A Review of Superconducting Magnetic Bearings and Their Application

Abstract

Magnetic bearings are being researched for high-speed applications, such as flywheel energy storage devices, to eliminate friction losses. As per Earnshaw's theorem, stable levitation cannot be achieved for a static passive magnetic bearing system. Fully passive stable levitation can be achieved with the help of superconducting magnetic bearings (SMB). This article provides an in-depth review of the modeling, analysis, and development of SMB. The different SMB configurations are highlighted, together with essential methodologies for estimating and improving their performance. The advancements in mathematical models used and the optimization of bearing characteristics are thoroughly discussed. Further, key developments in the application of SMB in flywheel energy storage systems are also reviewed. © 2002-2011 IEEE.