Last Updated on January 27, 2023 by mdmtool
Flywheels and governors are two devices that are used to control the speed of an engine or other rotating components. Flywheels are simpler, mechanical devices consisting of a wheel attached to an axle that stores rotational energy when turned. Governors, use complex systems of springs and weights to regulate variations in speed.
Flywheel VS Governor
What Is A Flywheel?
A flywheel is a mechanical device that stores rotational energy, typically used to maintain constant speed in engines and other machines. The flywheel is made up of an axle attached to a large, heavy wheel. When the wheel is turned, it stores kinetic energy which it can then release as needed to keep the engine running at its desired speed.
What Is A Governor?
A governor is an automated device used to regulate the speed of a machine or engine. It works by using a complex system of springs and weights which react to changes in the speed of the engine, adjusting it accordingly. Governors can also be used to limit the maximum speed of an engine and provide greater control over its operation.
Why We Need A Flywheel?
- Flywheels are used to maintain a steady speed during acceleration and deceleration.
- They can also be used to provide extra torque when needed, such as when starting an engine from a standstill.
- Flywheels help reduce wear on the engine by dampening vibrations that would otherwise cause damage over time.
Why We Need A Governor?
- Governors are used to regulating the speed of a machine or engine and keeping it running at its desired speed.
- They can also be used to limit the maximum speed of an engine for safety purposes.
- Governors provide greater control over engines, ensuring that they run at their most efficient setting.
Difference Between Flywheel And Governor
Basics:
Governor:
- A governor is a device used to control the speed of a motor that drives a machine, such as a car or an aircraft engine.
- It works by adjusting the supply of fuel and air to the engine to maintain a constant speed regardless of load or other external factors.
- The governor uses mechanical or electrical means to detect changes in speed and adjust the engine’s fuel and air supply accordingly.
Flywheel:
- A flywheel is a mechanical device that stores rotational energy and helps maintain consistent speeds in machines.
- The flywheel’s mass (weight) makes it resistant to changes in its speed of rotation, providing stability to the system.
- Flywheels are often used to smooth out the power delivery of engines and also to increase their efficiency by reducing the amount of energy lost during speed changes.
Function:
Governor:
- The primary function of a governor is to regulate the speed of an engine or machine by controlling its fuel and air supply.
- This allows the engine to maintain the same speed regardless of changes in load or other external factors.
Flywheel:
- The primary function of a flywheel is to store energy in its mass as it spins and uses it to help smooth out the delivery of power from an engine or motor.
- As a result, it reduces the amount of energy lost during speed changes and helps increase the efficiency of the system.
- flywheels are often used in conjunction with governors to provide better control over the engine’s speed.
Operation:
Governor:
- A governor operates by sensing changes in the engine’s speed and adjusting the supply of fuel and air accordingly.
- It uses mechanical or electrical means to detect these changes, such as a centrifugal force sensor or an electromagnetic device.
Flywheel:
- The flywheel operates by storing the rotational energy produced by the engine or motor.
- This energy is released as needed to help maintain a consistent speed and reduce power losses during changes in speed.
- The flywheel’s inertia also helps keep the system running at a constant speed, even when faced with sudden load changes.
- When used in conjunction with a governor, the flywheel helps maintain steady and consistent speeds.
Influence on Speed:
Governor:
- The governor is responsible for controlling the speed of an engine or machine by adjusting its fuel and air supply.
- This allows for a constant speed regardless of changes in load or external factors, making it ideal for applications where precise control over speed is required.
Flywheel:
- The flywheel helps maintain consistent speeds by storing rotational energy and releasing it as needed.
- This reduces the amount of power lost during changes in speed, making it ideal for applications where efficiency is important.
- Its inertia helps keep the system running at a constant speed when faced with sudden load changes.
- When used in conjunction with a governor, the flywheel can help provide greater control over the engine’s speed.
Weight & Size:
Governor:
- Governors are typically relatively small and light in weight, as they only need to be able to detect changes in speed.
- This makes them easy to install and perfect for applications where space is limited.
Flywheel:
- Flywheels can vary in size and weight, depending on the application.
- They need to be large enough and heavy enough to store a sufficient amount of energy, which makes them more difficult to install in some applications.
- They can also be designed to be lightweight, making them ideal for uses where weight is an issue.
Condition & Maintenance:
Governor:
- Governors should be kept in good working condition to ensure they are able to accurately detect changes in speed and adjust the fuel and air supply accordingly.
- Regular maintenance is required, such as cleaning and lubricating the moving parts, replacing worn-out components, and recalibrating any sensors or controllers.
Flywheel:
- The flywheel should also be kept in good working condition to ensure it can store and release energy as needed.
- Regular maintenance is required, such as checking the bearings for wear and tear, cleaning any dirt or debris from the surface, and adjusting the tension on the drive belt if necessary.
- The flywheel should be inspected for any signs of damage or corrosion.
Moments of Inertia:
Governor:
- The moment of inertia of a governor is usually negligible, as it consists mainly of small mechanical parts.
Flywheel:
- The flywheel has a much higher moment of inertia due to its size and weight. This helps keep the engine running at a constant speed despite sudden load changes or other external factors.
- It can also help reduce power losses when the speed of the engine changes.
Under Operation:
Governor:
- The governor is responsible for controlling the speed of an engine or machine by adjusting its fuel and air supply.
- This allows for a constant speed regardless of changes in load or external factors, making it ideal for applications where precision is required.
Flywheel:
- The flywheel helps maintain steady and consistent speeds by storing rotational energy and releasing it as needed.
- This reduces the amount of power lost during changes in speed, making it ideal for applications where efficiency is important.
- Its inertia also helps keep the system running at a constant speed even when faced with sudden load changes.
Extra Mechanism:
Governor:
- Governors typically use a combination of mechanical and electronic parts to detect changes in speed. These include springs, weights, levers, gears, sensors, and controllers.
Flywheel:
- Flywheels require no additional mechanisms as they are solely responsible for storing rotational energy and releasing it as needed. This makes them simpler and more cost-effective than governors, as well as easier to maintain.
Energy Storage:
Governor:
- Governors do not store energy, as they are only responsible for detecting changes in speed and adjusting the fuel and air supply accordingly.
Flywheel:
- The flywheel stores rotational energy when the engine is running at a constant speed, which can then be released as needed. This allows the engine to maintain a consistent speed even when faced with sudden load changes.
- It is also more efficient than other forms of energy storage, as it has less losses due to friction and heat.
Connection:
Governor:
- Governors are typically connected to the engine or machine they are controlling via a mechanical link, such as a shaft or belt.
Flywheel:
- Flywheels can be connected in several different ways, most commonly through a drive belt or pulley system. They can also be directly connected to the engine or machine itself, such as in the case of direct drive flywheels.
Valves:
Governor:
- Some governors may contain valves or other components to control the flow of fuel and air into the engine.
Flywheel:
- Flywheels do not contain any valves or other components, as they are solely responsible for storing rotational energy.
Effect of Quality of Fuel:
Governor:
- The quality of the fuel used can affect the performance of a governor, as it determines how accurately it can detect changes in speed.
Flywheel:
- The quality of fuel does not affect the performance of a flywheel, as its only function is to store and release rotational energy.
Main function:
Governor:
- The main function of a governor is to control the speed of an engine or machine by adjusting its fuel and air supply.
Flywheel:
- The main function of a flywheel is to store rotational energy and release it as needed in order to maintain a consistent speed despite sudden load changes or other external factors.
Operating time:
Governor:
- Governors typically operate in real-time, meaning they react to changes as they occur.
Flywheel:
- Flywheels are not limited by real-time constraints, as they can store energy and release it when needed. This allows them to provide a steady speed even if the load or external factors have changed.
Application:
Governor:
- Used in Steam engines to ensure that the engine speed remains constant irrespective of any load variations.
- It Is used for controlling the speed of small electric motors and generators.
- It is used for providing a smooth output voltage from an alternator even under varying loads.
Flywheel:
- Used in combustion engines to store energy and provide extra power as needed.
- Used for controlling the speed variation of crankshafts in engines, providing a continuous rotation.
- It is also used in mechanical presses and other machinery where a steady rotational force is required.
- A flywheel can be helpful in reducing the variations in the output torque of a system.
- It can also be used as an energy storage device, storing kinetic energy when it is not needed and releasing it when necessary.
- Flywheels are also used in certain electrical generators to control the speed of the generator.
FAQs
What Is The Effect Of Flywheel Size (Mass) On Engine Performance?
The size of the flywheel (mass) affects the amount of energy it can store and release, which in turn affects how well the engine can maintain a constant speed during sudden load changes.
What Are The 4 Functions Of Flywheel?
- Store rotational energy.
- Provide extra power as needed.
- Control speed variations of crankshafts in engines.
- Reduce variations in the output torque of a system.
Why Is Flywheel Used In 2 Stroke Engine?
Flywheels are used in two-stroke engines to provide a consistent speed despite sudden load changes or other external factors. Flywheels can store rotational energy and release it when needed, allowing the engine to maintain its desired speed. flywheels can help reduce variations in output torque and provide extra power as needed. This helps to ensure the engine performs smoothly and efficiently.
Does The Flywheel Increase Speed?
A flywheel alone cannot increase speed, but it can help maintain a consistent speed despite sudden load changes or other external factors.
What Are The Limitations Of A Flywheel?
- Limited capacity for storing energy.
- Cannot increase speed on its own.
- requires more energy to start up when compared to a governor.
- Difficult to adjust or control the speed of a machine.
- Can be damaged by high rotational speeds.
Do Flywheels Increase Horsepower?
No, flywheels do not increase horsepower.
Which Energy Is Stored In Flywheel?
Flywheels store kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. When a flywheel rotates, it stores mechanical energy in the form of kinetic energy. This stored energy can then be released when needed to help maintain a steady speed despite changes in load or other external factors.
Why Is A Heavier Flywheel Better?
A heavier flywheel can store more energy, which allows it to provide a steady speed even when there are sudden load changes or other external factors.
Which Motor Is Used In The Flywheel?
Flywheels can be used in both internal combustion engines and electric motors. In an internal combustion engine, a flywheel is typically connected to the crankshaft, while in an electric motor, the flywheel is connected to the rotor. The type of motor used will depend on the application and the desired performance.
Why Does A 4-Stroke Engine Need A Heavier Flywheel?
A four-stroke engine needs a heavier flywheel because it has more of an effect on the overall performance.
What keeps a flywheel spinning?
The force of the engine is what keeps a flywheel spinning. When the engine is running, it produces a torque which is then transferred to the flywheel, causing it to rotate.
Why Is It Called A Flywheel?
A flywheel is called a flywheel because it has large, asymmetrical weights mounted around its rim that resemble the wings of a fly. This design allows the flywheel to store rotational energy
Is Governor A Part Of An Engine Or Transmission?
A governor is typically part of an engine or transmission, although it can also be used in other applications such as pumps and generators.
What Is Governor In An Automobile?
In an automobile, a governor is a device used to control the speed of the engine. It works by controlling how much fuel is supplied to the engine and adjusting the throttle accordingly. The governor can also be adjusted manually or with a computer to set different speed limits for different driving conditions.
What Is the Purpose Of the Governor In Diesel Engine?
In a diesel engine, the governor is used to limit the maximum speed and prevent excessive acceleration or over-revving of the engine. It also helps ensure fuel economy by helping the engine running at optimal efficiency.
Why Is Governer Used In Stationary Engines?
In a stationary engine, a governor is used to regulate the speed of the engine by controlling the amount of fuel or air being supplied to the cylinders.
Conclusion
Flywheels and governors are two important components of engines, used to manage the speed and performance of a machine. Flywheels help maintain consistent speed despite sudden load changes or other external factors while governors limit the maximum speed to prevent over-revving and ensure fuel efficiency. Both components play an important role in engine performance, making them essential for any engine.
