Self-adjusting magnetic bearing systems

Patent · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:871731

Post, Richard F ^[1]

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1. Walnut Creek, CA

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.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Regents of University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5783885
• OSTI ID: 871731
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

self-adjusting
magnetic
bearing
systems
automatically
adjusts
parameters
axially
unstable
force
balance
maintained
near
metastable
equilibrium
complete
stabilization
obtained
application
weak
restoring
forces
mechanical
running
near-zero
load
reduced
wear
action
residual
eddy
currents
snubber
embodiment
torque
generated
approach
slotted
pole
conducting
plate
actuates
assembly
varies
position
shunt
change
exerted
achieves
axial
sensing
vertical
displacements
suspended
element
information
electrical
servo
third
rotating
current
exciter
approaches
stationary
heats
thermostat
weaken
attractive
elements
improved
version
electromechanical
battery
utilizing
designs
various
embodiments
described
bearing element
bearing elements
stable equilibrium
third embodiment
magnetic bearing
various embodiments
eddy current
eddy currents
force exerted
automatically adjusts
battery utilizing
bearing systems
force balance
electromechanical battery
self-adjusting magnetic
stable magnetic
conducting plate
vertical displacement
improved version
restoring force
tractive force
attractive force
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