Fail Safe, High Temperature Magnetic Bearings

Abstract

This paper contributes to the magnetic bearing literature in two distinct areas: high temperature and redundant actuation. Design considerations and test results are given for the first published combined 538°C (1000°F)-high speed rotating test performance of a magnetic bearing. Secondly, a significant extension of the flux isolation based, redundant actuator control algorithm is proposed to eliminate the prior deficiency of changing position stiffness after failure. The benefit of the novel extension was not experimentally demonstrated due to a high active stiffness requirement. In addition, test results are given for actuator failure tests at 399°C (750°F), 12,500rpm. Finally, simulation results are presented confirming the experimental data and validating the redundant control algorithm.

Control of an Active Magnetic Bearing System during Maneuvering Flight

“…HE development of the more electric aircraft technology leads to an endeavor to eliminate the lubrication system and use active magnetic bearings (AMB) that would allow engines to operate at speeds and temperature well beyond the limits of current technologies [1][2][3][4][5][6] . AMB provides an excellent alternative to conventional rolling bearings lubricated by oil and offers advantages such as no friction between kinematic pairs and low power loss and controllability of bearing dynamic characteristics 7-11 .…”