What additional function does a flywheel perform aside from dampening speed fluctuations?

The primary role of a flywheel in an engine is to store rotational energy, which helps maintain a steady speed of operation. When the engine goes through cycles of power output—such as during the compression and combustion processes—the flywheel absorbs energy during these power strokes and releases it when the engine experiences a drop in power.

One crucial additional function is helping the engine "carry over dead center." This term refers to the point in an engine cycle where the pistons are at the top or bottom of their stroke. At these points, the engine’s power is temporarily less as the momentum may not suffice to complete the rotation without additional energy input. The flywheel provides the necessary inertia to help continue the rotation through these critical points, allowing for smoother operation and preventing stalling, especially in low-speed scenarios.

The other options do not correctly describe the primary functions of a flywheel. Burning excess fuel pertains to fuel management systems, enhancing cooling relates to heat exchangers and cooling systems, and storing energy as heat does not align with the function of a flywheel, which is designed to store kinetic energy rather than thermal energy.