710322Active Magnetic Bearing for Integrated Turbo-machinesClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKActive Magnetic Bearings (AMBs) provide low-loss high reliability bearings suited to extremely high rotational speeds. AMBs involve a combination of very fast feedback control, accurate numerical modelling of system dynamics, high-bandwidth power electronics & good magnetic circuit design, consequently the development costs of single sets have remained extremely high. AMBs are presently found either in medium-value product sets (eg high vacuum pumps for semicon/physics labs or high speed air compression sets) where reasonable volumes pay back development costs over many thousands of units or in large high-value machinery where the lack of alternatives justifies extremely high costs (eg pipeline compressors, steam-turbines in submarines). It is not unusual for individual large bearing sets to cost £250K to the OEM. A unique business opportunity now exists due to the total cost of reproducing multiple bearings to a given design can be comparatively low to a particular class of customers – those with intrinsic capability to develop & manufacture electromagnetic machines. The missing element for these customers is the controller implementation & electromagnetic design capability. JPE Systems intends to provide this “know-how” through the application of sophisticated rotordynamic modelling, novel magnet coil windings and the exploitation of lowcost high-volume controller hardware & power-electronics. The proven JPE Systems “toolkit” will enable OEMS to integrate in-house and at significantly reduced cost AMBs in products such as medium-speed (