What is the main purpose of a flywheel in mechanical systems?

In mechanical systems, the primary purpose of a flywheel is to store kinetic energy and maintain a steady output. Flywheels are rotating mechanical devices that can absorb energy when the system is producing more than is needed and release energy when demand exceeds the generation. This capability allows them to smooth out the fluctuations in energy output, ensuring that the system operates efficiently.

By storing kinetic energy, flywheels facilitate a consistent and stable operation in various applications, such as internal combustion engines or power generation systems. They enable the mechanical system to deliver a more constant output, which is essential for maintaining performance and preventing mechanical failure due to sudden changes in load or demand.

While increasing rotational inertia can be a result of adding a flywheel, that is not its main function. Similarly, regulating fluid flow and converting energy into heat do not pertain to the primary role of a flywheel within mechanical systems; instead, those functions are typically associated with different types of devices or systems, such as pumps or heat exchangers.