Measured and Predicted Force and Stiffness Characteristics of Industrial Magnetic Bearings

Abstract

Closed-loop stiffness and load capacity (force) equations have been developed for industrial magnetic bearings. Two sets of magnetic bearings have been constructed using these equations as a design basis. These bearings have been installed in two canned motor pumps. The predicted force and stiffness values from the equations are compared to experimental measurements to determine their validity. When obvious sources of error were eliminated, agreement within 10 percent was obtained for development pump’s magnetic bearings. Agreement was generally better for this pump than for the demonstration pump. By employing these equations, along with easily measured current and displacement information from magnetic bearing equipped machinery, actual stiffness’ and bearing loadings can be determined for operating equipment. Thus, the range of information available from magnetic bearings is extended to include static and dynamic loadings as well as shaft orbits and critical speed and damping information (Humphris et al., 1989). This enhances their use as diagnostic and preventative maintenance tools which are built into machinery and can be used on line.