A novel magnetic levitated bearing system for Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT)

In this report, a novel magnetic levitated bearing suitable for Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) is introduced, fabricated and tested. The bearing system generates a magnetic force, which can support the weight of the wind turbine rotor. A Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation shows how low the torque of this bearing is. A small scale prototype model of this novel magnetic levitated bearing system was constructed and tested successfully. The test results show how low the torque of this novel bearing is.

► A novel structure of an axial bearing introduced in this report, which offers a low cost solution by using cubical low-cost pre-charged ferrite magnets. A metal sheet is used to unify the magnetic field of the stator and the rotor of the bearing. This lowers vibrations, and produces a bearing with very low torque.
► The data of the levitation force in vertical direction (Z-direction) derived form the simulated cases leads to the conclusion that the magnetic field will be unified when adding a metal sheet to the rotor and stator of the bearing. Prototype experiments confirmed the low torque range of the bearing given similar conditions.
► This development might have an interesting application in low cost vertical axis wind turbines or in flywheel batteries.