Superconducting levitation analysis of a flywheel system using H-formulation

• Published in: Physica. C, Superconductivity Superconductivity, 2019-06, Vol.561, p.64-70
• Main Authors: Yıldız, Ali Suat, Sivrioglu, Selim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computer simulation; Discrete element method; Electromagnetic properties; Electromagnetics; Finite element analysis; Finite element method; Flywheels; H-formulation; Induced current density; Levitation; Mathematical models; Multi-surface levitation; Permanent magnets; Polarity; Radial bearings; Simulation; Stiffness; Studies; Superconducting magnetic bearing (SMB); Two dimensional models
• ISSN: 0921-4534; 1873-2143
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2019.03.011

•The levitation characteristics of a flywheel system was analyzed using H-formulation.•Influence of the concentric ring PMs with opposite polarization was investigated for the flywheel system.•The effect of HTS size on levitation characteristic was investigated. In this research study, two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model based on the H-formulation was studied to analyze the levitation characteristics of a flywheel system by COMSOL Multiphysics 5.3. This model provides the designer with some reliable guidelines for electromagnetic behaviours of the flywheel system. Levitation forces are generated through separate interaction for axial and radial bearing in such an application. However, the use of more than one permanent magnet (PM) with a single ring-shaped superconductor can provide higher stiffness characteristic. To ensure this condition, the proper polarization of the permanent magnets is a key factor. The effect of polarity is investigated through the distributions of the induced current density and the force characteristic. Finally, the effectiveness of the simulation method has been validated through comparisons with experimentally obtained values.