A contribution on the investigation of the dynamic behavior of rotating shafts with a Hybrid Magnetic Bearing Concept (HMBC) for blower application Original Research Article

Within a subproject of the RAPHAEL-Program, which was part of the 6th EURATOM Framework Program supervised by the European Commission, it was investigated whether the use of a Hybrid Magnetic Bearing Concept (HMBC) will be beneficial for a blower application. Within the RAPHAEL program, the subproject “Component Development” is dealing with R&D of components of High Temperature Reactor Technology (HTR), where a major focus is on safety- and reliability-related issues. That implies special requirements for the support of high speed rotating shafts in HTR-Applications that only can be satisfied by using Active Magnetic Bearings (AMB). Regarding safety and competitiveness, AMBs are considered to be key components for the support of rotating HTR-components due to their technical features. AMBs are characterized by an electromagnetic actuator that is generating the bearing force depending on the clearance between stator and rotor, in which the rotor is levitated. Therefore an active control of the coil current is necessary. Furthermore, Touch Down Bearings (TDB) are needed to avoid damages in case of an emergency shut down or in case of energy supply losses.