Best Physical Means of Storing Kinetic/Mechanical Energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the most effective physical means of storing kinetic or mechanical energy, specifically evaluating devices based on power density and energy density. Key contenders include springs, flywheels, and gravitational potential energy storage, such as hydroelectric dams. The conversation emphasizes the importance of considering both energy per volume and power per volume for mobile applications. Ultimately, the strongest device will depend on the specific requirements of the project or application in question.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of energy storage concepts, including energy density and power density.
  • Familiarity with mechanical devices such as springs and flywheels.
  • Knowledge of gravitational potential energy and its applications in hydroelectric systems.
  • Basic principles of energy conversion, particularly from chemical (gasoline) to mechanical energy.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the efficiency and applications of flywheel energy storage systems.
  • Explore the principles of gravitational potential energy in hydroelectric power generation.
  • Investigate the design and performance characteristics of high-performance springs.
  • Learn about energy density comparisons between mechanical and chemical energy storage methods.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, and project managers involved in energy storage solutions, as well as anyone interested in optimizing mechanical energy systems for various applications.

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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