Modular Electromagnetic Bearings for Scalable Hubless Rotor Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active magnetic stabilization systems face challenges when scaling up the size and speed of motors and generators, particularly in rotating kinetic energy storage devices with hubless rotors, as they struggle to maintain effective radial support and stability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a modular electromagnetic actuator apparatus with radially opposed groups of electromagnetic bearing assemblies not connected by a common core, featuring bias and control winding coils, and a linear movement apparatus for individual directional adjustment, distributed along the circumference of a hubless ring-shaped rotor to provide radial support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional active magnetic stabilization systems with common core are used, then radial support is provided, but scalability to larger sizes and speeds is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional common core structure into multiple independent modular electromagnetic bearing assemblies distributed around the rotor circumference. Each assembly operates independently, allowing the system to be scaled by adding or removing modules rather than redesigning the entire common core structure, thus enabling scalability to larger sizes and speeds.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular radially opposed groups of electromagnetic bearing assemblies not connected by a common core are used, then scalability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular electromagnetic bearing assemblies are designed as universal units that can be deployed in various configurations around the rotor. Each assembly performs the same fundamental function of providing radial support, but their distributed modular arrangement allows the system to adapt to different size and speed requirements without increasing the complexity of individual components.
3Reliability
If electromagnetic bearing assemblies are distributed along the circumference at fixed distances, then radial support is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides localized radial support at multiple discrete positions around the rotor circumference through distributed electromagnetic bearing assemblies. Each assembly is positioned at fixed distances to provide targeted support where needed, rather than requiring uniform high-precision support across the entire rotor, thus managing manufacturing precision requirements while improving overall radial support reliability.
4Reliability
If bias and control winding coils are used in each electromagnetic bearing assembly, then stabilization control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The winding system is segmented into modular bias and control windings distributed across multiple independent electromagnetic bearing assemblies. This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of individual assemblies with pre-installed windings, reducing overall manufacturing cost compared to assembling complex winding systems, while maintaining precise stabilization control through the distributed modular architecture.
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
This solution enables scalable and efficient stabilization of hubless rotors by allowing for flexible configuration and reduced material waste, lower manufacturing costs, and effective handling of destabilizing forces, while minimizing rotational losses and maintaining rotor stability across varying sizes and speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a multitude of spaced radial electromagnetic poles facing the rotor and configured to induce electromagnetic flux with the actuator target mounted on the rotor
Implementation Method 2
magnetic bearings may be utilized in order to support, levitate or stabilize the rotor inside the stator by exerting magnetic force on the rotor
Data Source
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AI summary
A novel electromagnetic actuator apparatus and method for rotors in motors and generators characterized by the scalability and modularity of its design, as well as the possibility of the electromagnetic bearing assemblies (4) to be actuated. In this patent, the electromagnetic actuator apparatus comprises a multitude of modular radially opposed groups (5, 6; and 7, 8) of electromagnetic bearing assemblies (4) not connected by a common core and acting in radially opposed groups (5, 6; and 7, 8) for the stabilization of the corresponding arc sections of the rotor (9) for radial support of the rotor (9), the assemblies (4) thereof being distributed along the circumference of the rotor (9) at fixed distances from each other, the assemblies (4) thereof further being both oriented toward the actuator target mounted on the rotor (9), and separated from the rotor (9) by radial gaps. The electromagnetic bearing assemblies (4) may be actuated via a linear movement apparatus being moveable individually in either a radial direction, an axial direction or in any other possible direction. The method of electromagnetic radial support of rotors in motors and generators is characterised in that the multitude of modular electromagnetic bearing assemblies (4) not connected by a common core and acting in radially opposed groups (5, 6; and 7, 8) for the stabilization of the corresponding arc sections of the rotor (9) are actuated through the linear movement apparatus being moveable individually in either a radial direction, an axial direction or in any other possible direction.