Rotor Dynamics of Flywheel Energy Storage Systems

This paper deals with the dynamic analysis of the magnetic bearing stack system. The stack consists of a single flywheel supported by two magnetic bearings. To model the system, the dynamic equations of a magnetically suspended flywheel are derived. Next, the four control systems controlling the four degrees-of-freedom of the stack are incorporated into the model. The resulting dynamic equations are represented as first-order differential equations in a matrix form. A computer simulation program was then used to simulate the working of the magnetic bearing stack. Real time plots from the simulation are used to show the effect of dynamic coupling on torque response. Frequency response is used to determine the resonance frequencies of the stack system. It is found that system stability depends on flywheel speed. On the basis of the above results suggestions are made to improve stability and allow the stack to be spun beyond 60,000 rpm.