Difference between revisions of "Inertia"

In power systems engineering, "inertia" is a concept that typically refers to rotational inertia or rotational kinetic energy. For synchronous systems that run at some nominal frequency (i.e. 50Hz or 60Hz), inertia is the energy that is stored in the rotating masses of equipment electro-mechanically coupled to the system, e.g. generator rotors, fly wheels, turbine shafts.

Derivation

Basic circle geometry

Below is a derivation of rotational inertia from first principles, starting from the basics of circle geometry to the definition of moment of inertia (and it's relationship to kinetic energy).

The length of a circle arc is given by:

$L = \theta r$

where $L$ is the length of the arc (m)

$\theta$ is the angle of the arc (radians)
$r$ is the radius of the circle (m)

A circular rotating mass therefore has a rotational velocity of:

$v = \frac{\theta r}{t}$

where $v$ is the rotational velocity (m/s)

$\theta$ is the time it takes for the mass to rotate L metres (s)

Alternatively, rotational velocity can be expressed as:

$v = \omega r$

where $\omega = \frac{\theta}{t} = \frac{2 \pi \times n}{60}$ is the angular velocity (rad/s)

$n$ is the speed in revolutions per minute (rpm)

Rotational kinetic energy can be calculated as:

$KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^{2} = \frac{1}{2} m(\omega r)^{2}$

where $KE$ is the rotational kinetic energy (Joules or kg.m2/s2 or MW.s, all of which are equivalent)

$m$ is the mass of the rotating mass (kg)

Alternatively, rotational kinetic energy can be expressed as:

$KE = \frac{1}{2} I\omega^{2}$

where $I = mr^{2}$ is called the moment of inertia (kg.m2)