ASSESSMENT OF FLYWHEEL SYSTEM BENEFITS IN SELECTED VEHICLE APPLICATIONS

The performance of vehicle systems incorporating energy storage flywheels was investigated in a recent Aerospace study for the Department of Energy. A synopsis of the study effort and of results obtained to date is presented. The effort involved an in-depth assessment of flywheel system benefits in two vehicle applications: a four-passenger commuter car with electric drive (flywheel range extension application) and a six-passenger family car with conventional heat engine drive (flywheel fuel conservation application). The special case of the six-passenger vehicle as used in taxicab service was also investigated. The study examined a number of possible component design/selection alternatives for flywheel rotors, continuously variable transmissions, batteries, motors, and other propulsion elements. Results of the assessment are provided for the case of a series-configuration heat engine/flywheel drivetrain as used in the passenger car and urban taxi vehicle missions. (ERA citation 06:028931)

• Supplemental Notes:
  • IECEC conference, Atlanta, GA, USA, 9 Aug 1981.
• Corporate Authors:

  Aerospace Corporation

  P.O. Box 92957
  Los Angeles, CA  United States  90009

  Department of Energy

  1000 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20585
• Authors:
  • Kubo, L H
  • FORREST, L
• Publication Date: 1981

Media Info

• Pagination: 7 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Commuting; Dissipation; Electric batteries; Energy; Energy storage systems; Flywheels; Fuel conservation; Fuel consumption; Hybrid automobiles; Hybrid vehicles; Internal combustion engines; Performance; Propulsion; Taxicabs; Vehicle performance; Vehicle power plants
• Uncontrolled Terms: Energy analysis; Hybrid systems; Propulsion systems
• Old TRIS Terms: Flywheel-powered vehicles
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00346557
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: CONF-810812-31
• Contract Numbers: AC08-79ET26306
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 29 1982 12:00AM