Modeling and Design of a Novel 5-DOF AC–DC Hybrid Magnetic Bearing

Abstract

This paper investigates a novel integrated AC–DC hybrid magnetic bearing (HMB) to reduce the volume, weight, manufacturing, and operation cost of magnetic suspension motors. Two radial MBs and an axial MB are integrated with the proposed HMB. The five-degree-of-freedom (5-DOF) suspension is realized in one unit. Two axially polarized permanent magnets provide the radial and axial bias fluxes. First, the HMB structure and the suspension mechanism are introduced. Second, based on the method of equivalent magnetic circuits, magnetic circuits are calculated. The mathematical models of suspension force are discussed. Third, the main parameters of the 5-DOF AC–DC HMB are given. The 3D finite element method (FEM) is adopted to analyze the proposed system’s electromagnetic characteristics, and the suspension mechanism of the 5-DOF is verified. The radial suspension forces versus the radial control current, the axial suspension forces versus the axial control current, the relationship between the axial suspension force and the axial control current with the X direction offset, and the relationship between the radial suspension force in the X direction and the axial control current with the Z direction offset are calculated. Based on the research results, it is shown that the HMB structure is compact and reasonable, and the mathematical models and suspension mechanism are correct.