135kW Flywheel for Metro Bus

A hermetically-sealed 40,000 rpm, 1 kWh, 135 kW, graphite composite flywheel has been developed at CEM. The unit with integral motor/generator is installed in a Houston-Metro transit bus.  It utilizes a 5-axis levitation system with permanent magnet bias homopolar magnetic bearings.  The thrust bearing is integral with one radial bearing.  This flywheel was successfully built and road-tested in a bus.

Contact:
Dr. Brian Murphy
Center for Electromechanics University of Texas at Austin