SAFETY REVIEW OF THE KINETIC ENERGY WHEEL (KEW) SYSTEM FOR BUS APPLICATION

A study is described which reviewed, analyzed, and made recommendations related to the operational safety aspects of the Kinetic Energy Wheel (KEW) energy storage subsystem for application to electrically-powered trolley buses. Among the aspects reviewed were, flywheel material selection, proposed material inspection and nondestructive testing methods, operating and ultimate stress levels and design factors of safety, operating environment, overspeed protection, and other failure protection considerations such as bearings, vacuum systems etc. Two prototype buses are to be built and operated under special test procedures in the summer of 1975. Conclusions are presented and recommendations are made concerning the safety of the kinetic wheel, the simulated service test, the choices for credible accidents involving the KEW bus, the containment structure for the KEW, thrust bearing design, control system design, and dynamics considerations. A historical account is given of the work of the study panel, and statements are presented of the work of the prototype development contractor and the panel.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Research Council

  Committee on Transportation, Assembly of Engineering
  Washington, DC  United States  20418
• Publication Date: 1974

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 48 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Actuating systems; Bearings; Buses; Design; Dynamics; Electric power; Failure; Flywheels; Inspection; Kinetic energy; Nondestructive tests; Prototypes; Recommendations; Safety; Simulation; Stresses; Vacuum
• Old TRIS Terms: Stress conditions; Vacuum air systems
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Public Transportation; Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00081232
• Record Type: Publication
• Contract Numbers: DOT-OS-40022
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 6 1975 12:00AM