Magnetic Rotor Stabilization for Non-Synchronous Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damping systems for turbo machines, such as squeeze film dampers, are insufficient in providing adequate damping at specific operating speeds or conditions, particularly failing to effectively mitigate rotor whirl and other undesired dynamics like non-synchronous vibrations and bowed rotor starts.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a magnetic actuator and controller to measure and output electromagnetic forces based on rotor dynamics parameters, determining non-synchronous vibrations and cross-coupled stiffness to generate an adjusted electromagnetic force that mitigates undesired rotor dynamics, including the use of a Fourier transform to remove synchronous vibrations and filtering based on rotor bending modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive damping systems like squeeze film dampers are used, then broad operating range coverage is achieved, but damping effectiveness at specific targeted speeds or conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from passive static damping systems to active dynamic damping systems. The magnetic actuator dynamically adjusts the electromagnetic force based on real-time rotor speed and vibration measurements, allowing the system to adapt damping characteristics to specific operating conditions rather than relying on fixed passive damping properties
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters (electromagnetic force magnitude and frequency) in response to varying operating conditions. The controller modifies the electromagnetic force parameters based on measured rotor speed and vibration amplitude, enabling optimal damping effectiveness across different operating regimes while maintaining broad adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If broad frequency bandwidth damping systems are used, then general vibration damping is provided, but effectiveness against specific rotor dynamics conditions like rotor whirl and non-synchronous vibrations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously measuring rotor vibration and speed, analyzing the signals to identify specific rotor dynamics conditions (such as non-synchronous vibrations or rotor whirl), and adjusting the electromagnetic force accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables targeted suppression of specific unwanted vibrations while maintaining general damping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control system segments the vibration problem by analyzing different frequency components separately. Through Fourier transform or similar signal processing, the system identifies and treats different vibration modes (synchronous, non-synchronous, sub-synchronous) independently, applying appropriate damping forces for each specific condition rather than using a single broad-band approach
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively targets and reduces undesired rotor dynamics, providing active damping and feedback control to stabilize the rotor assembly, thereby improving vibration suppression and rotor stability.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic actuator is configured to selectively output an electromagnetic force at the rotor assembly
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic actuator is positioned in magnetic communication with the rotor assembly and is configured to obtain a measurement vector corresponding to the rotor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling rotor dynamics at a rotor assembly. The system includes a magnetic actuator and a controller. The magnetic actuator is positioned in magnetic communication with the rotor assembly and is configured to obtain a measurement vector corresponding to the rotor assembly and a measurement vector indicative of a rotor dynamics parameter. The magnetic actuator is further configured to selectively output an electromagnetic force at the rotor assembly. The controller is configured to store and execute instructions. The instructions include outputting, via the magnetic actuator, a baseline electromagnetic force to the rotor assembly; obtaining the measurement vector at the rotor assembly from the magnetic actuator; determining non-synchronous vibrations corresponding to the rotor assembly based at least on the measurement vector and a rotor speed of the rotor assembly; determining cross coupled stiffness corresponding to the rotor assembly based at least on the measurement vector, the rotor speed, and a predetermined rotor dynamics model of the rotor assembly; determining an adjusted electromagnetic force of the rotor assembly based at least on the cross coupled stiffness and a damping factor corresponding to the electromagnetic force output from the magnetic actuator; and generating an output signal corresponding to the adjusted electromagnetic force to the rotor assembly.