The design and initial testing of a five axis magnetic bearing system in an energy storage flywheel is presented. The flywheel is under development at the University of Texas Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) for application in a transit bus. The bearing system for the prototype features homopolar permanent magnet bias magnetic bearings. The system has been successfully tested to the maximum design speed of 42,000 rpm. A gain-scheduled, MIMO control algorithm was required to control the system modes affected by rotor gyroscopics. The implementation and basis for this control scheme is discussed. The cross-axis forces produced by this approach are described in terms of circumferential cross-coupled stiffness and damping to explain the effect on system stability. Dynamic test results are discussed relative to the rotordynamic and control system design.

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