Best Physical Means of Storing Kinetic/Mechanical Energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around identifying the most effective physical means of storing kinetic or mechanical energy, with a focus on the strongest devices relative to their size. Participants explore various methods and criteria for energy storage, including power density and energy density, while considering practical applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the strongest device for storing energy, specifically in relation to size.
  • Another participant humorously suggests a space shuttle and mentions springs as a potential energy storage device, referencing their scalability.
  • A participant clarifies the ambiguity of "strongest" by proposing various metrics such as power density and energy density, and questions whether fast-moving objects or elevation should be considered as forms of energy storage.
  • One suggestion for portable energy storage is flywheels, while another proposes using gravitational potential energy by raising heavy objects or utilizing hydroelectric systems.
  • A participant emphasizes the need for mobility and specifies interest in either the highest energy per volume or power per volume.
  • Another participant asserts that one must choose between energy per volume and power per volume, implying a trade-off.
  • A later reply expresses uncertainty about which metric to prioritize, seeking clarification on both energy and power storage options.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for storing kinetic or mechanical energy, with multiple competing views and criteria for evaluation presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying definitions and interpretations of "strongest," and there are unresolved questions regarding the specific applications and conditions under which different energy storage methods might be evaluated.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring energy storage solutions in engineering, physics, or related fields, particularly in the context of mobile applications and efficiency metrics.

BasketDaN
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Meaning springs and such; what specifically is the strongest (in relation to size) device for storing this energy?

Thanks
 
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a space shuttle... before u break off the Earth's atmoshpere try jumping off that thing... and feel the POWER -in case u won't be hit by a heart attack first-.

nothing is really comin' up to my mind but springs... u can make a very big one and a small one... if ur askin' about qualities then, it's ur choice because logically u can imagine anything!
if ur doing a project or something then try considering a gun's spring that fires the bullet when u trigger (Sniper Rifles are the best example)
 
BasketDaN said:
Meaning springs and such; what specifically is the strongest (in relation to size) device for storing this energy?

It's unclear exactly what you mean by strongest. Here are some possibilities:
Power Density (Power per Mass)
Power Density (Power per Volume)
Energy Density (Energy per Mass)
Energy Density (Energy per Volume)
Storage Efficiency (Energy out per Energy in)

Do you consider a fast moving object to be 'energy storage'?
Do you consider moving up to be 'energy storage'?
Do you have a particular application in mind?
 
If you want portable storage, then flywheels would probably be best.
If you can leave it in one place, just use gravity. Raise a heavy object to some high elevation. You can even make it a fluid, such as the storage behind a hydroelectric dam.
But why would it have to be in mechanical form? Just use gasoline, and convert it to mechanical when needed.
 
It needs to be mobile... and what I'm looking for is either the highest energy per volume or power per volume.
 
BasketDaN said:
It needs to be mobile... and what I'm looking for is either the highest energy per volume or power per volume.

Pick one, you can't have both.
 
Either meaning I don't know which one... so if you know one or both, that'd be great.
 

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