Function and function of flywheel energy storage bearing

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.

How does a flywheel energy storage system work?

A flywheel energy storage system (FESS) uses a high speed spinning mass (rotor) to store kinetic energy. The energy is input or output by a dual-direction motor/generator. To maintain it in a high efficiency, the flywheel works within a vacuum chamber.

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.

What are some secondary functionalities of flywheels?

Other opportunities are new applications in energy harvest, hybrid energy systems, and flywheel’s secondary functionality apart from energy storage. The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Are flywheel energy storage systems feasible?

Accepted: 02 March 2024 Abstract - This study gives a critical review of flywheel energy storage systems and their feasibility in various applications. Flywheel energy storage systems have gained increased popularity as a method of environmentally friendly energy storage.