What is the primary purpose of a flywheel in a drive system?

The primary purpose of a flywheel in a drive system is to store rotational energy and maintain a consistent speed. This is achieved through the flywheel's ability to absorb excess energy when the system produces more than needed and release it when the demand increases, thus stabilizing the rotational speed of the drive system.

In mechanical systems, fluctuations in speed can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage. The flywheel helps mitigate these fluctuations by providing a reservoir of kinetic energy, which acts as a buffer against variations in power input or load. This contributes to smoother operation and enhanced reliability in applications such as engines or mechanical drives.

Using a flywheel to stabilize speed is essential in applications that require precision or steady performance, making it a critical component in many drive systems.