed Flywheel)

• A high speed flywheel is a type of engine component designed for use in engines operating at high speeds.
• These engine components usually have a slimmer and lighter profile compared to low speed engine components.
• They have a lower moment of inertia, which allows for fast and responsive rotational speed changes.
• High speed flywheels are generally used on machines that require frequent speed changes, such as machines used in sports vehicles or industrial machines that operate at high speeds.

Low Speed Flywheel (Low-Speed Flywheel)

• Low speed flywheels are designed for use on engines operating at low speeds.
• This engine component has a larger profile and is heavier than the high speed flywheel.
• They have a higher moment of inertia, which makes changes in rotational speed slower and more stable.
• Low speed flywheels are generally used in machines that require high rotational stability and slower speed changes, such as large industrial machines, power plants and heavy vehicles.
• The selection of this type of engine component depends on the characteristics of the machine and the particular application. Rotational speed, required moment of inertia, and other operational demands influence the design and selection of the proper flywheel for a system.

How a Flywheel Works

The way this machine component works is basically to store kinetic energy in the form of rotation and release this energy as needed. Here are the general steps for how a flywheel works:

Installation on Engine Crankshaft

The flywheel is installed on the engine crankshaft, which is a component that rotates together with the pistons in the engine. This means that these machine components will rotate together with the machine when the machine is operating.

Energy Storage

When the engine is operating, the power generated by burning fuel in the cylinder is used to push the pistons downward. When the piston moves, the crankshaft also rotates. This engine component functions to store part of the kinetic energy produced during engine rotation. This is done by accumulating rotational momentum, similar to the way a flywheel stores energy by spinning.

Spin Stabilization

The flywheel helps keep the engine rotation stable. When an engine produces more power than is needed to move a vehicle or other machine, these engine components will absorb some of this energy in the form of rotation. Conversely, when the engine requires additional power, the flywheel can release the energy that has been stored to help maintain a stable engine rotation.

Vibration Reduction

Flywheels also play a role in reducing vibrations and fluctuations in the machine. By storing kinetic energy, these engine components help produce smoother rotation and dampen fluctuations that may occur during the engine’s working cycle.

Starting the Engine

When the engine is turned on, this engine component functions as initial inertia that helps rotate the engine until the engine can function on its own. This is especially noticeable when using a motor starter on a car engine or other machine. The flywheel helps in the engine starting process by providing the required initial momentum.

Thus, this engine component is an important component in the engine that helps maintain rotational stability, stores energy, and allows the engine to operate more efficiently and reduces unwanted vibrations.

In maintaining the performance and reliability of your vehicle, the flywheel is an important component that needs attention. To ensure these and other engine components remain in good condition, the TransTRACK Vehicle Maintenance System is the right solution.

With the TransTRACK Vehicle Maintenance System, you can easily manage your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, including inspection and maintenance of these engine components. This system gives you complete control over your vehicle’s maintenance, helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns, and keeps your vehicle in optimal condition.

Don’t let a damaged or poorly maintained flywheel interfere with your vehicle’s performance. With the TransTRACK Vehicle Maintenance System, you can take proactive steps to keep your vehicle in top condition, improve fuel efficiency, and save on expensive repairs.

Immediately discover the benefits by adopting the TransTRACK Vehicle Maintenance System and ensure your vehicle is always in top condition. Don’t delay, start now to gain complete control over your vehicle maintenance.