Schwungräder

Schwungrad, also known as a flywheel, is a mechanical device designed to store rotational energy. It typically consists of a heavy rotating mass, often in the form of a disc or wheel, connected to a rotating shaft. The principle behind its operation is inertia; when energy is supplied to the flywheel, it accelerates and stores this energy in its rotational momentum. Conversely, when energy is needed, the flywheel's stored momentum is released as it slows down, providing a smooth and consistent power output.

Schwungräder are commonly used in various applications to mitigate fluctuations in speed and power. In internal combustion engines, a flywheel attached to the crankshaft smooths out the intermittent power pulses from the combustion strokes, ensuring a more continuous rotation of the crankshaft and a smoother driving experience. In machinery like punch presses or stamping machines, a flywheel stores energy from a motor during the idle portion of the cycle and releases it rapidly during the high-demand operation, allowing for a smaller, less powerful motor to be used. They are also found in applications requiring a steady rotational speed, such as in electric generators or some types of pumps. The design of a flywheel, including its mass, radius, and material, is critical to its effectiveness in storing and releasing energy for a specific application.