Study on the controllability for active magnetic bearings

Abstract

One of the main challenges in AMB is its controllability which means it is difficult to get a stable spindle and controller. To solve this problem, some methods have been developed previously, but the value of the controllability of AMB was not calculated. The subject of our study is to develop a new method and find a mathematical model that aims to research the controllability of AMB, the status at passing through levitation process, running, a critical speed and achieve high-speed rotation. The stiffness and damping of AMB, which changes randomly along with the rotor running, are determined by the controller system. How to get the relationship between the stiffness and damping with dynamic coefficients of rotor-AMB system is a key problem to get an optimization controller. In this paper, a mathematical model of the relationship is established. Stiffness and damping of AMB can change if the parameter of controller modulated. Based on rotor dynamics theory, the dynamic characteristics of rotors such as critical speeds, system stability and unbalanced excitation are analyzed. Computer simulations are carried out and the effectiveness of the presented procedure is investigated. © 2005 IOP Publishing Ltd.