Flywheel Energy Calculator

Have you ever wondered how much energy a flywheel can store when it spins? Our Flywheel Energy Calculator makes that easy. You can find the stored rotational energy in seconds using simple inputs like mass, radius, and speed. It’s designed for students, engineers, and physics lovers who want quick and clear results.

What Is Flywheel Energy?

A flywheel stores energy by spinning. When you make it rotate, it keeps that energy in the form of rotational kinetic energy. Later, it can release that energy back to power a machine, generator, or vehicle.

In simple words, it’s like charging a spinning battery. The faster and heavier the flywheel, the more energy it holds.

Flywheel Energy Formula

The formula for calculating flywheel energy is simple and based on rotational motion physics.

Energy (E) = ½ × I × ω²

Where:

• E = Energy stored (Joules)
• I = Moment of inertia (kg·m²)
• ω = Angular velocity (radians per second)

Depending on the flywheel’s shape, the moment of inertia (I) changes:

For a solid disc: I = ½ M R²

For a thin ring: I = M R²

For a hollow cylinder: I = ½ M (Rₒ² + Rᵢ²)

If the speed is given in revolutions per minute (rpm), angular velocity is:

ω = 2πN / 60

This means your flywheel energy depends on three things mass, radius, and rotational speed.

How To Use The Flywheel Energy Calculator

Using this tool is as easy as spinning a top. Just follow these steps:

1. Choose your flywheel’s geometry solid, ring, or hollow.
2. Enter the mass and select its unit (kg, g, lb, or ton).
3. Enter the outer radius and inner radius (for hollow type).
4. Type the rotational speed in rpm, Hz, or rad/s.
5. Pick the unit you want for energy output Joules, kWh, or calories.
6. Hit the “Calculate” button.

You’ll see step-by-step results showing:

• Angular velocity conversion
• Moment of inertia computation
• Final energy stored

It’s that simple! You don’t need complex math the calculator handles it for you.

Example Calculation

Let’s say you have a solid flywheel with:

Mass = 10 kg

Radius = 0.3 m

Speed = 3000 rpm

Step 1: ω = (2π × 3000) / 60 = 314.16 rad/s

Step 2: I = ½ × 10 × 0.3² = 0.45 kg·m²

Step 3: E = ½ × 0.45 × (314.16)² = 22,206.6 Joules

So, your flywheel stores 22.2 kJ of energy, which is about the energy a 100-watt bulb uses in two minutes.

Final Verdict

The Flywheel Energy Calculator is more than a simple physics tool it’s a smart helper for understanding motion energy. Whether you’re checking a machine’s energy efficiency or doing a school project, this calculator saves time and avoids confusion.

FAQs

What is the use of flywheel energy?

Flywheels store rotational energy and release it when needed. They help balance power in engines, save energy, and support renewable energy systems.

What units are supported in the calculator?

You can choose between Joules, Kilojoules, Megajoules, Watt-hours, Kilowatt-hours, Calories, and Kilocalories.

What is angular velocity in a flywheel?

It’s the speed of rotation, measured in radians per second. Higher angular velocity means more stored energy.

Can I use this calculator for both solid and hollow flywheels?

Yes. The calculator includes formulas for solid discs, thin rings, and hollow cylinders.

Is the calculation accurate?

Yes, it uses the exact rotational kinetic energy formula (E = ½ I ω²) with proper unit conversions for reliable results.