Evaluation of Switching Power Amplifier Topology for Active Magnetic Bearings

Abstract

Active magnetic bearings (AMBs) have led to great progress in the field of rotating machinery due to their many advantages, such as their non-contact and non-lubrication properties. As the key component of an AMB actuator, the switching power amplifier has an important impact on the performance of magnetic bearings and rotating machinery. In this paper, the topologies of switching power amplifiers for AMBs are introduced. The traditional half-bridge topology and two newly proposed topologies—the three-phase-half-bridge and neutralized-sharing-bridge topology—are analyzed and discussed. The volume, current output performance and cost of the power amplifier with different topologies are comprehensively evaluated, providing a theoretical basis and guidance for the selection and design of the topology of switching power amplifiers for AMBs under different conditions.