Exploring the Benefits and Limitations of Flywheel Regenerative Braking for Sustainable Transportation
Abstract
This study aims to assess the feasibility of implementing a flywheel regenerative braking system in bicycles as a method to enhance energy efficiency in transportation. The project involves the comprehensive design, fabrication, and testing of a prototype that captures and stores kinetic energy generated during braking in a mechanical flywheel system. Unlike conventional braking systems, which dissipate energy as heat, this approach enables the reuse of stored energy for acceleration, potentially improving overall vehicle efficiency (Wager, 2024). The evaluation process considers multiple performance factors, including energy recovery efficiency, mechanical reliability, and practical applicability. The prototype was tested under controlled conditions to compare its effectiveness against traditional braking systems. Experimental results indicate a substantial capacity for energy recovery, reinforcing the viability of mechanical energy storage as a sustainable alternative to battery-based regenerative braking (Erhan et al., 2021).
Keywords: energy recovery, flywheel regenerative braking, mechanical energy storage, sustainable transportation, vehicle efficiency
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