Development of Triaxial Active Control Magnetic Bearing with Asymmetric Structure

Magnetic bearings (MBs) have some advantages such as the reduction of particle emission, low noise, and maintenance-free operation. In order to levitate a rotation shaft, a five-axis levitating system tends to become large and a critical rotational speed also decreases. In order to solve these problems, we proposed a triaxial active control magnetic bearing (AMB) with an asymmetric structure. This paper describes the suspension performance of the proposed AMB using a prototype. The radial and thrust suspension force characteristics are measured. The dynamic characteristics under radial position feedback control are investigated. It is found that the proposed AMB can support a rotational shaft.