Magnetic bearing device mounting system and magnetic bearing unit

Abstract

This technology provides a way to smoothly estimate the location of the cause of an anomaly in a magnetic bearing device. [Solution] The air conditioning system (1), which is a magnetic bearing device-equipped system, has a magnetic bearing device (100) comprising a rotating shaft (24), a magnetic bearing actuator (101), and a magnetic bearing controller (200) that levitates the rotating shaft (24) by controlling the energization of the magnetic bearing actuator (101). The main control unit (201) monitors the detection information of position detection sensors (117~119) and current detection sensor (203) when operating under first operating conditions, and if it recognizes an abnormality under first operating conditions, it operates under second operating conditions different from first operating conditions and monitors the detection information. If the main control unit (201) does not recognize an abnormality under second operating conditions, it notifies the outside that the location of the cause of the abnormality under first operating conditions is inside the operating target under first operating conditions and outside the operating target under second operating conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a magnetic bearing device-equipped system and a magnetic bearing unit. Background Art

[0002] A magnetic bearing-equipped system such as an air conditioner having a magnetic bearing device may detect an abnormality in the magnetic bearing device. The cause of an abnormality in a magnetic bearing device often occurs in a part of the system rather than in the magnetic bearing device itself. When detecting an abnormality, a conventional magnetic bearing device issues an abnormality notification as the magnetic bearing device.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetic bearing device that detects an abnormality in a position sensor that detects displacement of a rotating shaft (rotating body). Specifically, the magnetic bearing device changes the position sensor drive frequency, and determines the abnormality of the position sensor from the change in the displacement detection signal of the position sensor before and after the change. As described above, for the position sensor of the magnetic bearing device, it is also possible to determine an abnormality according to a change in the signal. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-83330 Summary of Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 cannot recognize abnormality causes other than the position sensor. In an air conditioner or a magnetic bearing device, when an abnormality of the magnetic bearing device is detected during operation, it is demanded that the location of the abnormality cause can be smoothly estimated in order to resume the operation of the magnetic bearing device at an early stage.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a technique capable of smoothly estimating the location of an abnormality cause in a magnetic bearing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a magnetic bearing device mounting system having a magnetic bearing device inside, the magnetic bearing device comprising a rotating shaft, a magnetic bearing actuator, and a magnetic bearing control circuit for levitating the rotating shaft by controlling the energization of the magnetic bearing actuator, wherein the magnetic bearing device mounting system comprises an external load element that applies a load to the magnetic bearing device from outside the magnetic bearing device, a detection unit for detecting an abnormality in the magnetic bearing device, and an information processing unit that processes the detection information from the detection unit and operates an operating object including at least a part of the magnetic bearing device and the external load element under a plurality of operating conditions, wherein the information processing unit monitors the detection information from the detection unit when operating under a first operating condition, and if it recognizes an abnormality under the first operating condition, it operates under a second operating condition different from the first operating condition and monitors the detection information from the detection unit, and if it does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating condition, it notifies the outside of the information processing unit that there is a location inside the operating object under the first operating condition and outside the operating object under the second operating condition that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating condition.

[0008] According to the first embodiment, the magnetic bearing-equipped system can smoothly estimate the location of the cause of the abnormality in the magnetic bearing device by executing the second operating condition and monitoring the detected information after recognizing an abnormality under the first operating condition. That is, if no abnormality is recognized under the second operating condition, it can be recognized that the location of the cause of the abnormality is inside the operating target under the first operating condition and outside the operating target under the second operating condition. The information processing unit can inform the user of this information externally, thereby allowing the user to understand the location of the cause of the abnormality.

[0009] Furthermore, if the information processing unit detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located within the operating target under the second operating conditions.

[0010] As a result, when an abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, the information processing unit notifies the external system of the location of the abnormality within the operating target under the second operating conditions, allowing the user to identify the location of the abnormality.

[0011] Furthermore, the first operating condition is a condition in which both the magnetic bearing device and the external load element are operated as targets, the second operating condition is a condition in which the rotating shaft is levitated by the magnetic bearing actuator without any load being applied to the rotating shaft, and if the information processing unit does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating condition, it notifies the outside of the information processing unit that there is a location outside the magnetic bearing device that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating condition.

[0012] Thus, in the second operating condition, where the rotating shaft is levitated by the magnetic bearing actuator without any load applied to the rotating shaft, the information processing unit does not recognize an abnormality, thereby notifying the user that the source of the abnormality is outside the magnetic bearing device. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality outside the magnetic bearing device.

[0013] Furthermore, if the information processing unit detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that there is a location inside the magnetic bearing device that caused the abnormality under the first operating conditions.

[0014] Thus, if an abnormality is detected under the second operating condition, in which the rotating shaft is levitated by the magnetic bearing actuator without any load applied to the rotating shaft, the information processing unit notifies the user that there is a location within the magnetic bearing device that is causing the abnormality. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality in the magnetic bearing device.

[0015] Furthermore, the magnetic bearing device comprises a plurality of magnetic bearing actuators, and the operating target of the second operating condition is a position-controlled unit controlled based on a position command in each of the plurality of magnetic bearing actuators, and the second operating condition is a condition in which some of the plurality of magnetic bearing actuators are energized to partially levitate the rotating shaft, and the other magnetic bearing actuators are energized for purposes other than levitating the rotating shaft, and if the information processing unit does not recognize an abnormality in the second operating condition, it notifies the outside of the information processing unit that the location of the cause of the abnormality in the first operating condition is outside the position-controlled unit that did not levitate the rotating shaft.In this specification, "position control" is used to mean adjusting the position of the rotating shaft to a target position in levitation control that controls the levitation of the rotating shaft.In that sense, position control is a concept that encompasses levitation control.

[0016] Thus, by not recognizing an abnormality under the second operating conditions described above, the information processing unit notifies that the source of the abnormality lies outside the position control unit that failed to levitate the rotating shaft. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality outside the position control unit that failed to levitate the rotating shaft.

[0017] Furthermore, if the information processing unit recognizes an abnormality under the second operating conditions and there is no abnormality in the position-controlled unit while the rotating shaft is levitating, it notifies an external party that the location of the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located inside the position-controlled unit where the rotating shaft is not levitating.

[0018] Thus, if an abnormality is detected under the second operating condition and there is no abnormality in the position-controlled part while the rotating shaft is levitating, the information processing unit notifies that there is an abnormality inside the position-controlled part where the rotating shaft is not levitating. This allows the user to easily understand any abnormalities inside the position-controlled part where the rotating shaft is not levitating.

[0019] Furthermore, if the information processing unit recognizes an abnormality under the second operating conditions and there is an abnormality in the position-controlled unit while the rotating shaft is levitating, it notifies an external party that the location causing the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located inside the position-controlled unit that is levitating the rotating shaft.

[0020] Thus, if an abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, and an abnormality occurs in the position-controlled part while the rotating shaft is levitating, the information processing unit notifies that there is an abnormality inside the position-controlled part that is levitating the rotating shaft. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality inside the position-controlled part that is levitating the rotating shaft.

[0021] Furthermore, the magnetic bearing device comprises a plurality of magnetic bearing actuators, the operating target of the second operating condition is a position-controlled unit controlled based on a position command in each of the plurality of magnetic bearing actuators, the second operating condition is a condition in which the rotating shaft is in contact with the landing part because the position of the rotating shaft is not controlled by at least some of the plurality of magnetic bearing actuators, and current control is performed to change the contact position of the rotating shaft, and if the information processing unit does not recognize an abnormality in the second operating condition, it notifies the outside of the information processing unit that there is a location outside the position-controlled unit that is the cause of the abnormality in the first operating condition.

[0022] If no abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions described above, the information processing unit notifies that the source of the abnormality is located outside the current-controlled position-controlled unit. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality outside the current-controlled position-controlled unit.

[0023] Furthermore, if the information processing unit detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that there is a location within the position-controlled unit that caused the abnormality under the first operating conditions.

[0024] In this way, when an abnormality is recognized under the second operating condition, the information processing unit notifies information indicating that the location of the abnormality is inside the position control target unit that has been subjected to current control. This allows the user to easily grasp the abnormality inside the position control target unit that has been subjected to current control.

[0025] Further, the magnetic bearing device includes a plurality of the magnetic bearing actuators, the operation target under the second operating condition is a position control target unit that is controlled based on a position command in each of the plurality of magnetic bearing actuators, and the second operating condition is a condition in which at least a part of the plurality of magnetic bearing actuators does not control the position of the rotating shaft such that the rotating shaft is in contact with a landing portion, and current control is performed so as not to change the contact position of the rotating shaft, and when no abnormality is recognized under the second operating condition, the information processing unit notifies the outside of the information processing unit of information indicating that the location of the cause of the abnormality under the first operating condition is outside the position control target unit.

[0026] By not recognizing an abnormality under the above second operating condition, the information processing unit notifies information indicating that the location of the cause of the abnormality is outside the position control target unit that has been subjected to current control. This allows the user to easily grasp the abnormality outside the position control target unit that has been subjected to current control.

[0027] Further, when an abnormality is recognized under the second operating condition, the information processing unit notifies the outside of the information processing unit of information indicating that the location of the cause of the abnormality under the first operating condition is inside the position control target unit.

[0028] In this way, when an abnormality is recognized under the second operating condition, the information processing unit notifies information indicating that the location of the abnormality is inside the position control target unit that has been subjected to current control. This allows the user to easily grasp the abnormality inside the position control target unit that has been subjected to current control.

[0029] Furthermore, the target of operation under the second operating condition is a current-controlled unit controlled based on a current command within the magnetic bearing device, and the second operating condition is a condition in which the magnetic bearing actuator is voltage-controlled without current control, and if the information processing unit does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating condition, it notifies the outside of the information processing unit that there is a location outside the current-controlled unit that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating condition.

[0030] If no abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions described above, the information processing unit notifies that the source of the abnormality is located outside the voltage-controlled current-controlled unit. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality outside the current-controlled position-controlled unit.

[0031] Furthermore, if the information processing unit detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that there is a location within the current-controlled unit that caused the abnormality under the first operating conditions.

[0032] Thus, when an abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, the information processing unit notifies the user that there is an abnormality inside the voltage-controlled current-controlled unit. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality inside the voltage-controlled current-controlled unit.

[0033] Furthermore, the operating targets of the second operating condition are the detection unit and the signal processing unit that process information from the detection unit, both located inside the magnetic bearing device; the second operating condition is a condition in which power is supplied only to the detection unit and the signal processing unit of the magnetic bearing device; and if the information processing unit does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating condition, it notifies an external party that the location of the cause of the abnormality under the first operating condition is outside the detection unit or the signal processing unit.

[0034] If no abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions described above, the information processing unit will notify that the source of the abnormality is located outside the power-supplied detection unit or signal processing unit. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality outside the detection unit or signal processing unit.

[0035] Furthermore, if the information processing unit recognizes an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies the outside of the information processing unit that there is a location within the detection unit or the signal processing unit that caused the abnormality under the first operating conditions.

[0036] Thus, when an abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, the information processing unit notifies the user that there is an abnormality within the power-supplied detection unit or signal processing unit. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality within the detection unit or signal processing unit.

[0037] Furthermore, a second aspect of the present disclosure is a magnetic bearing unit that supports a rotating shaft, comprising a magnetic bearing actuator and a magnetic bearing control circuit that controls the energization of the magnetic bearing actuator to levitate the rotating shaft, the magnetic bearing unit comprising a detection unit that detects abnormalities in the magnetic bearing unit and an information processing unit that processes the detection information from the detection unit and operates an operating object, which includes at least a part of the elements constituting the magnetic bearing unit, under a plurality of operating conditions, wherein the information processing unit monitors the detection information from the detection unit when operating under a first operating condition, and if it recognizes an abnormality under the first operating condition, it operates under a second operating condition different from the first operating condition and monitors the detection information from the detection unit, and if it does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating condition, it notifies the outside of the information processing unit that there is a location inside the operating object under the first operating condition and outside the operating object under the second operating condition that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating condition.

[0038] According to this embodiment, the magnetic bearing unit can smoothly estimate the location of the abnormality in the magnetic bearing unit by recognizing an abnormality under the first operating conditions, then executing the second operating conditions and monitoring the detected information.

[0039] Furthermore, if the information processing unit detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located within the operating target under the second operating conditions.

[0040] In this way, when the magnetic bearing unit detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies the user that the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located inside the object being operated under the second operating conditions, thereby allowing the user to identify the location of the cause of the abnormality. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the overall configuration of an air conditioning system, which is a refrigeration system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the compressor and magnetic bearing device. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a magnetic bearing device (magnetic bearing unit). [Figure 4] This table shows multiple operating conditions for a magnetic bearing device. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) schematically shows the state of the rotating shaft under operating condition A. Figure 5(B) schematically shows the state of the rotating shaft under operating condition B. Figure 5(C) schematically shows the state of the rotating shaft under operating condition C. Note that Figures 5(A) to 5(C) illustrate radial magnetic bearings that also function as touchdown bearings. [Figure 6] Figure 6(A) schematically shows the state of the rotating shaft under operating condition D. Figure 6(B) schematically shows the state of the rotating shaft under operating condition E. Figure 6(C) schematically shows the state of the rotating shaft under operating condition F. Note that Figures 6(A) to 6(C) illustrate radial magnetic bearings that also function as touchdown bearings. [Figure 7] Figure 7(A) is a diagram illustrating the determination of an abnormality under operating condition A. Figure 7(B) is a diagram illustrating the determination of an abnormality when multiple operating conditions are combined. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the determination of abnormalities under operating condition B. [Figure 9] Figure 9(A) is a diagram illustrating the determination of abnormalities under operating condition C. Figure 9(B) is a diagram illustrating the determination of abnormalities under operating condition D. [Figure 10]Figure 10(A) is a diagram illustrating the determination of abnormalities under operating condition E. Figure 10(B) is a diagram illustrating the determination of abnormalities under operating condition F. [Figure 11] This is a first flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the anomaly detection method according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] This is the second flowchart, showing an example of the processing flow for the anomaly detection method following Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a part of a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of an anomaly detection method related to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for identical components, and redundant explanations may be omitted. In addition, dimensions, ratios, or numbers in each drawing may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0043] <Configuration of Air Conditioning System 1> First, the air conditioning system 1, which is a magnetic bearing device-equipped system according to this disclosure, will be described with reference to Figure 1. The air conditioning system 1 is a refrigeration system that provides air conditioning for living spaces using a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle. The air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment includes a compressor 2, a heat source side heat exchanger 3, an expansion mechanism 4, and a utilization side heat exchanger 5, and performs cooling operation.

[0044] For example, the compressor 2, the heat source side heat exchanger 3, and the expansion mechanism 4 are installed inside the heat source side unit of the air conditioning system 1. The heat source side unit is an outdoor unit located outside the building where the air conditioning system 1 is installed. On the other hand, the user side heat exchanger 5 is installed inside the user side unit of the air conditioning system 1. The user side unit is an indoor unit installed in the living space of the building where the air conditioning system 1 is installed. Note that the expansion mechanism 4 may be installed in the user side unit as well as the heat source side unit.

[0045] The heat source unit and the utilization unit are interconnected via the first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7. The compressor 2, the heat source heat exchanger 3, the expansion mechanism 4, the utilization heat exchanger 5, the first pipe 6, and the second pipe 7 are sealed internally and form a refrigerant circuit 8 that can circulate the refrigerant.

[0046] Compressor 2 can be a single-stage centrifugal compressor. Compressor 2 draws in low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second pipe 7, compresses this refrigerant to make it high-pressure, and discharges it to the heat source side heat exchanger 3. For example, compressor 2 has a housing 21, and inside this housing 21 are an impeller 22, a motor 23, a rotating shaft 24, and a magnetic bearing unit 102, etc. As this compressor 2, a turbo compressor can be applied, which draws in refrigerant from the axial direction of the impeller 22, continuously pushes the refrigerant to the outlet by the rotation of the impeller 22 to increase its speed, and then decelerates in the downstream flow path to convert the speed into pressure, thereby increasing the refrigerant's pressure. Note that compressor 2 is not limited to a single-stage type, but may also be a multi-stage type.

[0047] The magnetic bearing unit 102 levitates the rotating shaft 24 within the housing 21, creating a non-contact state, and rotatably supports the rotating shaft 24. For example, the magnetic bearing unit 102 supports radial loads on the rotating shaft 24 as well as axial loads on the rotating shaft 24. Together with the rotating shaft 24, the magnetic bearing unit 102 constitutes a magnetic bearing device 100. The configuration of this magnetic bearing device 100 will be described in detail later.

[0048] On the other hand, the heat source side heat exchanger 3 of the heat source side unit receives compressed refrigerant, performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and air or water, and dissipates the heat from the refrigerant. The expansion mechanism 4 is a mechanism for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant, and for example, an expansion valve can be applied.

[0049] In the user-side heat exchanger 5 of the user-side unit, the refrigerant, which has been expanded (depressurized) by the expansion mechanism 4, flows in via the first pipe 6, and heat exchange occurs between this refrigerant and the air in the living space, heating the refrigerant. The user-side unit can lower the temperature of the air discharged from the user-side unit by cooling the air in conjunction with the heat exchange in the user-side heat exchanger 5.

[0050] Furthermore, the compressor 2 (magnetic bearing turbo compressor) equipped with the magnetic bearing device 100 may be applied to a chiller unit that circulates and temperature-regulates refrigerant to the device to be cooled. The chiller unit can be installed in the same location as a single device, without distinction between indoor and outdoor units. In addition, the air conditioning system 1 may be a cooling-only unit, a heating-only unit, or an air conditioning system that switches between cooling and heating. In this case, the air conditioning system 1 has a switching mechanism (e.g., a four-way switching valve) for switching the direction of refrigerant circulation.

[0051] <Magnetic bearing device 100> Next, the configuration of the magnetic bearing device 100 applied to the compressor 2 will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 2. The magnetic bearing device 100 is a partial device of the compressor 2 of the air conditioning system 1 that controls the levitation (position control) of the rotating shaft 24 to a non-contact state. The magnetic bearing unit 102 is part of the magnetic bearing device 100 and, together with the rotating shaft 24, constitutes the magnetic bearing device 100. In other words, the magnetic bearing unit 102 is a component of the magnetic bearing device 100 other than the rotating shaft 24 (see Figure 3).

[0052] The housing 21 of the compressor 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends closed, and is installed so that its axis is horizontal. The space inside the housing 21 is divided axially by walls 21a and 21b. The space in front of wall 21a in the housing 21 is the impeller space S1 which houses the impeller 22. A touchdown bearing 25 is provided at the radially inner end of wall 21a to support the rotating shaft 24 when it is not floating. The space between wall 21a and wall 21b in the housing 21 is the drive mechanism space S2 which houses the motor 23 and the magnetic bearing device 100. A touchdown bearing 26 is provided at the radially inner end of wall 21b which supports the rotating shaft when it is not floating.

[0053] The impeller 22 of the compressor 2 is installed on the front side of the housing 21. The impeller 22 is formed by multiple blades so that its outer shape is roughly frustoconical and is fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 24. The impeller space S1 in which the impeller 22 is housed is connected to an intake pipe connected to the second piping 7 (see Figure 1) and a discharge pipe connected to the heat source side heat exchanger 3 (see Figure 1). The flow path of the impeller space S1 is a compression space. In addition, a static pressure recovery space is formed on the outer circumference of the impeller space S1 where the dynamic pressure of the refrigerant is converted to static pressure. When the impeller 22 rotates, refrigerant is introduced from the outside into the impeller space S1 through the intake pipe, the refrigerant introduced into the impeller space S1 is compressed in the compression space, and the high-pressure refrigerant in the compression space is returned to the outside through the discharge pipe.

[0054] The motor 23 is provided in the drive mechanism space S2 and rotates the rotating shaft 24. The motor 23 has a stator 23a and a rotor 23b. The stator 23a is formed in a cylindrical shape and fixed inside the housing 21. The rotor 23b is fixed to the rotating shaft 24 so as to be coaxial with the rotating shaft 24. The rotor 23b is positioned inside the stator 23a so as to face the inner circumferential surface of the stator 23a with a predetermined gap between them.

[0055] The rotating shaft 24 extends linearly along the axial direction within the impeller space S1 and the drive mechanism space S2. The rotating shaft 24 is a controlled object whose levitation is controlled by the magnetic bearing unit 102, and as described above, it constitutes a part of the magnetic bearing device 100.

[0056] Furthermore, the touchdown bearings 25 and 26 provided in the housing 21 support the rotating shaft 24 when the rotating shaft 24 is not floating due to the magnetic bearing device 100 not being driven. In this disclosure, the touchdown bearings 25 and 26 constitute a landing portion to which the rotating shaft 24 contacts (landes) when the rotating shaft 24 is not floating.

[0057] The magnetic bearing unit 102 comprises a plurality of magnetic bearing actuators 101, and the plurality of magnetic bearing actuators 101 are linked to levitate and support the rotating shaft 24. The magnetic bearing actuator 101 according to this disclosure refers to a single electromagnet or an electromagnet unit in which a plurality of electromagnets are coupled, which applies an electromagnetic force to the rotating shaft 24 when energized. The magnetic bearing unit 102 in Figure 2 has first to fourth radial magnetic bearings 111 to 114 and a thrust magnetic bearing 115 as magnetic bearing actuators 101. That is, the magnetic bearing unit 102 according to the embodiment has five degrees of freedom of position control as independent components of the position control of the rotating shaft 24. However, the number of magnetic bearing actuators 101 provided in the magnetic bearing unit 102 may be three, four, or six or more. In addition to the above-mentioned touchdown bearings 25 and 26, the compressor 2 may also be configured to have the stators of each magnetic bearing actuator 101 themselves function as landing points for the rotating shaft 24.

[0058] The first radial magnetic bearing 111 and the second radial magnetic bearing 112 are composed of four electromagnets (two opposing electromagnet pairs) arranged at 90° intervals at the same axial position on the rotating shaft 24. For example, the first radial magnetic bearing 111 is positioned to support the vertical direction, and the second radial magnetic bearing 112 is positioned to support the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the first radial magnetic bearing 111 is positioned to support a direction inclined at 45° with respect to the vertical direction, and the second radial magnetic bearing 112 supports a direction inclined at 45° in the opposite direction to the vertical direction. In other words, the axial support direction of the first radial magnetic bearing 111 and the axial support direction of the second radial magnetic bearing 112 are orthogonal to each other. The same applies to the third radial magnetic bearing 113 and the fourth radial magnetic bearing 114.

[0059] The first radial magnetic bearing 111 is installed in the drive mechanism space S2 between the wall 21a and the motor 23. The first radial magnetic bearing 111 has a stator and a rotor. The stator is formed in a cylindrical shape and fixed to the inner wall of the housing 21, and has multiple types (two types) of electromagnets 111a and 111b to which current is supplied independently. Electromagnet 111a, for example, forms an upward electromagnetic force to vertically support the rotating shaft 24. Electromagnet 111b, for example, forms a downward electromagnetic force to vertically support the rotating shaft 24. In other words, the first radial magnetic bearing 111 has two degrees of freedom for current control as independent components of current control. The rotor of the first radial magnetic bearing 111 is cylindrical and fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 24. The rotor faces the stator in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 24, with a gap between them.

[0060] The second radial magnetic bearing 112 is also installed in the drive mechanism space S2 between the wall 21a and the motor 23. The second radial magnetic bearing 112 also has a stator and a rotor. The stator is formed in a cylindrical shape and fixed to the inner wall of the housing 21, and has multiple types (two types) of electromagnets 112a and 112b to which current is supplied independently. Electromagnet 112a, for example, forms an electromagnetic force in the first lateral direction (towards the viewer in Figure 2) to support the rotating shaft 24 in the horizontal direction. Electromagnet 112b, for example, forms an electromagnetic force in the second lateral direction (towards the viewer in Figure 2), opposite to the first lateral direction, to support the rotating shaft 24 in the horizontal direction. In other words, the second radial magnetic bearing 112 also has two degrees of freedom for current control as independent components of current control. The rotor of the second radial magnetic bearing 112 is cylindrical and fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 24. The rotor faces the stator in the radial direction of the rotation axis 24, with a gap in between.

[0061] The third radial magnetic bearing 113 is installed in the drive mechanism space S2 between the motor 23 and the thrust magnetic bearing 115. The third radial magnetic bearing 113 also has a stator and a rotor. The stator is formed in a cylindrical shape and fixed to the inner wall of the housing 21, and has multiple types (two types) of electromagnets 113a and 113b to which current is supplied independently. Electromagnet 113a, for example, forms a downward electromagnetic force to vertically support the rotating shaft 24. Electromagnet 113b, for example, forms an upward electromagnetic force to vertically support the rotating shaft 24. In other words, the third radial magnetic bearing 113 also has two degrees of freedom for current control as independent components of current control. The rotor of the third radial magnetic bearing 113 is cylindrical and fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 24. The rotor faces the stator in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 24, with a gap between them.

[0062] The fourth radial magnetic bearing 114 is installed in the drive mechanism space S2 between the motor 23 and the thrust magnetic bearing 115. The fourth radial magnetic bearing 114 also has a stator and a rotor. The stator is formed in a cylindrical shape and fixed to the inner wall of the housing 21, and has multiple types (two types) of electromagnets 114a and 114b to which current is supplied independently. Electromagnet 114a, for example, forms an electromagnetic force in the first lateral direction (towards the viewer in Figure 2) to support the rotating shaft 24 in the horizontal direction. Electromagnet 114b, for example, forms an electromagnetic force in the second lateral direction (towards the viewer in Figure 2), opposite to the first lateral direction, to support the rotating shaft 24 in the horizontal direction. In other words, the fourth radial magnetic bearing 114 also has two degrees of freedom for current control as independent components of current control. The rotor of the fourth radial magnetic bearing 114 is cylindrical and fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 24. The rotor faces the stator in the radial direction of the rotation axis 24, with a gap in between.

[0063] The thrust magnetic bearing 115 is installed adjacent to the fourth radial magnetic bearing 114 and adjacent to the wall portion 21b (rear side of the drive mechanism space S2). The thrust magnetic bearing 115 also has a stator and a rotor. The stator is held in a pair of magnetic rings 116 fixed to the housing 21. The stator has an electromagnet 115a held in the magnetic ring 116 adjacent to the fourth radial magnetic bearing 114 and an electromagnet 115b held in the magnetic ring 116 adjacent to the wall portion 21b, and electromagnets 115a and 115b are supplied with current independently. The electromagnets 115a and 115b are formed in an annular shape facing the rotor, which is a disc that protrudes radially on the rotation axis 24. Electromagnet 115a forms an electromagnetic force that separates the rotor, which is a disc, to the rear. On the other hand, electromagnet 115b forms an electromagnetic force that separates the rotor, which is a disc, to the front. In other words, the thrust magnetic bearing 115 also has two degrees of freedom for current control as independent components of current control.

[0064] Furthermore, the magnetic bearing device 100 (magnetic bearing unit 102) is equipped with position detection sensors 117 and 118 near the walls 21a and 21b to detect the radial position of the rotating shaft 24. In addition, the magnetic bearing device 100 (magnetic bearing unit 102) is equipped with a position detection sensor 119 near the magnetic ring 116 to detect the thrust position of the rotating shaft 24. The position detection sensors 117 to 119 are connected to the magnetic bearing controller 200 via a bus 209 and transmit the detected position information of the rotating shaft 24 to the magnetic bearing controller 200.

[0065] The magnetic bearing controller 200 constitutes the magnetic bearing control circuit of the magnetic bearing device 100, which controls the first to fourth radial magnetic bearings 111 to 114 and the thrust magnetic bearing 115. The magnetic bearing controller 200 internally includes a main control unit 201 that controls the operation of the entire magnetic bearing device 100, a power amplifier 202, a position detection amplifier 204, and a current detection sensor 203, etc.

[0066] The main control unit 201 is a computer having a processor, memory, input / output interface, communication interface, etc. (not shown). The processor is a combination of one or more of the following: CPU (Central Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), circuit consisting of multiple discrete semiconductors, etc. The memory includes main memory and auxiliary memory. In other words, in this disclosure, the main control unit 201 is an electronic circuit having a CPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc., and performs various control operations described in this specification by executing instruction codes stored in memory or by circuit design for special applications.

[0067] The main control unit 201 processes signals received from position detection sensors 117-119, for example, by executing a program stored in memory via a processor, and outputs a control command (e.g., a PWM signal) to the power amplifier 202. Furthermore, the main control unit 201 according to this disclosure constitutes an information processing unit that detects abnormalities in the magnetic bearing device 100 and notifies the external party of that information. The abnormality detection performed by this main control unit 201 will be described in detail later.

[0068] The power amplifier 202 is connected to a power supply module (not shown) and also to the main control unit 201. Furthermore, the power amplifier 202 is individually connected to each of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators 101 via a bus 209 and multiple power lines. When the power amplifier 202 receives a control command (PWM signal) from the main control unit 201, it outputs an amplified voltage signal to each of the magnetic bearing actuators 101 specified by the control command.

[0069] The position detection amplifier 204 supplies appropriate power to the position detection sensors 117-119 of the magnetic bearing actuator 101 and acquires the position information detected by the position detection sensors 117-119. This position information is transmitted to the main control unit 201 and processed within the main control unit 201.

[0070] The current detection sensor 203 is connected to the power amplifier 202 and detects the actual current supplied from the power amplifier 202 to each magnetic bearing actuator 101. This current information, which is information about the actual current, is transmitted to the main control unit 201 and processed within the main control unit 201.

[0071] The magnetic bearing device 100 described above supports the rotational drive of the rotating shaft 24 by the motor 23 without contact by performing levitation control to raise the rotating shaft 24 to a target position using each magnetic bearing actuator 101. The magnetic bearing device 100 according to this embodiment refers to a device in a compressor 2 that includes a rotating shaft 24, magnetic bearing actuators 101, position detection sensors 117-119 and a current detection sensor 203 which are detection units, and a magnetic bearing controller 200. The magnetic bearing unit 102 is a unit that includes a magnetic bearing actuator 101, position detection sensors 117-119 and a current detection sensor 203 which are detection units, and a magnetic bearing controller 200. Furthermore, "levitation control" of the magnetic bearing device 100 refers to controlling the rotating shaft 24 to a non-contact state relative to the stator.

[0072] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the functions of the magnetic bearing device 100 and the magnetic bearing controller 200 will be described in more detail. The processor of the main control unit 201 executes a program stored in memory to construct, for example, the position control unit 211, the current control unit 212, and the voltage control unit 213 within the main control unit 201, as shown in Figure 3. The position control unit 211, the current control unit 212, and the voltage control unit 213 are functional blocks formed for each individual magnetic bearing actuator 101.

[0073] The position control unit 211 is a functional unit within the magnetic bearing controller 200 that outputs a current command to be supplied to the magnetic bearing actuator 101 in order to control the levitation of the position of the rotating shaft 24. The position control unit 211 is composed of one or more independent functional units. Therefore, there are as many position control units 211 as there are independent components of the levitation control (degrees of freedom of position control), and in this embodiment, five are provided.

[0074] The position control unit 211, for example, when it receives a levitation command for the rotating shaft 24 from a levitation command unit (not shown) built in the main control unit 201, calculates a current command to levitate the rotating shaft 24 and outputs it to the current control unit 212. The position control unit 211 also receives position information detected by position detection sensors 117-119 of the magnetic bearing device 100, calculates the position deviation between the target position set based on the levitation command and the position information, and performs feedback control to calculate a current command based on the position deviation. The position control unit 211, for example, has pre-stored function or table information that associates position deviations with current commands, and extracts a current command based on the calculated position deviation.

[0075] The current control unit 212 outputs a voltage applied to the magnetic bearing actuator 101 in order to control the value that commands the current of the magnetic bearing actuator 101 within the magnetic bearing controller 200. The current control unit 212 is composed of one or more independent functional units. There are as many current control units 212 as there are independent components of current control (degrees of freedom of current control), and in this embodiment, there are as many as there are electromagnets (10).

[0076] When a current command is input, the current control unit 212 calculates a voltage command for controlling the voltage of the magnetic bearing actuator 101 based on this current command and outputs the voltage command to the voltage control unit 213. The current control unit 212 also receives current information detected by the current detection sensor 203, calculates the current deviation from the current command, and performs feedback control to calculate the voltage command based on the current deviation.

[0077] The voltage control unit 213 outputs a control command (PWM signal) to the power amplifier 202 in order to control the voltage command value of the magnetic bearing actuator 101 within the magnetic bearing controller 200. The voltage control unit 213 is also composed of one or more independent functional units. There are as many voltage control units 213 as there are independent components of voltage control (degrees of freedom of voltage control), and in this embodiment, there are as many as the number of electromagnets (10).

[0078] When a voltage command is input, the voltage control unit 213 generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal to control the duration of power by changing the pulse width, for example. At this time, the voltage control unit 213 sets a duty cycle that can efficiently control the power of the magnetic bearing actuator 101 based on the voltage command, and outputs this PWM signal to the power amplifier 202. The power amplifier 202 of the magnetic bearing controller 200 receives the PWM signal output by the voltage control unit 213 and supplies appropriate power to the target magnetic bearing actuator 101.

[0079] Each magnetic bearing actuator 101 installed in the compressor 2 generates a controlled electromagnetic force in its internal electromagnet when power output from the power amplifier 202 is input. The rotating shaft 24 levitates based on the electromagnetic force generated by each magnetic bearing actuator 101.

[0080] The rotating shaft 24 is levitated by each magnetic bearing actuator 101, and its rotation is controlled by the drive of the motor 23. This rotating shaft 24 receives a load from the load-bearing section 29, which is an external load element of the magnetic bearing device 100. The load-bearing section 29 is the part that applies a load to the rotating shaft 24 during the operation of the air conditioning system 1, either by the refrigerant flowing through the compressor 2, or by other forces or mechanical contact. The main elements constituting the load-bearing section 29 include the impeller 22, etc.

[0081] Furthermore, "load" refers to the force acting on the rotating shaft 24 during operation of the magnetic bearing device 100, excluding the force that acts steadily on the rotating shaft 24 when the magnetic bearing actuator 101 is not energized, and the electromagnetic force generated on the rotating shaft 24 when the magnetic bearing actuator 101 is energized. For example, forces acting when the device is not energized include gravity and reaction forces from the pivot bearing. Forces acting during operation include the load received by the impeller 22 from the refrigerant.

[0082] Furthermore, as described above, the main control unit 201 has a function to detect abnormalities in the magnetic bearing device 100. "Abnormality" refers to information indicating the state of the magnetic bearing device 100, detected based on signals or information acquired by the magnetic bearing controller 200, and means a state in which a difference greater than a predetermined amount occurs between the current operating state and the predetermined normal operating state. In order to detect this abnormality and estimate its cause, the main control unit 201 internally constructs an abnormality detection unit 221, a storage unit 222, a cause estimation unit 223, a notification unit 224, a command receiving unit 225, etc.

[0083] The abnormality detection unit 221 continuously acquires position information from position detection sensors 117 to 119 and current information from current detection sensor 203, and detects abnormalities in the magnetic bearing device 100 based on this information. For example, the abnormality detection unit 221 has in advance position thresholds for each position of the rotating shaft 24 and current thresholds for each current supplied to each magnetic bearing actuator 101, according to the operating conditions of the magnetic bearing device 100. The abnormality detection unit 221 compares the acquired position information with the position thresholds and determines an abnormality if the position information exceeds the position threshold (or falls below the position threshold). Alternatively, the abnormality detection unit 221 compares the acquired current information with the current threshold and determines an abnormality if the current information exceeds the current threshold (or falls below the current threshold). When the abnormality detection unit 221 detects an abnormality, it stores the operating conditions along with the information of the detected abnormality in the storage unit 222.

[0084] The memory unit 222 stores information about the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit 221, as well as operating conditions, etc. The stored abnormality detection information should preferably include information such as the time the abnormality was detected, the type and location of the sensor that recognized the abnormality, etc.

[0085] The cause estimation unit 223 estimates the location of the cause of the abnormality, such as an internal component of the magnetic bearing device 100 or an external component of the magnetic bearing device 100 (a component of the air conditioner 1), based on the previously stored abnormality detection information and information detected under different operating conditions. If the cause of the abnormality can be estimated, the cause estimation unit 223 transmits information about the location of the cause of the abnormality to the notification unit 224. On the other hand, if operation under different operating conditions has not been performed and the cause cannot be estimated, the cause estimation unit 223 transmits recommended operating conditions to the notification unit 224. The estimation of the location of the abnormality based on these operating conditions will be described in detail later.

[0086] The notification unit 224 automatically transmits (notifies) output information such as the location of the abnormality estimated by the cause estimation unit 223 to the user interface 300 located outside the magnetic bearing device 100. In addition, if the notification unit 224 receives recommended operating conditions from the cause estimation unit 223, it transmits that information as well.

[0087] The user interface 300 includes a display unit 301 and an operation unit 302, etc., and displays output information transmitted by the notification unit 224, as well as transmitting input information entered by the user via the operation unit 302 to the magnetic bearing controller 200. An example of this user interface 300 is a terminal equipped with a touch panel that serves as both the display unit 301 and the operation unit 302. Alternatively, the user interface 300 may be a device equipped with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, speaker, microphone, etc. The means of informing the user of information is not limited to display on the display unit 301, but may also include sound output such as voice or buzzer sounds. The means of user operation are not limited to manual operation of the operation unit 302, but may also include voice input, etc.

[0088] In detail, the display unit 301 of the user interface 300 provides (notifies) the user in a visually identifiable manner the location of the cause of the abnormality or recommended operating conditions. For example, if the user recognizes the recommended operating conditions displayed on the display unit 301 and decides to operate under those conditions, they command the execution of the operating conditions via the operation unit 302. The user interface 300 then transmits input information, such as the operating condition command, to the command receiving unit 225.

[0089] The command receiving unit 225 receives input information entered by the user via the operation unit 302. Based on this user input information, the magnetic bearing controller 200 sets control content such as the operating conditions of the magnetic bearing device 100 and controls the operation of the magnetic bearing device 100.

[0090] The magnetic bearing device 100 described above monitors for abnormalities in the device based on position information from position detection sensors 117-119 or current information from current detection sensor 203 during normal operation in which the compressor 2 compresses the refrigerant. However, as previously stated, when an abnormality is detected during normal operation, the magnetic bearing device 100 only recognizes that an abnormality has occurred in the device as a whole, and it is difficult to accurately estimate the location of the cause of the abnormality. In other words, the magnetic bearing device 100 cannot recognize whether the load applied to the rotating shaft 24 is abnormal, whether one of the magnetic bearing actuators 101 is abnormal, or whether the abnormality is in the hardware or software of the magnetic bearing controller 200. Therefore, the magnetic bearing device 100 according to this embodiment is configured to change the operating conditions and operate the device when an abnormality is detected during normal operation, in order to estimate the location of the cause of the abnormality.

[0091] Next, we will explain the various operating conditions for the magnetic bearing device 100 that are implemented when an abnormality is detected. The magnetic bearing controller 200 has pre-set operating conditions A to F, shown in Figure 4, as alternative operating conditions to be implemented when an abnormality is detected during normal operation.

[0092] Operating condition A is a condition in which the levitation control of the rotating shaft 24 is performed while the load of the load unit 29 is not applied to the rotating shaft 24. Not applying the load of the load unit 29 to the rotating shaft 24 means, for example, stopping the flow of refrigerant in the air conditioner 1, or not rotating the impeller 22 (stopping the rotation of the motor 23). When the magnetic bearing device 100 controls the levitation of the rotating shaft 24 under operating condition A, as shown in Figure 5(A), the rotating shaft 24 is in a state where it is not subjected to a load while levitating from each magnetic bearing actuator 101.

[0093] When the magnetic bearing controller 200 controls the levitation of the rotating shaft 24 under operating condition A, it acquires position information from position detection sensors 117-119 or current information from current detection sensor 203. As shown in Figure 7(A), the abnormality detection unit 221 determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on this information. If no abnormality is detected when the rotating shaft 24 is levitated under operating condition A (False: No abnormality detected), it means that there is an abnormality on the load load section 29 side, which is outside the magnetic bearing device 100. Conversely, if an abnormality is detected when the rotating shaft 24 is levitated (True: Abnormality detected), it means that there is an abnormality on the magnetic bearing device 100 side.

[0094] In other words, operating condition A is a condition in which the magnetic bearing device 100 is the target of operation, but the area outside the magnetic bearing device 100 is not. However, during normal operation when compression is performed by the compressor 2, the normal operating conditions that control the operation of the magnetic bearing device 100 can be said to be conditions in which both the inside and outside of the magnetic bearing device 100 are targeted for operation. Therefore, the normal operating conditions are different from operating condition A.

[0095] Operating condition B is a condition in which some or all of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators 101 are energized without performing levitation control to levitate the rotating shaft 24. That is, magnetic bearing actuators 101 that do not perform levitation control are controlled to be energized so that the rotating shaft 24 is in contact with the landing surface. As shown in the left diagram of Figure 5(B), when all magnetic bearing actuators 101 do not perform levitation control, the rotating shaft 24 is in a position where it is in contact with the landing surface within the housing 21 and extends horizontally. Also, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 5(B), when some of the magnetic bearing actuators 101 perform levitation control, the rotating shaft 24 is in a position where it is tilted relative to the horizontal within the housing 21.

[0096] The magnetic bearing controller 200 acquires position information from position detection sensors 117-119 or current information from current detection sensor 203 when some or all of the magnetic bearing actuators 101 are energized without performing levitation control under operating condition B. The abnormality detection unit 221 determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on this information, as shown in Figure 8. If no abnormality is detected when operating condition B is executed (False: No abnormality is determined), it means that there is an abnormality outside the configuration that was not subjected to levitation control.

[0097] The configuration in which levitation control was not performed is the configuration downstream of the position control unit 211 of the magnetic bearing controller 200 that controls the energization state in Figure 3, and this configuration will be referred to as the position control target unit 231 below. The position control target unit 231 is the part whose state changes according to the current command of the position control unit 211, and there are as many of these as there are independent components of position control. Specifically, the position control target unit 231 includes the current control unit 212, the voltage control unit 213, the power amplifier 202, the current detection sensor 203, the magnetic bearing actuator 101, the rotating shaft 24, the position detection sensors 117 to 119, the abnormality detection unit 221, the memory unit 222, the factor estimation unit 223, the notification unit 224, and the command receiving unit 225. Furthermore, the outside of the configuration in which levitation control was not performed is the outside of the position control target unit 231 (position control unit 211, load unit 29). In other words, operating condition B is a condition in which the position control target unit 231 is the target of operation, while the area outside the position control target unit 231 is not the target of operation.

[0098] Furthermore, if an abnormality is detected based on the position information from position detection sensors 117-119 or the current information from current detection sensor 203, as shown in Figure 8 (True: Abnormality detected), it means that there is an abnormality inside the position control target unit 231. However, as described above, each magnetic bearing actuator 101 can be divided into those that perform levitation control and those that are energized without performing levitation control. Therefore, the abnormality detection unit 221 can distinguish between magnetic bearing actuators 101 that detected an abnormality in a control loop that performed levitation control and magnetic bearing actuators 101 that detected an abnormality while energized. For example, if the abnormality detection unit 221 does not detect an abnormality in a magnetic bearing actuator 101 that performed levitation control (False), it can determine that there is an abnormality in the position control target unit 231 of a magnetic bearing actuator 101 that did not perform levitation control. Conversely, if the abnormality detection unit 221 detects an abnormality in the magnetic bearing actuator 101 that performed the levitation control (True), it can determine that there is an abnormality in the position control target unit 231 of the magnetic bearing actuator 101 that performed the levitation control.

[0099] Returning to Figure 4, operating condition C is a condition in which some or all of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators 101 are currently controlled to change the contact position while the rotating shaft 24 is in partial or complete contact with the landing area. That is, the rotating shaft 24 is controlled to change its contact position while in contact with the landing area by a voltage command from the current control unit 212, rather than by a position command from the position control unit 211. For example, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 5(C), with the entire rotating shaft 24 in contact with the landing area, the rotating shaft 24 is controlled to rotate (revolve) slightly along the stator of the radial magnetic bearing actuator 101. In other words, in levitation control, there is a gap between the rotating shaft 24 and the landing area including the radial magnetic bearing actuator 101, and when the current is cut off, the rotating shaft 24 and the landing area come into contact vertically downwards. Without levitation control, by devising a method of supplying power to the radial magnetic bearing actuator 101, the resultant force vector of the radial electromagnetic force acting on the rotating shaft 24 can be changed clockwise. As a result, the contact point between the rotating shaft 24 and the landing surface can be changed from the lower vertical side → one side → the upper vertical side → the other side → the lower vertical side. As a result, the rotating shaft 24 revolves within the landing surface. Furthermore, revolving the rotating shaft 24 in this way has the advantage that if the trajectory of the rotating shaft 24, which should normally be a circular arc, becomes disordered, it becomes possible to detect a mechanical abnormality in the gap between the rotating shaft and the landing surface in the direction of the disorder. Alternatively, as shown in the right figure of Figure 5(C), when a part of the rotating shaft 24 is in contact with the landing surface (in a tilted state), the rotating shaft 24 is controlled to rotate (revolve) slightly along the stator of the radial magnetic bearing actuator 101.

[0100] The magnetic bearing controller 200 acquires position information from position detection sensors 117-119 or current information from current detection sensor 203 when it performs current control on some or all of the magnetic bearing actuators 101 under operating condition C. The abnormality detection unit 221 determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on this information, as shown in Figure 9(A). If no abnormality is detected while operating condition C is being executed (False: No abnormality is determined), it means that the abnormality is outside the position-controlled unit 231 where current control that changes the contact position was not performed. Conversely, if an abnormality is detected while operating condition C is being executed (True: Abnormality is determined), it means that the abnormality is inside the position-controlled unit 231 where current control that changes the contact position was performed. Therefore, even when operating condition C is being performed, it is possible to determine whether the abnormality is inside the position-controlled unit 231 or outside the position-controlled unit 231.

[0101] Operating condition D is a condition in which some or all of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators 101 are currently controlled by current so that the contact position of the rotating shaft 24 does not change while it is in partial or complete contact with the landing surface. In other words, in this case as well, the rotating shaft 24 is controlled so as not to rotate while in contact with the landing surface by a voltage command from the current control unit 212, and by a small voltage command, rather than a position command from the position control unit 211. For example, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 6(A), the rotating shaft 24 is controlled to maintain a state in which the entire rotating shaft 24 is in contact with the landing surface. Alternatively, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 6(A), the rotating shaft 24 is controlled to maintain a state in which it is in contact with the landing surface, but with a portion of it in contact (inclined).

[0102] When the magnetic bearing controller 200 controls the current of some or all of the magnetic bearing actuators 101 under operating condition D, it acquires position information from position detection sensors 117 to 119 or current information from current detection sensor 203. As shown in Figure 9(B), the abnormality detection unit 221 determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on this information. If no abnormality is detected while operating condition D is being executed (False: No abnormality is detected), it means that there is an abnormality outside the position-controlled unit 231 that has undergone current control. On the other hand, if an abnormality is detected while operating condition D is being executed (True: Abnormality is detected), it means that there is an abnormality inside the position-controlled unit 231 that has undergone current control.

[0103] Operating conditions C and D are useful for confirming whether or not a small amount of current flows to the magnetic bearing actuator 101 when that current is supplied to the magnetic bearing actuator 101. For example, when operating condition C is applied, the contact position of the rotating shaft 24 changes, making it easier to detect abnormalities in the landing area. On the other hand, when operating condition D is applied, it is easier to detect abnormalities in the electrical circuit of the magnetic bearing actuator 101.

[0104] Operating condition E is a condition in which voltage control is performed on some or all of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators 101, without current control (without outputting a voltage command), and a PWM signal is output from the voltage control unit 213. When operating condition E is executed, the voltage control unit 213 is set in advance to output a reference PWM signal, for example, and outputs this reference PWM signal to the power amplifier 202. The magnetic bearing actuators 101 whose voltage control is performed by the voltage control unit 213 become energized based on the PWM signal, and in this state the rotating shaft 24 is simply in contact with the landing surface. As shown in the left figure of Figure 6(B), the entire rotating shaft 24 is in contact with the landing surface. Alternatively, as shown in the right figure of Figure 6(B), the rotating shaft 24 is in a state where part of it is floating and the other part is in contact with the landing surface. Furthermore, operating condition E may be a condition in which some of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators 101 are voltage controlled without current control, or a condition in which all of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators 101 are voltage controlled without current control.

[0105] When the magnetic bearing controller 200 performs voltage control on some or all of the magnetic bearing actuators 101 under operating condition E, it acquires position information from position detection sensors 117-119 or current information from current detection sensor 203. As shown in Figure 10(A), the abnormality detection unit 221 determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on this information. If no abnormality is detected when operating condition E is executed (False: No abnormality is determined), it means that there is an abnormality outside the configuration in which the voltage control was performed.

[0106] The configuration with voltage control refers to the configuration downstream of the current control unit 212 of the magnetic bearing controller 200, which controls the energization state, and this configuration will be referred to as the current-controlled section 232 below. The current-controlled section 232 is a part whose state changes depending on the output of the current control unit 212, and there are as many of these sections as there are independent components of the current control. Specifically, the current-controlled section 232 includes a voltage control unit 213, a power amplifier 202, a current detection sensor 203, a magnetic bearing actuator 101, a rotating shaft 24, position detection sensors 117-119, an anomaly detection unit 221, a memory unit 222, a factor estimation unit 223, a notification unit 224, and a command receiving unit 225.

[0107] On the other hand, if an abnormality is detected while operating condition E is being executed (True: Abnormality detected), it means that there is an abnormality inside the current-controlled unit 232 that performs voltage control. In other words, operating condition E is a condition in which the current-controlled unit 232 is the target of operation, but the area outside the current-controlled unit 232 is not the target of operation.

[0108] Operating condition F is a condition in which all magnetic bearing actuators 101 are de-energized, and power is supplied (energized) to the magnetic bearing controller 200, position detection sensors 117-119, and current detection sensor 203. That is, as shown in Figure 6(C), by not driving the magnetic bearing actuators 101, the entire rotating shaft 24 is supported by the landing part. The abnormality detection unit 221 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in this part by driving only the operating target that observes signals from the detection unit (position detection sensors 117-119, current detection sensor 203, etc.). Hereinafter, the operating target that observes signals from sensors, etc., will be referred to as the detection unit and signal processing unit 233. The detection unit and signal processing unit 233 is a part that includes the main control unit 201, position detection sensors 117-119, and current detection sensor 203. The main control unit 201, which constitutes the detection unit and signal processing unit 233, includes a signal processing unit by forming an anomaly detection unit 221, a storage unit 222, a factor estimation unit 223, a notification unit 224, and a command receiving unit 225. In other words, the main control unit 201, as a signal processing unit within the magnetic bearing controller 200, monitors the status of the magnetic bearing device 100, performs signal processing for control, and performs anomaly detection processing. On the other hand, the position detection sensors 117-119 and the current detection sensor 203 constitute the detection unit of the magnetic bearing device 100.

[0109] When the magnetic bearing controller 200 energizes all of the magnetic bearing actuators 101 under operating condition F, it acquires position information from position detection sensors 117-119 or current information from current detection sensor 203. The abnormality detection unit 221 determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on this information, as shown in Figure 10(B). If no abnormality is detected under operating condition F (False: no abnormality detected), it means that the abnormality is outside the detection unit and signal processing unit 233 (main control unit 201 or detection unit). Conversely, if an abnormality is detected under operating condition F, it means that the abnormality is inside the detection unit and signal processing unit 233. In other words, operating condition F is a condition in which the detection unit and signal processing unit 233 are the target of operation, while the area outside the detection unit and signal processing unit 233 is not the target of operation.

[0110] As described above, in this embodiment, by executing multiple types of operating conditions A to F and detecting the presence or absence of abnormalities, it is possible to determine where the abnormality is occurring in the magnetic bearing device 100 or outside the magnetic bearing device 100. The process for detecting abnormalities by changing such operating conditions is summarized in the processing flow shown in Figure 7(B). That is, the magnetic bearing controller 200 first operates the target of operation, which includes at least a part of the magnetic bearing device 100 and the load load unit 29 (external load element), under the first operating condition. If an abnormality is detected under this first operating condition, the operation is executed under a second operating condition different from the first operating condition. The target of operation under the second operating condition can be, for example, a simpler component than the target of operation under the first operating condition. A simpler component in this case means that, while the detection unit and signal processing unit 233 are running, there are fewer elements energized within the magnetic bearing device 100, or fewer signals processed within the magnetic bearing controller 200, or, if there are multiple types of loads individually applied to the magnetic bearing device 100, there are fewer types of loads or no loads at all.

[0111] The magnetic bearing controller 200 then monitors the detection information from the detection unit (position detection sensors 117-119, current detection sensor 203) during operation under the second operating conditions and detects whether or not there is an abnormality. If no abnormality is detected, it can be estimated that the cause of the abnormality lies inside the operating target under the first operating conditions and outside the operating target under the second operating conditions. On the other hand, if an abnormality is detected, it can be estimated that the cause of the abnormality lies inside the operating target under the second operating conditions.

[0112] For example, when an abnormality is detected, the factor estimation unit 223 of the magnetic bearing controller 200 performs operation by combining appropriate operating conditions from operating conditions A to F, and based on the presence or absence of an abnormality and the operating conditions at that time, it becomes possible to accurately estimate the location of the abnormality.

[0113] The air conditioning system 1 (magnetic bearing system) equipped with the magnetic bearing device 100 according to the embodiment is basically configured as described above, and its operation (abnormality detection method) will be explained below with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Note that the above-mentioned operating conditions B to D are common in that they target the position control target unit 231 of the magnetic bearing device 100. Therefore, in the abnormality detection method, it is sufficient to perform one of the operating conditions B to D, and the following explanation will describe an example in which operating condition C is performed.

[0114] Specifically, the magnetic bearing controller 200 acquires information from the detection unit (position detection sensors 117-119, current detection sensor 203) during the normal operation of the air conditioner 1 and determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on this information (step S101). If no abnormality is detected (step S101: False), the normal operation of the air conditioner 1 continues and this determination is repeated. On the other hand, if an abnormality is detected (step S101: True), the process proceeds to step S102. The magnetic bearing controller 200 also outputs information to the outside (user interface 300) via the notification unit 224 indicating that an abnormality has been detected in the magnetic bearing device 100, prompting the user to check the location of the cause of the abnormality.

[0115] When the magnetic bearing controller 200 receives an operation to identify the location of the cause of the abnormality based on the execution command for operating condition A included in the user's operation, it controls the magnetic bearing device 100 to operate under the aforementioned operating condition A (step S102). The magnetic bearing controller 200 may also be controlled to automatically start operation under operating condition A if an abnormality is detected during normal operation. Alternatively, when the magnetic bearing controller 200 outputs a message to the user asking them to confirm the location of the cause of the abnormality, it may suggest that the magnetic bearing device 100 be operated under operating condition A.

[0116] When the magnetic bearing device 100 is operated under operating condition A, the magnetic bearing controller 200 acquires information from the detection unit (position detection sensors 117-119, current detection sensor 203) and determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on this information (step S103). If no abnormality is detected under operating condition A (step S103: False), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0117] In step S104, the factor estimation unit 223 recognizes, based on operating conditions A and the result that no abnormality was detected, that there is a location of the cause of the abnormality inside the air conditioner 1 and outside the magnetic bearing device 100, and notifies the user interface 300 of this information. As a result, the user who checks the user interface 300 can easily perform maintenance, mainly on the outside of the magnetic bearing device 100 (for example, the load-bearing part 29).

[0118] On the other hand, if an abnormality is detected under operating condition A (step S103: True), the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the cause estimation unit 223 notifies the user interface 300 via the notification unit 224 that there is a location inside the magnetic bearing device 100 that is causing the abnormality. As a result, the user who checks the user interface 300 can recognize that there is a location inside the magnetic bearing device 100 that is causing the abnormality.

[0119] Subsequently, the magnetic bearing controller 200 receives an operation to identify the location of the cause of the abnormality based on the execution command for operating condition C included in the user's operation, and controls the magnetic bearing device 100 to operate under the aforementioned operating condition C (step S106). The magnetic bearing controller 200 may also be controlled to automatically start operation under operating condition C if it detects an abnormality during operation under operating condition A. Alternatively, when the magnetic bearing controller 200 notifies that there is a location causing the abnormality inside the magnetic bearing device 100, it may suggest that the next operation of the magnetic bearing device 100 be performed under operating condition C.

[0120] When the magnetic bearing device 100 is operated under operating condition C, the magnetic bearing controller 200 acquires information from the detection unit (position detection sensors 117-119, current detection sensor 203) and determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on this information (step S107). If no abnormality is detected under operating condition C (step S107: False), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0121] In step S108, the factor estimation unit 223 recognizes that the location of the abnormality is outside the position control target unit 231, based on the operating condition C and the result that no abnormality was detected, and notifies the user interface 300 of this information. As a result, the user who checks the user interface 300 can easily perform maintenance, mainly on the area outside the position control target unit 231 (for example, the position control unit 211), in conjunction with the determination result of the operating condition A mentioned earlier.

[0122] On the other hand, if an abnormality is detected under operating condition C (step S107: True), the system proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the factor estimation unit 223 notifies the user interface 300 via the notification unit 224 that there is a location within the position control target unit 231 that is the cause of the abnormality. As a result, the user who checks the user interface 300 can recognize that there is a location within the position control target unit 231 that is the cause of the abnormality.

[0123] Next, the magnetic bearing controller 200 receives an operation to identify the location of the cause of the abnormality based on the execution command of operating condition E included in the user's operation, and controls the magnetic bearing device 100 to operate under the above operating condition E (step S110). The magnetic bearing controller 200 may also be controlled to automatically start operation under operating condition E if it detects an abnormality during operation under operating condition C. Alternatively, when the magnetic bearing controller 200 notifies that there is a location of the cause of the abnormality inside the position control target unit 231, it may suggest that the next operation of the magnetic bearing device 100 be performed under operating condition E.

[0124] When the magnetic bearing device 100 is operated under operating condition E, the magnetic bearing controller 200 acquires information from the detection unit (position detection sensors 117-119, current detection sensor 203) and determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on this information (step S111). If no abnormality is detected under operating condition E (step S111: False), the process proceeds to step S112.

[0125] In step S112, the factor estimation unit 223 recognizes that the source of the abnormality is outside the current control target unit 232, based on the operating condition E and the result that no abnormality was detected, and notifies the user interface 300 of this information. As a result, the user who checks the user interface 300 can easily perform maintenance, mainly on the area outside the current control target unit 232 (for example, the current control unit 212), in conjunction with the determination result of the operating condition C mentioned earlier.

[0126] On the other hand, if an abnormality is detected under operating condition E (step S111: True), the process proceeds to step S113. In step S113, the cause estimation unit 223 notifies the user interface 300 via the notification unit 224 that there is a location within the current control target unit 232 that is causing the abnormality. As a result, the user who checks the user interface 300 can recognize that there is a location within the current control target unit 232 that is causing the abnormality.

[0127] Next, the magnetic bearing controller 200 receives an operation to identify the location of the cause of the abnormality based on the execution command of operating condition F included in the user's operation, and controls the magnetic bearing device 100 to operate under the above operating condition F (step S114). The magnetic bearing controller 200 may also be controlled to automatically start operation under operating condition F if it detects an abnormality during operation under operating condition E. Alternatively, when the magnetic bearing controller 200 notifies that there is a location of the cause of the abnormality inside the current control target unit 232, it may suggest that the next operation of the magnetic bearing device 100 be performed under operating condition F.

[0128] When the magnetic bearing device 100 is operated under operating condition F, the magnetic bearing controller 200 acquires information from the detection unit (position detection sensors 117-119, current detection sensor 203) and determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on this information (step S115). If no abnormality is detected under operating condition F (step S115: False), the process proceeds to step S116.

[0129] In step S116, the factor estimation unit 223 recognizes that the source of the abnormality lies outside the detection unit and signal processing unit 233, based on the operating condition F and the result of not detecting an abnormality, and notifies the user interface 300 of this information. As a result, the user who checks the user interface 300 can easily perform maintenance, mainly focusing on the area outside the detection unit and signal processing unit 233, in conjunction with the judgment result of the operating condition E mentioned earlier.

[0130] On the other hand, if an abnormality is detected under operating condition F (step S115: True), the process proceeds to step S117. In step S117, the factor estimation unit 223 notifies the user interface 300 via the notification unit 224 that there is a location within the detection unit and signal processing unit 233 that is the cause of the abnormality. As a result, the user who checks the user interface 300 can recognize that there is a location within the detection unit and signal processing unit 233 that is the cause of the abnormality.

[0131] As described above, the abnormality detection method allows for accurate estimation of the source of the abnormality by detecting an abnormality under specific operating conditions and then performing a different operating condition to detect the presence or absence of the abnormality. In the abnormality detection method described above, an example was explained in which the operating conditions are switched from a large configuration (magnetic bearing device 100) to a small configuration (detection unit and signal processing unit 233). However, the order in which the operating conditions are switched is not limited to this and can be freely set. For example, if the magnetic bearing device 100 detects an abnormality during the normal operation of the air conditioner 1, it may switch the operating conditions from a small configuration to a large configuration (in the order of operating condition F, operating condition E, operating condition C, and operating condition A) and detect the presence or absence of the abnormality at each operating condition. Alternatively, if the magnetic bearing device 100 detects an abnormality during the normal operation of the air conditioner 1, it may first perform an operating condition targeting an intermediate configuration (such as operating condition E) to narrow down the source of the abnormality to the intermediate configuration. If an abnormality is suspected to be inside the current-controlled unit 232 under operating condition E, operating condition F can be immediately implemented, making it possible to narrow down the source of the abnormality early on. On the other hand, if an abnormality is suspected to be outside the current-controlled unit 232 under operating condition E, switching to an operating condition targeting a larger configuration will also make it possible to narrow down the source of the abnormality early on.

[0132] Furthermore, as shown in the modified example in Figure 13, the magnetic bearing device 100 can estimate the location of the cause of the abnormality not only when an abnormality is detected during the normal operation of the air conditioner 1, but also when the magnetic bearing unit 102 operates independently. When the magnetic bearing unit 102 operates independently, for example, this could be during maintenance of the air conditioner 1 or the compressor 2, or when the operation of the magnetic bearing unit 102 is checked during the startup of the device. An example of an "abnormality" in the magnetic bearing unit 102 would be unstable oscillation of the rotating shaft 24 (a state in which the rotating shaft 24 oscillates because it cannot be stably levitated to the target position).

[0133] Specifically, when the magnetic bearing unit 102 is in operation, the magnetic bearing controller 200 acquires information from the detection unit (position detection sensors 117-119, current detection sensor 203) and determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on this information (step S201). If no abnormality is detected (step S201: False), the operation of the magnetic bearing unit 102 continues and this determination is repeated for a certain period of time. On the other hand, if an abnormality is detected (step S201: True), the process proceeds to step S202. The magnetic bearing controller 200 also outputs information to the outside (user interface 300) via the notification unit 224 indicating that an abnormality has been detected in the magnetic bearing unit 102, prompting the user to check the location of the cause of the abnormality.

[0134] Subsequently, when the magnetic bearing controller 200 receives an operation to identify the location of the cause of the abnormality based on the execution command for operating condition C included in the user's operation, it controls the magnetic bearing unit 102 to operate under the aforementioned operating condition C (step S202). The magnetic bearing controller 200 may also be controlled to automatically start operation under operating condition C if an abnormality is detected during operation. Alternatively, when the magnetic bearing controller 200 outputs a message to the user asking them to confirm the location of the cause of the abnormality, it may suggest that the magnetic bearing unit 102 operate under operating condition C.

[0135] The processing flow from step S203 onwards (steps S203, S204, S205) is the same as steps S107, S108, S109) in Figure 10 above, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Also, if step S205 is performed, steps S110 onwards in Figure 11 above will be performed sequentially. This explanation is also omitted.

[0136] As described above, even when the magnetic bearing unit 102 is operated independently, the location of the cause of the abnormality within the magnetic bearing unit 102 can be easily estimated. This allows for the early identification of the location of the abnormality in the magnetic bearing unit 102 and the implementation of appropriate maintenance.

[0137] <Regarding the nature and effects of this disclosure> The embodiments disclosed above have, for example, the following aspects and effects.

[0138] [Note 1] A magnetic bearing device mounting system having a magnetic bearing device inside, comprising a rotating shaft, a magnetic bearing actuator, and a magnetic bearing control circuit that levitates the rotating shaft by controlling the energization of the magnetic bearing actuator, A component of the magnetic bearing device mounting system, comprising an external load element that applies a load to the magnetic bearing device from outside the magnetic bearing device, A detection unit for detecting abnormalities in the magnetic bearing device, The system includes an information processing unit that processes the detection information from the detection unit and operates the operating target, which includes at least a portion of the magnetic bearing device and the external load element, under multiple operating conditions. The aforementioned information processing unit, When operating under the first operating conditions, the detection information of the detection unit is monitored. If an abnormality is detected under the first operating conditions, the system is operated under second operating conditions different from the first operating conditions to monitor the detection information of the detection unit. If no abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, the information processing unit notifies an external entity that the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions lies within the operating target under the first operating conditions and outside the operating target under the second operating conditions. A system equipped with a magnetic bearing device.

[0139] [Effects of Appendix 1] According to the embodiment described in Appendix 1, the magnetic bearing-equipped system can smoothly estimate the location of the cause of the abnormality in the magnetic bearing device by executing the second operating condition and monitoring the detected information after recognizing an abnormality under the first operating condition. In other words, if no abnormality is recognized under the second operating condition, it can be recognized that the location of the cause of the abnormality is inside the operating target under the first operating condition and outside the operating target under the second operating condition. The information processing unit can inform the user of this information externally, thereby allowing the user to understand the location of the cause of the abnormality.

[0140] [Note 2] When the information processing unit detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external entity that the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located within the operating target under the second operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device-equipped system as described in Appendix 1.

[0141] [Effects of Appendix 2] As a result, when an abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, the information processing unit notifies the external system of the location of the abnormality within the operating target under the second operating conditions, allowing the user to identify the location of the abnormality.

[0142] [Note 3] The first operating condition is a condition under which both the magnetic bearing device and the external load element are operated, The second operating condition is one in which the rotating shaft is levitated by the magnetic bearing actuator while no load is applied to the rotating shaft. If the information processing unit does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external entity that there is a location outside the magnetic bearing device that caused the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system as described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0143] [Effects of Appendix 3] Thus, in the second operating condition, where the rotating shaft is levitated by the magnetic bearing actuator without any load applied to the rotating shaft, the information processing unit does not recognize an abnormality, thereby notifying the user that the source of the abnormality is outside the magnetic bearing device. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality outside the magnetic bearing device.

[0144] [Note 4] When the information processing unit detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external entity that there is a location inside the magnetic bearing device that caused the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device-equipped system as described in Appendix 3.

[0145] [Effects of Appendix 4] Thus, if an abnormality is detected under the second operating condition, in which the rotating shaft is levitated by the magnetic bearing actuator without any load applied to the rotating shaft, the information processing unit notifies the user that there is a location within the magnetic bearing device that is causing the abnormality. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality in the magnetic bearing device.

[0146] [Note 5] The magnetic bearing device comprises a plurality of magnetic bearing actuators, The target of operation under the second operating condition is a position control target unit that is controlled based on a position command in each of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators. The second operating condition is one in which some of the magnetic bearing actuators among the plurality of magnetic bearing actuators are energized to partially levitate the rotating shaft, and the other magnetic bearing actuators are energized for purposes other than levitating the rotating shaft. If the information processing unit does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that the location causing the abnormality under the first operating conditions is outside the position-controlled unit that prevented the rotation shaft from being levitated. A magnetic bearing device mounting system as described in any one of the items 1 to 4 of the appendix.

[0147] [Effects of Appendix 5] If no abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions described above, the information processing unit will notify that the source of the abnormality is located outside the position control unit that did not levitate the rotating shaft. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality outside the position control unit that did not levitate the rotating shaft.

[0148] [Note 6] If the information processing unit recognizes an abnormality under the second operating conditions and there is no abnormality in the position-controlled unit while the rotating shaft is levitating, it notifies an external party that the location of the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located inside the position-controlled unit where the rotating shaft is not levitating. A magnetic bearing device-equipped system as described in Appendix 5.

[0149] [Effects of Appendix 6] Thus, if an abnormality is detected under the second operating condition and there is no abnormality in the position-controlled part while the rotating shaft is levitating, the information processing unit notifies that there is an abnormality inside the position-controlled part where the rotating shaft is not levitating. This allows the user to easily understand any abnormalities inside the position-controlled part where the rotating shaft is not levitating.

[0150] [Note 7] If the information processing unit recognizes an abnormality under the second operating conditions and there is an abnormality in the position-controlled part while the rotating shaft is levitating, it notifies an external party that the location causing the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located inside the position-controlled part that is levitating the rotating shaft. A magnetic bearing device-equipped system as described in Appendix 5.

[0151] [Effects of Appendix 7] Thus, if an abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, and an abnormality occurs in the position-controlled part while the rotating shaft is levitating, the information processing unit notifies that there is an abnormality inside the position-controlled part that is levitating the rotating shaft. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality inside the position-controlled part that is levitating the rotating shaft.

[0152] [Note 8] The magnetic bearing device comprises a plurality of magnetic bearing actuators, The target of operation under the second operating condition is a position control target unit that is controlled based on a position command in each of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators. The second operating condition is a condition in which the rotating shaft is in contact with the landing portion because the position of the rotating shaft is not controlled by at least some of the plurality of magnetic bearing actuators, and the current is controlled to change the contact position of the rotating shaft. If the information processing unit does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external entity that there is a location outside the position-controlled unit that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system as described in any one of the items 1 to 7 of the appendix.

[0153] [Effects of Appendix 8] If no abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions described above, the information processing unit notifies that the source of the abnormality is located outside the current-controlled position-controlled unit. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality outside the current-controlled position-controlled unit.

[0154] [Note 9] When the information processing unit detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external entity that there is a location within the position-controlled unit that caused the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device-equipped system as described in Appendix 8.

[0155] [Effects of Appendix 9] Thus, when an abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, the information processing unit notifies the user that there is an abnormality inside the current-controlled position-controlled unit. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality inside the current-controlled position-controlled unit.

[0156] [Note 10] The magnetic bearing device comprises a plurality of magnetic bearing actuators, The target of operation under the second operating condition is a position control target unit that is controlled based on a position command in each of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators. The second operating condition is a condition in which the rotating shaft is in contact with the landing portion because the position of the rotating shaft is not controlled by at least some of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators, and the current is controlled so as not to change the contact position of the rotating shaft. If the information processing unit does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external entity that there is a location outside the position-controlled unit that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system as described in any one of the items 1 to 9 of the appendix.

[0157] [Effects of Appendix 10] If no abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions described above, the information processing unit notifies that the source of the abnormality is located outside the current-controlled position-controlled unit. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality outside the current-controlled position-controlled unit.

[0158] [Note 11] When the information processing unit detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external entity that there is a location within the position-controlled unit that caused the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device-equipped system as described in Appendix 10.

[0159] [Effects of Appendix 11] Thus, when an abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, the information processing unit notifies the user that there is an abnormality inside the current-controlled position-controlled unit. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality inside the current-controlled position-controlled unit.

[0160] [Note 12] The object of operation under the second operating condition is a current-controlled unit that is controlled based on a current command within the magnetic bearing device. The second operating condition is one in which the magnetic bearing actuator is voltage-controlled without current control. If the information processing unit does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external entity that there is a location outside the current-controlled unit that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system as described in any one of the items 1 to 11 of the appendices.

[0161] [Effects of Appendix 12] If no abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions described above, the information processing unit notifies that the source of the abnormality is located outside the voltage-controlled current-controlled unit. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality outside the current-controlled position-controlled unit.

[0162] [Note 13] When the information processing unit detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external entity that there is a location within the current-controlled unit that caused the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system as described in Appendix 12.

[0163] [Effects of Appendix 13] Thus, when an abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, the information processing unit notifies the user that there is an abnormality inside the voltage-controlled current-controlled unit. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality inside the voltage-controlled current-controlled unit.

[0164] [Note 14] The operating targets of the second operating conditions are the detection unit and the signal processing unit that processes information from the detection unit, which are located inside the magnetic bearing device. The second operating condition is a condition in which power is supplied only to the detection unit and signal processing unit of the magnetic bearing device, If the information processing unit does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external entity of the detection unit or the signal processing unit that there is a location outside the information processing unit that is causing the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system as described in any one of the items 1 to 13 of the appendix.

[0165] [Effects of Appendix 14] If no abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions described above, the information processing unit will notify that the source of the abnormality is located outside the power-supplied detection unit or signal processing unit. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality outside the detection unit or signal processing unit.

[0166] [Note 15] When the information processing unit recognizes an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external entity that there is a location within the detection unit or the signal processing unit that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device-equipped system as described in Appendix 14.

[0167] [Effects of Appendix 15] Thus, when an abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, the information processing unit notifies the user that there is an abnormality within the power-supplied detection unit or signal processing unit. This allows the user to easily understand the abnormality within the detection unit or signal processing unit.

[0168] [Note 16] Magnetic bearing actuator and A magnetic bearing unit that supports the rotating shaft, comprising a magnetic bearing control circuit that levitates the rotating shaft by controlling the energization of the magnetic bearing actuator, A detection unit for detecting abnormalities in the magnetic bearing unit, The system includes an information processing unit that processes the detection information from the detection unit and operates the operating target, which includes at least a portion of the elements constituting the magnetic bearing unit, under multiple operating conditions. The aforementioned information processing unit, When operating under the first operating conditions, the detection information of the detection unit is monitored. If an abnormality is detected under the first operating conditions, the system is operated under second operating conditions different from the first operating conditions to monitor the detection information of the detection unit. If no abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, the information processing unit notifies an external entity that the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions lies within the operating target under the first operating conditions and outside the operating target under the second operating conditions. Magnetic bearing unit.

[0169] [Effects of Appendix 16] According to the embodiment described in Appendix 16, the magnetic bearing unit can also smoothly estimate the location of the cause of the abnormality in the magnetic bearing unit by performing a second operating condition and monitoring the detected information after recognizing an abnormality under the first operating condition.

[0170] [Note 17] When the information processing unit detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external entity that the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located within the operating target under the second operating conditions. The magnetic bearing unit described in Appendix 16.

[0171] In this way, when the magnetic bearing unit detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies the user that the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located inside the object being operated under the second operating conditions, thereby allowing the user to identify the location of the cause of the abnormality.

[0172] The magnetic bearing device mounting system and magnetic bearing unit according to the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The embodiments can be modified and improved in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. The matters described in the above embodiments can be otherwise configured and combined in a non-consistent manner.

[0173] For example, the magnetic bearing device mounting system according to the embodiment is not limited to the air conditioning device 1, but may also include, for example, a water heater, a chiller unit, a cooling device for cooling the air inside a storage unit, a pressure reducing mechanism, etc. The chiller unit may be either water-cooled or air-cooled. The cooling device cools the air inside a refrigerator, freezer, container, etc. The pressure reducing mechanism consists of an electronic expansion valve, a temperature-sensitive expansion valve, an expander, or a capillary tube. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0174] 1. Air conditioning system 24 rotation axes 29 Load load section 100 Magnetic bearing device 101 Magnetic bearing actuator 117-119 Position detection sensor 200 Magnetic Bearing Controller 201 Main Control Unit 203 Current detection sensor 102 Magnetic Bearing Unit

Claims

1. A magnetic bearing device mounting system having a magnetic bearing device (100) inside, comprising a rotating shaft (24), a magnetic bearing actuator (101), and a magnetic bearing control circuit (200) that levitates the rotating shaft (24) by controlling the energization of the magnetic bearing actuator (101), A component of the magnetic bearing device mounting system, comprising an external load element (29) that applies a load to the magnetic bearing device (100) from outside the magnetic bearing device (100), A detection unit (117-119) for detecting an abnormality in the magnetic bearing device (100), The system includes an information processing unit (201) that processes the detection information from the detection units (117-119) and operates the operating target, which includes at least a portion of the magnetic bearing device (100) and the external load element (29), under multiple operating conditions. The aforementioned information processing unit (201) When operating under the first operating conditions, the detection information of the detection units (117-119) is monitored. If an abnormality is detected under the first operating conditions, the system is operated under second operating conditions different from the first operating conditions to monitor the detection information from the detection units (117-119). If no abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, the information processing unit (201) notifies an external party that the location of the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located inside the operating target under the first operating conditions and outside the operating target under the second operating conditions. A system equipped with a magnetic bearing device.

2. When the information processing unit (201) detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located within the operating target under the second operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 1.

3. The first operating condition is a condition in which both the magnetic bearing device (100) and the external load element (29) are operated as targets, The second operating condition is one in which the rotating shaft (24) is levitated by the magnetic bearing actuator (101) while no load is applied to the rotating shaft (24). If the information processing unit (201) does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that there is a location outside the magnetic bearing device (100) that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the information processing unit (201) detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that there is a location inside the magnetic bearing device (100) that caused the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 3.

5. The magnetic bearing device (100) comprises a plurality of magnetic bearing actuators (101), The target of operation under the second operating condition is a position control target unit (231) that is controlled based on a position command in each of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators (101). The second operating condition is one in which some of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators (101) are energized to partially levitate the rotating shaft (24), and the other magnetic bearing actuators (101) are energized for purposes other than levitating the rotating shaft (24). If the information processing unit (201) does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that the location of the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is outside the position control target unit (231) that did not levitate the rotating shaft (24). A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The information processing unit (201), upon recognizing an abnormality under the second operating conditions and confirming that there is no abnormality in the position-controlled unit (231) while the rotating shaft (24) is levitating, notifies an external party that the location of the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located inside the position-controlled unit (231) that is not levitating the rotating shaft (24). A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 5.

7. The information processing unit (201) recognizes an abnormality under the second operating conditions, and if there is an abnormality in the position-controlled unit (231) while the rotating shaft (24) is levitating, it notifies an external party that the location causing the abnormality under the first operating conditions is inside the position-controlled unit (231) that is levitating the rotating shaft (24). A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 5.

8. The magnetic bearing device (100) comprises a plurality of magnetic bearing actuators (101), The target of operation under the second operating condition is a position control target unit (231) that is controlled based on a position command in each of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators (101). The second operating condition is a condition in which the rotating shaft (24) is in contact with the landing area because the position of the rotating shaft (24) is not controlled by at least some of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators (101), and the current is controlled to change the contact position of the rotating shaft (24). If the information processing unit (201) does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that there is a location outside the position control target unit (231) that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. When the information processing unit (201) detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that there is a location within the position control target unit (231) that caused the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 8.

10. The magnetic bearing device (100) comprises a plurality of magnetic bearing actuators (101), The target of operation under the second operating condition is a position control target unit (231) that is controlled based on a position command in each of the multiple magnetic bearing actuators (101). The second operating condition is a condition in which the rotating shaft (24) is in contact with the landing area because the position of the rotating shaft (24) is not controlled by at least some of the plurality of magnetic bearing actuators (101), and the current is controlled so as not to change the contact position of the rotating shaft (24). If the information processing unit (201) does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that there is a location outside the position control target unit (231) that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. When the information processing unit (201) detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that there is a location within the position control target unit (231) that caused the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 10.

12. The object of operation under the second operating condition is a current-controlled unit (232) that is controlled based on a current command within the magnetic bearing device (100). The second operating condition is one in which the magnetic bearing actuator (101) is controlled by voltage without current control. If the information processing unit (201) does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that there is a location outside the current control target unit (232) that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. When the information processing unit (201) detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located inside the current control target unit (232). A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 12.

14. The target of operation under the second operating condition is the detection unit (117-119) provided inside the magnetic bearing device (100) and the signal processing unit that processes information from the detection unit (117-119). The second operating condition is a condition in which power is supplied only to the detection unit (117-119) and the signal processing unit of the magnetic bearing device (100), If the information processing unit (201) does not recognize an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies the outside of the information processing unit (201) that there is a location outside the detection unit (117-119) or the signal processing unit that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 1 or 2.

15. When the information processing unit (201) recognizes an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies the outside of the information processing unit (201) that there is a location within the detection unit (117-119) or the signal processing unit that is the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions. A magnetic bearing device mounting system according to claim 14.

16. Magnetic bearing actuator (101), A magnetic bearing control circuit (200) that controls the energization of the magnetic bearing actuator (101) to levitate the rotating shaft (24) is provided, and a magnetic bearing unit (102) that supports the rotating shaft (24) is provided, A detection unit (117-119) for detecting an abnormality in the magnetic bearing unit (102), The system includes an information processing unit (201) that processes the detection information from the detection units (117-119) and operates the operating target, which includes at least some of the elements constituting the magnetic bearing unit (102), under multiple operating conditions. The aforementioned information processing unit (201) When operating under the first operating conditions, the detection information of the detection units (117-119) is monitored. If an abnormality is detected under the first operating conditions, the system is operated under second operating conditions different from the first operating conditions to monitor the detection information from the detection units (117-119). If no abnormality is detected under the second operating conditions, the information processing unit (201) notifies an external party that the location of the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located inside the operating target under the first operating conditions and outside the operating target under the second operating conditions. Magnetic bearing unit.

17. When the information processing unit (201) detects an abnormality under the second operating conditions, it notifies an external party that the cause of the abnormality under the first operating conditions is located within the operating target under the second operating conditions. The magnetic bearing unit according to claim 16.

Images