Industrial Untapped Rotational Kinetic Energy Assessment for Sustainable Energy Recycling

Abstract

Electrical energy can be harvested from the rotational kinetic energy of moving bodies, consisting of both mechanical and kinetic energy as a potential power source through electromagnetic induction, similar to wind energy applications. In industries, rotational bodies are commonly present in operations, yet this kinetic energy remains untapped. This research explores the energy generation characteristics of two rotational body types, disk-shaped and cylinder-shaped under specific experimental setups. The hardware setup included a direct current (DC) motor driver, power supply, DC generator, mechanical support, and load resistance, while the software setup involved automation testing tools and data logging. Electromagnetic induction was used to harvest energy, and experiments were conducted at room temperature (25○ C) with controlled variables like speed and friction. Results showed the disk-shaped body exhibited higher energy efficiency than the cylinder-shaped body, largely due to lower mechanical losses. The disk required only two bearings, while the cylinder required four, resulting in lower bearing losses for the disk. Additionally, the disk experienced only air friction, whereas the cylinder encountered friction from a soft, uneven rubber material, increasing surface contact losses. Under a 40 W resistive load, the disk demonstrated a 17.1% energy loss due to mechanical friction, achieving up to 15.55 J of recycled energy. Conversely, the cylinder body experienced a 48.05% energy loss, delivering only 51.95% of energy to the load. These insights suggest significant potential for designing efficient energy recycling systems in industrial settings, particularly in manufacturing and processing industries where rotational machinery is prevalent. Despite its lower energy density, this system could be beneficially integrated with energy storage solutions, enhancing sustainability in industrial practices