Magnetic bearing system including a control system for a flywheel and method for operating same
US5998899A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2119
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A bearing system for positioning and supporting a rotor having a vertical shaft (20) coincident with a main rotation axis included in a flywheel (10) used for energy storage and high surge power in vehicular applications. The bearing system includes upper and lower radial force generators (110, 210) containing only electromagnets, and upper and lower axial force generators (120, 220) including an electromagnet and a permanent magnet. According to one aspect of the bearing system, each of the bearings includes control circuitry having simple and complex lead networks so as to permit the force generators to rapidly respond to vehicular transients while maintaining a preferred bearing stiffness. The bearing system also includes upper and lower touchdown ball bearings (130, 230) which are engaged only when the radial force generators are unable to maintain the rotor in a predetermined cylindrical volume within the flywheel (10). A capacitive sensor subsystem of the magnetic bearing system and method for controlling the bearing system is also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.