Task 2: Develop Dynamics and Control of Active, Magnetic Bearings for Flywheel Energy Storage Without Conventional Sensors

Flywheel Energy Storage (FES) works by storing kinetic energy in a rotor and thus provides certain advantages over conventional batteries, such as efficiency of energy conversion. Since high rotational speed is required for optimal energy storage, magnetic bearings are used in FES to reduce friction. This enables the control of rotor dynamics via magnetic fields. The goal of this task is to explore promising FES control designs, through which more robust dynamics of the rotor, as well as less parasitic losses associated with magnetic bearings can be achieved.

Several designs of advanced magnetic bearings (AMB) have been proposed for the control of FES. Most design schemes use repulsive force permanent magnetic bearings for stabilization of rotor-stator air gap distance, and a set of active magnetic bearings controlled via active control coils. Given that sufficient scientific and engineering papers exist, the performer shall produce a foundational literature review list concerning the control of AMBs.