Static and transient voltage driven finite element analysis for the sensorless control of a hybrid radial active magnetic bearing

The paper discusses electromagnetic parameters of a novel arrangement of a permanent magnet biased radial active magnetic bearing with three poles. The control currents of the three poles produce a heteropolar distribution of the magnetic field whereas the permanent magnets cause a homopolar configuration of the magnetic field. Thus, 3D finite element analyses have to be used to accurately obtain the parameters such as inductances and electromagnetic forces. In order to finally using a position-sensorless control algorithm for the hybrid magnetic bearing, the dependence of the electromagnetic parameters on the rotor position is of great interest. In particular, special attention has to be given to the modelling of various eccentric rotor positions in order to obtain a fast solution environment suitable for the prototype design.