Study of a high-temperature superconducting magnetic bearing for flywheel energy storage systems

Abstract

The RTRI conducted a development of a superconducting magnetic bearing applicable to the flywheel energy storage system for railways. In this study, a high-temperature bulk superconductor (HTS bulk) was combined with superconducting coils to increase the load capacity of the bearing. The flywheel energy storage system has a high energy density, and offers excellent performance in the areas of start/stop operation and load response. However, it has a number of problems in terms of durability and economy. This study aimed to improve driving efficiency by reducing frictional loss and to solve maintenance-related problems by applying superconducting technology to bearing parts. In this paper, we report on the basic study of a magnetic bearing consisting of coupling of superconductors that is applicable as a support bearing for flywheel energy storage systems.