Experimental analysis of a large range of the load capacity for the axial AMB in the HTR-PM

Abstract

An axial active magnetic bearing (AMB) is equipped to provide axial support of the vertical rotor of the helium circulator in the High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor Pebble Bed Module (HTR-PM). The axial AMB is required to support the rotor and the aerodynamic load. High-strength alloy steel is selected as the material of the thrust disk. Maximum load capacity of the axial AMB in the HTR-PM helium circulator is analyzed with the consideration of the rotating velocity and the material strength. Also, experiments are conducted based on a 1:1 prototype to reveal a large range of the load capacity for the axial AMB. The dynamic electromagnetic force corresponding to the allowable stress, the rotational velocity, and other parameters of the axial AMB, such as B-R Curve, resistance and inductance, are revealed. Effect of the heat treatment to the load capacity is also discussed. The results will provide some theoretical and engineering reference to the design and the type selection of the axial AMB in the rotor system of the HTGR (High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor) energy conversion system.