Synchrony's Innovative Magnetic Bearings Draw Crowds at IGTI Turbo Expo

(Roanoke, VA, July 14, 2009) – Synchrony, an industry leader providing innovative solutions and engineering excellence in rotating machinery and power conversion systems, drew crowds in demonstration of its world-class product lines at the IGTI Turbo Expo in Orlando, Florida on June 8-11, 2009.

Magnetic bearing applications are increasing as traditional oil-lubricated, geared drive trains are replaced with direct-drive trains supported on clean, frictionless magnetic bearings. Synchrony is a recognized pioneer in this industry frontier. Its Fusion® and NovaGlide™ magnetic bearings and NovaGen™/NovaDrive™ high-speed drive trains are true design innovations in miniaturization, integration, and performance that set the standard for better, smaller and greener.

Synchrony demonstrated an AC induction motor retrofitted with 2 Fusion® radial bearings and 1 Fusion® thrust bearing. Fusion® magnetic bearings feature all control electronics integrated into the bearing housing, allowing for a much smaller machine footprint by eliminating the large external bearing control cabinets required in traditional magnetic bearing systems. Fusion® bearings also feature two interface ports through the bearing housing – one for 48 VDC power, and the other, an Ethernet communication port used for machine health monitoring and trending. The motor was a 250 hp standard NEMA configuration.

The demonstration showed the magnetic levitation of the motor shaft with shaft position for each bearing within the system shown on a large visual display. These revolutionary products drew a large number of visitors to the Synchrony booth, allowing visitors to “bang on the rotating motor shaft” and witness first-hand how well the bearings react to impact loading. Synchrony’s health monitoring software allowed visitors to visually witness in real-time the shaft’s near immediate return to its centered position.

“The positive reaction we received to our demonstration at the IGTI expo is reflective of the rising industry interest and demand in magnetic bearings,” said Troy Jamison, Senior Vice President for Business Development. “Our Fusion® magnetic bearings integrated into a 250 hp NEMA motor demonstrate that Synchrony has overcome the complexity and cost thresholds that have traditionally slowed the adoption of magnetic bearing technology. With Fusion®, customers can now capitalize on the benefits of magnetic bearings across a wider range of applications.”