Project Chakra: the flywheel cycle

The Chakra is a clean energy storage device that stores rotational kinetic energy in a flywheel and provides ride assist to a cyclist.

Long description

Mobility is a basic need. Humans need to move, especially in ever-active cities like Sao Paulo. Project Chakra looks at the way we commute in a whole different way, fulfilling modernized needs, mainly sustainability. The Chakra in Hindi translates to “the wheel”. It is an ordinary bike with an extraordinary wheel and an alternative to the expensive, non-disposable, slow to charge lithium battery powered vehicles. Its based on the simplicity of storing kinetic energy. A flywheel (metal disc) is located on low-friction bearings on the axle inside of a wheel instead of the spooks in a cycle wheel and the entire set up is enclosed in a vacuum to minimize drag .It is low weight to insure it isn’t counterproductive. The flywheel also has a planetary gear set to speed up the flywheel to high speeds(5000-10,000 rpm) and a simple clutch mechanism to transfer power to and fro the flywheel. The flywheel is charged mainly by an external motor (known as the charger) within a few minutes but can be supplemented by pedaling or while going downhill. The Chakra is relatively cheaper to e-bikes and has a simple installation instead of an entire cycle: replace your back tire and put install the control clutch on the handlebar. It is a simple yet effective modification to probably the most important invention ever, the wheel, the chakra. It is designed to cost lower than lithium-ion batteries solutions, takes a shorter time to charge and does not have disposal problems

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