Design optimization of large gap single axis thrust magnetic bearing actuator

Abstract

Magnetic Bearing, especially Active Magnetic Bearing (AMB) is arguably most preferred bearing for the process dealing with highly reactive environment, high speed operation and where the process required least contamination. They are also being tried for Fly wheels and Wind generators. They continue to be evolved since last several decades. Quite a few processes like application of AMB in high temperature Liquid Sodium high temperature applications call for development of large-working-gap active magnetic bearings (AMB). Smooth operation of AMB depends on hypersensitive position stiffness and Current stiffness, which fluctuates due to differential-thermal-expansion induced air gap variation. So, large gap, necessitates flatter open loop position stiffness than that of contemporary magnetic actuators. In this work, a goal seeking optimization methodology is employed for double acting AMB system where a combination of higher (CRGO electrical steel) and lower saturating magnetic material (Mu metal) is used. A less variant position stiffness across the air gap was arrived at after getting optimized design variables constituting geometry and excitation current parameters. This investigation opens up a new way to attain position stiffness in AMB system which is less sensitive to positional variation of rotor in air gap.This paper proposes an innovative and first-of-its-kind bi-material core material with goal driven optimized magnetic actuator design which can afford to have air gap variation during operation.