Abstract--To minimize CHPS flywheel size and mass, a topology was chosen in which the rotating portion of the flywheel is located outside the stationary components. Accordingly, magnetic bearing actuators are required which share this "inside-out" configuration. Because of inherent low loss and nearly linear force characteristics, UT-CEM has designed and analyzed permanent magnet bias bearing actuators for this application. To verify actuator performance, a non-rotating bearing test fixture was designed and built which permits measurement of static and dynamic force. An active magnetic bearing (AMB) control system was designed to provide robust, efficient magnetic levitation of the CHPS rotor over a wide range of operating speeds and disturbance inputs, while minimizing the occurrence of backup bearing touchdowns. This paper discusses bearing system requirements, actuator and controller design, and predicted performance; it also compares theoretical vs. measured actuator characteristics. Manuscript

Abstract--Performance testing of the model-scale CPA was recently completed at the University of Texas Center for Electromechanics. A major part of the project was the development of design and simulation codes that would accurately represent the performance of pulsed alternators. This paper discusses the components of the system and its operational sequence. Details of the performance simulation model are presented along with test data. The test result is compared to the predicted data.

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The flow resistance of electrorheological fluids (ER fluids) can be controlled by applying electric fields. Thus, ER fluids are suitable for the application in actuators, using high-voltage sources for the generation of the field. The behaviour of an ER fluid actuator not only depends on the properties of the individual actuator components (ER fluid, energy transducer and energy source) but especially on their combined efforts as a system. Based on a possible scheme for the design of ER fluid actuators, this paper presents important practice-relevant aspects of a systematic actuator construction. Here the behaviour of a commercial ER suspension is examined and compared to a homogeneous ER fluid without yield point using a rotational viscometer and a flow-mode damper realized at the Laboratory of Process Automation (LPA) of the University of Saarland.