Industrial Magnetic Bearings

A magnetic bearing positions and supports a moving shaft using magnetic forces and without mechanical contact. Because the rotor "floats" in space without contact with the magnets, there is no need for lubrication of any kind. Some of the advantages that magnetic bearings offer over conventional, oil-lubricated bearings include:

• Elimination of the oil lubrication system with its associated pumps, valves, coolers, ducting, sumps, etc.
• Higher operating temperatures than would be sustainable by oil lubricants
• Higher machine efficiencies due to the elimination of mechanical friction
• Improved vibration control
• Improved reliability and reduced maintenance lowers downtime for a machine or process
• Extensive health monitoring and protection for the machine

The rotor of the magnetic bearing is mounted on the rotating shaft. Multiple magnets in the stator surround the rotor, and each one produces a magnetic field that tends to attract the rotor. By varying the amount of current in the coil of particular magnet, the attractive force may be controlled so that the rotor remains nearly perfectly centered between the magnets.

Synchrony's magnetic bearings were originally developed for aerospace applications where compact size, high performance, high efficiency, and high reliability are all required. Now this same technology is available for critical industrial machines.