Posted by Bob Parrott (62.252.0.5) on December 16, 2002 at 05:05:30:
In Reply to: Re: New ideas... posted by Vector Viper on December 16, 2002 at 03:50:57:
Hi VV
Thanks for your input. I realise that the energy to spin the flywheel must come from the main wheel falling one half turn.
It then stores this energy (Method 2) and then later when it re-engages gives the main wheel enough of a push to go over the top.
The energy required to do this is PE1 - PE2, which is smaller than PE1.
Useful flywheel facts: The energy stored in the flywheel is directly proportional to its mass BUT is proportional to the SQUARE of the velocity.
Spin it 4 times faster and you get 16 times the energy. Here's a useful link: http://www.upei.ca/~physics/p261/projects/flywheel1/flywheel1.htm
So it's important that the radius of the main wheel gear is much larger than the flywheel gear. As an example only, if Bessler's was 12 feet in diameter, a flywheel gear of 1 foot diameter would spin 12 times faster. I think it may also be important that the flywheel is of the bob-weights design so that it is easier to start but harder to stop.
As I'm new to Bessler and this group, can I just say thanks to Scott for all the hours he must spend posting our stuff.
Bob Parrott