Design of a Low-Loss, Low-Cost Rolling Element Bearing System for a 5 kWh/100 kW Flywheel Energy Storage System

Peter Haidl and Armin Buchroithner
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Peter Haidl: Myonic Gmbh, 88299 Leutkirch im Allgäu, Germany
Armin Buchroithner: Institute of Electrical Measurement and Sensor Systems, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 21, 1-28

Abstract: The bearings of a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) are critical machine elements, as they determine several important properties such as self-discharge, service life, maintenance intervals and most importantly cost. This paper describes the design of a low-cost, low-loss bearing system for a 5 kWh/100 kW FESS based on analytical, numerical and experimental methods. The special operating conditions of the FESS rotor (e.g., high rotational speeds, high rotor mass, vacuum) do not allow isolated consideration of the bearings alone, but require a systematic approach, taking into account aspects of rotor dynamics, thermal management, bearing loads and lubrication. The proposed design incorporates measures to mitigate both axial and radial bearing loads, by deploying resilient bearing seats and a lifting magnet for rotor weight compensation. As a consequence of minimized external loading, bearing kinematics also need to be considered during the design process. A generally valid, well-structured guideline for the design of such low-loss rolling bearing systems is presented and applied to the 5 kWh/100 kW FESS use case.

Keywords: flywheel energy storage; rolling element bearings; rotor dynamics; lifting magnet; bearing design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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