Combination Radial-Axial Magnetic Bearing

The design and application of a patented active actuator design that combines the radial and axial actuator into one combination radial-axial actuator is presented. The theory of operation of the actuator is defined and magnetic finite element analysis modeling shown verifying operation. Its mechanical construction is then presented to show how this actuator configuration is successfully integrated into a mechanical system. Applications up to 60,000 rpm are then presented, with a detailed presentation of a 42,000 rpm energy storage flywheel currently under test at the University of Texas Center for Electromechanics.