machinemaker
02-01-2008, 07:10 AM
In my opinion this is easier to understand as a battery rather than a generator. It is based on the idea that a greater power density can be stored in fly wheel than chemically in a battery. Some form of power is used to put energy, (rotational force), into the flywheel, an example could be sun light via PV panels that drive an electric motor when light is avalible, but rather than storing the power in a battery, you store the energy in a low friction flywheel. when the energy is needed the stored energy in the flywheel drives the generator. I bet that all the folks here that are off grid can attest to the cost of battery backup systems, their life span, then the idea of disposal of the lead and chemicals, the drop in efficiency in freezing temps would love to see something that worked better for less money, but building a supper low friction flywheel and the coupling of it to a source of power and a generator may require a NASA budget.
kent
kent