A contribution on the investigation of the dynamic behavior of rotating shafts with a Hybrid Magnetic Bearing Concept (HMBC) for blower application

Abstract

Within a subproject of the RAPHAEL-Program, which was part of the 6th EURATOM Framework Program supervised by the European Commission, it was investigated whether the use of a Hybrid Magnetic Bearing Concept (HMBC) will be beneficial for a blower application. Within the RAPHAEL program, the subproject “Component Development” is dealing with R&D of components of High Temperature Reactor Technology (HTR), where a major focus is on safety- and reliability-related issues. That implies special requirements for the support of high speed rotating shafts in HTR-Applications that only can be satisfied by using Active Magnetic Bearings (AMB). Regarding safety and competitiveness, AMBs are considered to be key components for the support of rotating HTR-components due to their technical features. AMBs are characterized by an electromagnetic actuator that is generating the bearing force depending on the clearance between stator and rotor, in which the rotor is levitated. Therefore an active control of the coil current is necessary. Furthermore, Touch Down Bearings (TDB) are needed to avoid damages in case of an emergency shut down or in case of energy supply losses. This contribution provides an internal insight on the advantages of a Hybrid Magnetic Bearing Concept that is characterized by a completely Active Magnetic Bearing-supported vertical arranged rotor and an additional permanent magnetic radial orientated bearing. One benefit of the HMBC is an additional radial guidance of the shaft that may reduce the loads while dropping into the Touch Down Bearings e.g. in case of energy supply losses of the AMBs. Reduced loads on the TDBs will increase their life cycle and the availability of the AMB supported component. The scope of this R&D-Project, which will be described more detailed in this contribution, includes: the analytical modeling and simulation of the dynamic behavior of the Hybrid Magnetic Bearing System; the modification of the completely AMB-supported test facility FLP 500 with a radial PMB; the experimental tests and validation of the analytical models to provide recommendations for the investigated blower application as a HTR-component. Furthermore, the effects occurring during the modification of the test facility and the approach that was necessary to solve unexpected problems will be described.