Flywheel energy storage bearing principle diagram explanation

Why are bearings important for flywheel energy storage systems?

Bearings for flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) are absolutely critical, as they determine not only key performance specifications such as self-discharge and service live, but may cause even safety-critical situations in the event of failure.

What is a magnetic bearing in a flywheel energy storage system?

In simple terms, a magnetic bearing uses permanent magnets to lift the flywheel and controlled electromagnets to keep the flywheel rotor steady. This stability needs a sophisticated control system with costly sensors. There are three types of magnetic bearings in a Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS): passive, active, and superconducting.

What are the main bearing loads in an automotive flywheel energy storage system?

The main bearing loads in an automotive flywheel energy storage system are the gyroscopic reaction forces, the mass forces due to linear or angular acceleration, and the imbalance forces of the rotor.

How does a flywheel energy storage system work?

... The input energy for a Flywheel energy storage system is usually drawn from an electrical source coming from the grid or any other source of electrical energy. As more energy is imparted into a flywheel it speeds up as it stores more energy and slows down when it loses the said energy , .

What type of bearing does a stationary flywheel use?

One of the few exceptions is the flywheel designed by Kinetic Traction Systems, which uses a hydrodynamic pin bearing as axial bearing. General architecture and bearing system of a stationary flywheel energy storage unit ( Active Power HD625 UPS ). (Image rights: Piller Group GmbH)

What is a flywheel energy storage system (fess)?

Think of it as a mechanical storage tool that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy for storage. This energy is stored in the form of rotational kinetic energy. Typically, the energy input to a Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) comes from an electrical source like the grid or any other electrical source.