Study on Levitation Force Characteristics of Superconducting Magnetic Levitation Bearings: Experimental and Simulation Analysis

Superconducting magnetic bearings (SMB) have many advantages, including self-stabilizing operation, reduced energy consumption, and extended service life, which make them highly suitable for applications in flywheel energy storage systems. This study studies the levitation performance of YBCO superconducting bulk materials, and measuring their levitation force using a specialized testing device. Based on a mathematical model of levitation force, finite element simulations were conducted to analyze the variation patterns of the levitation force under different cooling methods. Using the H-formulation and finite element method (FEM), a three-dimensional simulation model of the superconducting magnetic bearing was established to simulate the levitation characteristics under different permanent magnet stator arrangements (Halbach array and opposed-pole array). Simulation results show that the opposed-pole array SMB exhibits higher axial levitation force compared to the Halbach array under the investigated operating conditions. The experimental and theoretical findings presented here offer insights for the subsequent design and optimization of superconducting magnetic levitation bearings in flywheel energy storage systems.