Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
243917 | Applied Energy | 2012 | 6 Pages |
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.