Vibration Node Detection in Active Magnetic Bearing Sensor-Actuator Pairs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing active magnetic bearing systems face challenges in accurately detecting vibration nodes between non-collocated sensor and actuator pairs, particularly due to inaccuracies in theoretical models and the need for dismantling machines to isolate rotors, which limits the identification of bending modes and node locations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of an excitation signal to the actuator, obtaining frequency response data, and analyzing resonance/anti-resonance peak pairs to determine the location of vibration nodes between non-collocated sensor-actuator pairs, allowing for real-time adaptation of control algorithms without dismantling the rotor-dynamic machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If theoretical models are used to detect vibration nodes, then the detection process is simple, but the accuracy of node location detection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection process simplicityVSAvoidnode location detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical impact testing with electromagnetic excitation through the actuator. The actuator applies controlled electromagnetic forces to excite the rotor at specific frequencies, allowing non-contact measurement of vibration nodes while achieving higher precision through frequency response analysis and resonance/anti-resonance peak detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If traditional test methods are used to identify bending modes, then the equipment requirement is simple, but the number of identifiable bending modes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment requirementVSAvoidnumber of identifiable bending modes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic excitation by applying sinusoidal signals across a wide frequency range (e.g., 20-2000 Hz) to the actuator. This allows the system to identify multiple bending modes (up to 9 modes as stated in the patent) by detecting resonance and anti-resonance peaks at different frequencies, significantly increasing the versatility of the detection system without requiring complex equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the rotor is isolated to perform tests, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the commissioning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcommissioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the rotor-dynamic machine to perform its own vibration node detection and characterization during the commissioning process. The existing actuator and sensor infrastructure is utilized to excite and measure the rotor, eliminating the need for external impact hammers and separate testing procedures. This self-characterization capability significantly reduces commissioning time while maintaining measurement accuracy through controlled electromagnetic excitation and frequency response analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If non-collocated sensor-actuator pairs are used, then the system design flexibility is improved, but the control algorithm complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem design flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor detects rotor position and vibration, and this information is fed back to the controller. The controller analyzes the frequency response data and resonance/anti-resonance peaks to determine vibration nodes, then adjusts the actuator excitation accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to handle non-collocated sensor-actuator pairs effectively by dynamically adapting the control algorithm based on measured system characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables accurate detection of vibration nodes and adaptation of control algorithms, reducing commissioning time and improving control performance by identifying up to 9 bending modes without dismantling the machine, exceeding traditional test methods.

Implementation Method 1

applying an excitation signal to the at least one actuator operatively coupled to the rotatable component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

The position sensors detect a radial position of the rotor, or an actual air gap distance, relative to at least one of the actuators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Implementation Method 3

As the rotational speed changes, so does the frequency of the vibrations. As the frequency changes, the rotor experiences one or more bending modes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS9816965B2Method to detect vibration nodes between a sensor and an actuator in a rotatable component
Publication Date: 2017.11.14 NUOVO PIGNONE TECH SRL
  • US9816965B2 patent drawing
  • US9816965B2 patent drawing
  • US9816965B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of detecting a vibration node between a non-collocated sensor-actuator pair of a rotatable component includes applying an excitation signal to an actuator of the sensor actuator pair. The method also includes obtaining frequency response data from the sensor-actuator pair. The method further includes analyzing the frequency response data to ascertain a resonant frequency of the rotatable component. The method includes identifying a resonance/anti-resonance peak pair in the frequency response data for the non-collocated sensor-actuator pair. Furthermore, the method includes determining whether the vibration node is located between a sensor and the actuator of the non-collocated sensor-actuator pair based on the resonance/anti-resonance peak pair.