DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A FLYWHEEL FUEL-LESS GENERATOR

ABSTRACT The increasing demand for reliable and affordable electricity has stimulated research into alternative energy technologies capable of reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This project focuses on the design and construction of a flywheel-based electric power generation system. A flywheel stores mechanical energy in the form of rotational kinetic energy and can temporarily supply power by converting this stored energy into electrical energy through a generator. The system consists of a flywheel, shaft, bearings, pulley arrangement, electric motor for initial acceleration, alternator/generator, supporting frame, and electrical control components. The design emphasizes energy storage efficiency, mechanical stability, and electrical output performance. It is important to note that a flywheel generator is not a true fuel-less generator because it cannot generate energy continuously without an external energy source. Instead, it stores energy supplied from an external source and releases it when needed. Therefore, the system complies with the law of conservation of energy and serves as an energy storage device rather than a perpetual motion machine. The constructed prototype demonstrates the ability of a flywheel to stabilize power output, reduce voltage fluctuations, and provide short-term backup electricity. The study concludes that flywheel energy storage systems have practical applications in renewable energy integration, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), hybrid vehicles, and industrial energy management. Keywords: Flywheel, Energy Storage, Generator, Electrical Power, Mechanical Energy, Renewable Energy.