What is mechanical energy storage?

Mechanical energy storage can be added to many types of systems that use heat, water or air with compressors, turbines, and other machinery, providing an alternative to battery storage, and enabling clean power to be stored for days. Explore energy storage resources Simple physics meets advanced technology.

How do mechanical energy storage systems work?

Mechanical energy storage systems take advantage of kinetic or gravitational forces to store inputted energy. While the physics of mechanical systems are often quite simple (e.g. spin a flywheel or lift weights up a hill), the technologies that enable the efficient and effective use of these forces are particularly advanced.

How does power generation work?

Generally, the process of power generation uses something to turn a big turbine, and this turbine turns a motor which generates electric power. We’ll study that power generation process as well. Motors work on the principals of electro-magnetics.

How does a power plant use a motor?

Other systems such as Nuclear Power Plants, Hydro-electric Dams, and more use motors to generate power as well. Generally, the process of power generation uses something to turn a big turbine, and this turbine turns a motor which generates electric power. We’ll study that power generation process as well.

Why should we study Motors?

Motors are required to generate power, they will be vital to the transition to clean energy, so studying their design to develop more efficient machines is critical to the future. Understanding them, can help us understand different ways to build a better world.

What type of power does a motor use?

Motors can be powered by AC power, or DC power. Some motors can be directly run, others require a motor controller to control them. All of this depends on their design. The most common motors are induction motors, the cheapest motors are brushed ones.