Self-adjusting magnetic bearing systems
Abstract
A self-adjusting magnetic bearing automatically adjusts the parameters of an axially unstable magnetic bearing such that its force balance is maintained near the point of metastable equilibrium. Complete stabilization can be obtained with the application of weak restoring forces either from a mechanical bearing (running at near-zero load, thus with reduced wear) or from the action of residual eddy currents in a snubber bearing. In one embodiment, a torque is generated by the approach of a slotted pole to a conducting plate. The torque actuates an assembly which varies the position of a magnetic shunt to change the force exerted by the bearing. Another embodiment achieves axial stabilization by sensing vertical displacements in a suspended bearing element, and using this information in an electrical servo system. In a third embodiment, as a rotating eddy current exciter approaches a stationary bearing, it heats a thermostat which actuates an assembly to weaken the attractive force between the two bearing elements. An improved version of an electromechanical battery utilizing the designs of the various embodiments is described. 7 figs.
- Inventors:
- Issue Date:
- Research Org.:
- Univ. of California (United States)
- Sponsoring Org.:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI Identifier:
- 672579
- Patent Number(s):
- 5783885
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-511,981
- Assignee:
- Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- Resource Type:
- Patent
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 21 Jul 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 25 ENERGY STORAGE; MAGNETIC BEARINGS; MECHANICAL ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT; EDDY CURRENTS; TORQUE; STABILIZATION
Citation Formats
Post, R F. Self-adjusting magnetic bearing systems. United States: N. p., 1998.
Web.
Post, R F. Self-adjusting magnetic bearing systems. United States.
Post, R F. Tue .
"Self-adjusting magnetic bearing systems". United States.
@article{osti_672579,
title = {Self-adjusting magnetic bearing systems},
author = {Post, R F},
abstractNote = {A self-adjusting magnetic bearing automatically adjusts the parameters of an axially unstable magnetic bearing such that its force balance is maintained near the point of metastable equilibrium. Complete stabilization can be obtained with the application of weak restoring forces either from a mechanical bearing (running at near-zero load, thus with reduced wear) or from the action of residual eddy currents in a snubber bearing. In one embodiment, a torque is generated by the approach of a slotted pole to a conducting plate. The torque actuates an assembly which varies the position of a magnetic shunt to change the force exerted by the bearing. Another embodiment achieves axial stabilization by sensing vertical displacements in a suspended bearing element, and using this information in an electrical servo system. In a third embodiment, as a rotating eddy current exciter approaches a stationary bearing, it heats a thermostat which actuates an assembly to weaken the attractive force between the two bearing elements. An improved version of an electromechanical battery utilizing the designs of the various embodiments is described. 7 figs.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Jul 21 00:00:00 EDT 1998},
month = {Tue Jul 21 00:00:00 EDT 1998}
}