Bearing Loads in a Vehicular Flywheel Battery

Radial and axial rotor support bearings are critical elements in flywheel batteries for vehicle applications. This paper discusses the quantification of bearing loads required for the development of optimal bearing designs, particularly magnetic bearings. The primary contributors to bearing loads are shown to be vehicle shock, vibration, maneuvering, and gyrodynamics. Emphasis is placed on transit bus applications. Available data for each is presented, including actual measurements made on buses, and a detailed analysis of gyrodynamics.