Applications of active magnetic bearings to high speed turbomachinery with aerodynamic rotor disturbance
- Glacier RPB Inc., Mystic, CT (United States)
- Glacier Magnetic Bearings, Shoreham by Sea (United Kingdom)
This paper describes the application of Glacier magnetic bearings in three high speed turbomachinery applications. The three turbomachinery applications described are: (1) A single stage gas turbine coupled to a high frequency alternator for portable power generation. The gas turbine operating speed is 80,000 RPM and the magnetic bearings see temperatures in excess of 450{degrees}C due to the heat generation from combustion. (2) A single stage centrifugal compressor for impeller efficiency evaluation. The compressor is installed in a test loop and is driven with an electric motor through a step-up gearbox and the maximum speed is 23,000 RPM. (3) Two 600 KW turboexpanders with normal operating-speeds of 27,000 RPM. The turboexpanders are installed in tandem in an ethylene plant and are used for plant pressure control and efficiency enhancement. The expanders are designed for a 36,000 RPM overspeed and have been operated at 33,000 RPM. Each turbomachine generates unique, non-synchronous aerodynamically induced disturbances. Current aerodynamic technology does not allow the turbomachinery OEMs to accurately predict these disturbances. The magnetic bearing system monitoring capabilities are vital to characterize the disturbances and identify the control system optimization for attenuation of rotor response. Advantages of a velocity feedback control system are highlighted. The auxiliary bearing requirements for these high speed machines are severe with requirements for initial testing sometimes being more severe than normal operation. Each application uses a different embodiment of a self lubricated dry bushing type auxiliary bearing. Various aspects of these designs are presented.
- OSTI ID:
- 390745
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950852--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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