Modular Electromagnetic Bearing Stabilization for Hubless Rotors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active magnetic stabilization systems face challenges in scaling up the size and speed of motors and generators, particularly in rotating kinetic energy storage devices with hubless rotors, as they struggle to effectively manage large disturbances and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic actuator apparatus with modular, radially opposed groups of electromagnetic bearing assemblies distributed along the circumference of a hubless ring-shaped rotor, allowing for independent linear movement in radial, axial, or other directions, and utilizing bias and control winding coils to induce electromagnetic flux and stabilize arc sections of the rotor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional active magnetic stabilization systems with common core are used, then rotor stabilization is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance complexity increase when scaling up size and speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotor stabilization system into multiple independent electromagnetic bearing assemblies distributed around the rotor circumference, each stabilizing a specific arc section. These modular assemblies replace the conventional common core structure, allowing independent operation and maintenance of each segment, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stabilization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic bearing assemblies are designed with linear movement capability in radial, axial, or other directions, allowing dynamic adjustment to compensate for rotor position variations and disturbances. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to maintain effective stabilization across varying operating conditions and scales without increasing structural complexity.
2Ease of repair
If modular electromagnetic bearing assemblies with linear movement apparatus are used, then ease of maintenance and reduced material waste are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each electromagnetic bearing assembly is designed as a self-contained modular unit with its own linear movement apparatus, electromagnetic poles, and control coils. This segmentation allows individual assemblies to be maintained, repaired, or replaced independently without affecting the entire stabilization system, significantly improving ease of maintenance despite the added modular complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables selective replacement of only the specific electromagnetic bearing assemblies that require maintenance or have sustained damage, rather than replacing the entire stabilization system. This approach reduces material waste and maintenance costs by preserving functional modules while replacing only the necessary components.
3Reliability
If electromagnetic bearing assemblies are distributed along the circumference at fixed distances, then rotor stabilization under disturbances is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linear movement apparatus in each electromagnetic bearing assembly provides dynamic positioning capability that compensates for variations in fixed distance distribution. This allows the system to maintain effective stabilization coverage even with tolerances in manufacturing placement, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while preserving reliability under disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can adjust operational parameters such as electromagnetic field strength and linear movement displacement to compensate for manufacturing variations in the distribution of bearing assemblies. This parameter flexibility allows the system to achieve reliable stabilization performance across a range of manufacturing tolerances without requiring extreme precision.
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 enhances rotor stability by increasing the bandwidth of power electronics, reducing maintenance complexity, and minimizing material waste and manufacturing costs, while maintaining rotor stability under disturbances and vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
each of the electromagnetic bearing assemblies (4) comprising: a multitude of spaced radial electromagnetic poles facing the rotor (6) and configured to induce electromagnetic flux with the actuator target mounted on the rotor (6)
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic force in the air gap between the rotor (6) and the electromagnetic assemblies (4) is varied by controlling the current in the windings (7) and (8)
Data Source
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AI summary
A novel electromagnetic actuator apparatus and method for multiple axis stabilization of rotors in motors and generators comprising: an actuator target mounted on a hubless ring shaped rotor (6) having a rotational axis; a multitude of modular radially opposed groups (5) of one or more electromagnetic bearing (7,8) assemblies (4) not connected by a common core and distributed along the circumference of the rotor (6) at fixed distances from each other, the assemblies (4) thereof being both oriented toward the actuator target mounted on the rotor (6), and separated from the rotor (6) by radial gaps, the radially opposed groups thereof acting in at least two magnetically isolated control axis for the stabilization of the corresponding arc sections of the rotor (6). The electromagnetic bearing (7,8) assemblies (4) may be actuated via a linear movement apparatus (9) 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 (7,8) assemblies (4) not connected by a common core and acting in radially opposed groups for the stabilization of the corresponding arc sections of the rotor (6) are actuated through the linear movement apparatus (9) being moveable individually in either a radial direction, an axial direction or in any other possible direction.