Abstract
A superconductor flywheel energy storage system (SFES) is an electro-mechanical battery which transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy for storage, and vice versa. The 35 kWh class SFES is composed of a main frame, superconductor bearings, electro-magnetic dampers, a motor/generator, and a composite flywheel. The energy storing capacity of the SFES can be limited by the operational speed range of the system. The operational speed range is limited by many factors, especially the resonant frequency of the main frame and flywheel. In this study, a steel frame has been designed and constructed for a 35 kWh class SFES. All the main parts, their housings, and the flywheel are aligned and assembled on to the main frame. While in operation, the flywheel excites the main frame, as well as all the parts assembled to it, causing the system to vibrate at the rotating speed. If the main frame is excited at its resonant frequency, the system will resonate, which may lead to unstable levitation at the superconductor bearings and electro-magnetic dampers. The main frame for the 35 kWh class SFES has been designed and constructed to improve stiffness for the stable operation of the system within the operational speed range.
