Collaborative research for magnetic bearing technology

The purpose of the collaborative research is the further development of active magnetic bearing and back-up bearing technology, which is becoming increasingly important for large machinery such as steam and gas turbines and large pumps. The University of Applied Sciences Zittau/G?rlitz is among the leading international scientific institutions in this sector. Schaeffler has over 30 years of experience in back-up bearing technology and, at the 2013 Hannover Fair, it presented the FAG Active Magnetic Bearing – a solution comprising a complete magnetic bearing system including rolling back-up bearings. The overall aim of the research cooperation is to increase the energy efficiency of large machinery by using more efficient innovative magnetic bearing concepts.

The first collaborative project for both partners is to set up a new testing facility at the University of Applied Sciences, which will make it possible to carry out endurance tests under environmental conditions. The aim of these tests is to experimentally examine the effects that different influencing factors have on the load carrying capacity and efficiency of magnetic and back-up bearings and to validate simulation models. The test rig will be set up by spring 2014, making the University of Applied Sciences home to the world’s most modern and extensive testing facility for magnetic bearing technology.

Over the last twenty years, the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/G?rlitz has become a center for magnetic bearing technology. “The new test rig will provide magnetic bearing technology with additional momentum, which will increase energy efficiency and improve climate protection technology. For the achievement of these objectives, Schaeffler is an ideal partner", says Prof. Frank Worlitz, Head of the department Mechatronic Systems at the Institute of Process Technology, Process Automation and Measuring Technology (IPM) at the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/G?rlitz. Dirk Spindler, Senior Vice President R&D Schaeffler Industrial and Member of the Management Board Schaeffler Industrial, adds that in addition to basic research, the main focus is on industrial applications, following the increasing demand for innovative bearing concepts, e.g. in the field of energy technology. “Our new magnetic bearing system has received a significant response on the market. Hence, the development of energy-efficient and cost-effective systems for further areas of application are an important element of our development strategy in the field of magnetic bearing technology”, says Spindler.

Magnetic bearing technology is used when the technological requirements can no longer be fulfilled by other bearing types. This especially applies to medium and large industrial machinery with very high rotational speeds and shaft weights of up to several tons. Typical application fields for magnetic bearings of this size include electric motors, gas and steam turbines, and compressors. Active electromagnetic bearing supports are based on the principle of a shaft that is levitated by means of regulated magnetic fields and can be made to rotate with practically no friction.

Sensors measure any deviations of the shaft from its reference position as an input variable for control and power electronics to set the neMercurial Superfly CR7 High