Magnetic Bearings are a growing technology whereas Flywheels are suspended by magnets, making for very little if any friction on the wheel. With little friction, the wheels can spin for hours and store up great amounts of energy. Applications are limitless
Overview:
•Thortek has developed a new flywheel with transportation & telecommunication applications
•NASA awarded Thortek a SBIR Phase I grant in 2004 to develop a magnetic bearing that will be used in Thortek’s flywheel systems.
Applications:
•Aerospace
•Electric vehicles
•Flywheel Systems
Capabilities:
•Increased energy conservation
•Reduced mass for space applications
•Replacement of conventional bearings at less life-cycle cost
Benefits:
Potential benefits include:
•Reduced friction from surface and air drag
•Increase power output maintianing a higher rate of energy transfer
•Reduced life-cycle cost of magnetic bearing system
