how bearings work - energy storage devices
There are several types of bearings, each with its own interesting use, including magnetic bearings and giant roller bearings. Some very high-
Speed devices like advanced flywheel energy storage systems use magnet bearings.
These bearings allow the flywheel to float on the magnetic field generated by the bearing.
Some wind turbines operate at speeds of more than 50,000 revolutions per minute (rpm).
Ordinary bearings with rollers or balls will melt or explode at this speed.
The magnetic bearing has no moving parts, so it can handle these incredible speeds.
It could be the first time the Egyptians used bearings when they built the pyramids.
They put the log under heavy stones so they could roll the log to the construction site.
Today, this method is still used when large, very heavy objects like the Cape hatras lighthouse need to be moved.
The new San Francisco International Airport uses many advanced building technologies to help it withstand earthquakes.
One of the technologies is giant ball bearings.
Click "Earthquake!
"See the seismic bearing support system working.
267 column, support the weight of the airport, 5-per ride-foot-diameter (1. 5-meter)
Steel ball bearings.
The ball is located in a concave base connected to the ground.
If an earthquake occurs, the ground can move 20 inch (51 cm)
In any direction
The columns still on the ball move a little less when rolling at the bottom, which helps isolate the building from ground motion.
When the earthquake is over, gravity pulls the pillars back to the center of the base.
For more information about bearings and related topics, please see the link below.