How Long Can an Electric Flywheel Delivery Truck Operate Between Chargings?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the operation of delivery trucks that utilize energy stored in a rotating flywheel. The problem involves calculating the duration of operation between charges, given specific parameters such as the flywheel's speed, mass, and power requirements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss calculating the rotational kinetic energy stored in the flywheel and the relevant equations for rotational inertia. There are attempts to derive formulas and clarify concepts related to power and energy.

Discussion Status

Several participants have made progress in calculating the rotational inertia and kinetic energy. There is ongoing exploration of the relationship between power, energy, and time, with hints and suggestions being exchanged. Some participants express uncertainty about specific terms and concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available and the methods they can use. There is a noted lack of clarity around certain definitions and equations related to rotational motion.

PhysicsPhun
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Delivery trucks that operate by making use of energy stored in a rotating flywheel have been used in Europe. The trucks are charged by using an electric motor to get the flywheel up to its top speed of 198π rad/s. One such flywheel is a solid, homogeneous cylinder with a mass of 530 kg and a radius of 1.0 m. If the truck operates with an average power requirement of 8.5 kW, how long can it operate between chargings?

:confused:

Just a push in the right direction, I've written out so many formulas relating to rotation and Power/Work. And i haven't found a starting point.
 
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Start by figuring how much rotational KE is stored in the flywheel when it rotates at top speed.
 
(edit again)
I solved for I with I=(1/2)mr^2
I plugged I and w into K= Iw^2 and solved for K.
Whew..

I'll keep workin from here, thanks.
 
Last edited:
Rotational KE

I'm not sure what that equation is supposed to be. Here's another hint: The rotational inertia of a cylinder about its center is I = 1/2 M R2. You'll need it.
 
I=(1/2)mr^2
I=265
(edited)

I'm thinkin my next step is to find alpha or torque, i don't see how to do that but there is
a_r=w^2r
What is a_r?
 
Last edited:
Oh, I didn't know what a fly wheel was really. : )
 
I get the "I" as being something completely different.

[tex]I = \frac{1}{2}mr^2[/tex]

[tex]I = \frac{1}{2}(530)(1)^2[/tex]

[tex]I = 265[/tex]


Once you get the energy

[tex]E = Pt[/tex]
 
Ya shawn, you're right.
 
Am so out of it. disregard this reply :)
 
  • #10
Power is 8500. Time is what you are supposed to find.
 
  • #11
Got it, Thanks Shawn and Doc Al.

Brain moving slow today.
 

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