A passive magnetic-thrust bearing for energy-storage flywheels

Conference · Fri Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · Am. Soc. Mech. Eng., (Pap.); (United States)

OSTI ID:6796859

Wilcock, D F ^[1]; Eusepi, M ^[2]

---

1. Tribolock, Inc., Schenectady, N.Y.
2. Mechanical Technology, Inc., Latham, N.Y.

Flywheels for the storage and subsequent release of energy in general involve the suspension of rather large masses rotating at speeds limited by the strength of the flywheel material. Since drag torque on the flywheel represents an undesirable energy drain during storage, windage can be eliminated by operation in a vacuum, leaving bearing drag as a significant item. Using a vertical shaft configuration, a passive repulsion-type permanent-magnet thrust bearing is virtually frictionless while small, low-loss, oil-lubricated pintle bearings maintain the shaft radially. This paper discusses the analytical design of the passive magnetic-thrust bearing, including its nonrotating damper. Reliability of the system is high since no servo-control system is required.

• OSTI ID: 6796859
• Report Number(s): CONF-8008164-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Am. Soc. Mech. Eng., (Pap.); (United States) Journal Volume: 80-LC-4C-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250500* -- Energy Storage-- Flywheels
BEARINGS
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
DAMPING
DISSIPATION FACTOR
DRAG
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROMAGNETS
ENERGY STORAGE
EQUIPMENT
FLYWHEEL ENERGY STORAGE
FLYWHEELS
FRICTION
LUBRICANTS
LUBRICATING OILS
MAGNETIC BEARINGS
MAGNETS
MECHANICAL ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
SERVOMECHANISMS
SLIDING FRICTION
STABILITY
STORAGE
VACUUM SYSTEMS