BACKUP BEARINGS FOR EXTREME SPEED TOUCH DOWN APPLICATIONS

摘要

A backup bearing (30) for supplying backup to magnetic bearings is provided, the backup bearing comprising: an outer race (32) disposed about the axis (Y) of a stationary shaft (17), the outer race mounted to a flywheel assembly (16) for rotational movement about the axis; an inner race (36) spaced from the outer race (32) and disposed about the axis (Y), the inner race (36) being substantially stationary with respect to the axis (Y); and a plurality of rolling elements (34) each having a central axis with each element being spaced from the inner race (36) and disposed between the inner (36) and outer race (32) for rotational movement therebetween. Rotation of the outer race (32) causes corresponding rotation of the plurality of rolling elements (34) such that upon contact of the rolling elements (34) with the inner race (36), the speed differential between the rotating rolling elements (34) and the substantially stationary inner race (36) causes each rolling element (34) contacting the inner race (36) to accelerate about its central axis with little wear on the rolling elements (34) due to skid damage because neither the inner race (36) nor the outer race (32) inertia needs to be overcome since both are always functioning at their operational speeds.