Vauhtipyörän

Vauhtipyörän is a Finnish term that translates to "flywheel" in English. In engineering and mechanics, a flywheel is a mechanical device specifically designed to store rotational energy, intended to smooth out the delivery of power from a variable or intermittent source, or to absorb and release energy in a controlled manner. Its primary function is to reduce rotational speed fluctuations caused by variations in the power source or load.

The concept relies on the principle of inertia. A flywheel is typically a heavy rotating wheel or disc. When energy is supplied to the flywheel, it spins faster, storing kinetic energy in its rotation. When energy demand increases, the flywheel releases this stored energy by slowing down, thus providing a more consistent power output. Conversely, when energy is supplied in excess of demand, the flywheel absorbs the surplus by increasing its speed.

Flywheels are commonly found in internal combustion engines to smooth out the power delivery between the intermittent combustion strokes. They are also used in machinery like punch presses, where they store energy for the brief, high-force operation and then return to a slower speed. Other applications include wind turbines, water pumps, and even in some energy storage systems for renewable energy. The design and mass of a flywheel are critical factors in determining its effectiveness in energy storage and smoothing rotational speed.