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idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
Siemens has developed Simotics AMB, a new magnetic bearing system for high-power machines with large rotor diameters. The new technology is based on proven standard electronic components. It optimizes the design, maintenance, and operation of machines that rely on huge rotors and integrates data from their bearings into an installation’s IT environment.
Without any physical contact, the controlled magnetic fields of a new magnetic bearing system from Siemens keep 10-ton rotors in the middle of their bearings. What’s more, the rotors do not deviate by more than a hair’s breadth from the center even when spinning at maximum speed. Based on active magnetic bearing (AMB) technology, Siemens’ new Simotics AMB system uses tried and tested standard electronic components that are normally used to control electric motors in machine tool applications. Simotics AMB technology was unveiled at this year’s Hannover Messe. Its main areas of application include large electrical machines, compressors for the gas and oil industry, and steam turbines. The first units are already being used in the field.
Siemens has incorporated this technology into its Totally Integrated Automation and Integrated Drive Systems. As a result, all of the components of a power train can be configured in a uniform manner and integrated into the same control architecture. Moreover, the information recorded from magnetic bearings regarding a machine’s status is directly accessible for data-based analyses (i.e. remote monitoring activities) via Siemens Digital Services. This simplifies a power train’s operating and service concept, because the motor converter and magnetic bearing cabinet are based on the same control components and user interfaces.
Heading for Zero Maintenance
Active magnetic bearings (AMB) use electromagnets to magnetically levitate a rotor. The magnetic forces are adjusted in line with the rotors’ location as determined by position sensors. The bearings don’t need any lubricating oil, because they are not subjected to any friction. This makes them appealing for industries that have to employ special safety measures to prevent fires or protect the environment. Moreover, magnetic bearings hardly need any maintenance. The technology is especially suitable for applications with high circumferential speeds, i.e. rapidly turning rotors with large diameters. The active control of a rotor’s position makes it possible to dampen any rotor vibration. Conventional bearings suffer from rotor resonances in certain rpm ranges, which is why such ranges have to be quickly avoided. Magnetic bearings, on the other hand, enable the stepless adjustment of rotation speeds.
Precisely Positioning Super-Heavy Rotors
Simotics AMB technology is currently designed for rotors starting at two metric tons with rotational speeds of 17,000 rpm to rotors weighing 17 metric tons and rotating at 6,000 rpm. Bearing sensors record the rotor’s position 16,000 times per second. Even when rotating at maximum speed, the rotors stay within a “hair’s breadth” – about 0.03 millimeters – of their specified positions. Standard converters provide sufficient output to maintain a 1–2 millimeter-wide air gap between the rotor and the bearing. This makes it much easier to align the individual components and also makes the system robust. Because the magnetic bearings mostly draw reactive power, they are more energy-efficient than conventional plain bearings.
New Process Monitoring Options
Magnetic bearings also offer benefits for the digitization of industrial processes. Whereas conventional plain bearings only supply information about a rotor’s position, the digital control of magnetic bearings also provides data about additional operating parameters such as the forces acting on a rotor. This data makes even minimal changes in the drive train, the driven machine, and the downstream process visible. It provides the basis for monitoring the status of machines and makes it possible to minimize downtimes with the help of preventive maintenance.
Simotics AMB technology is already in use in two 23-megawatt (MW) compressor drive trains running at 6,300 rpm in Germany’s Groningen gas field and in a 10-MW steam turbine running at 5,700 rpm at the Jänschwalde power plant, which is also in Germany.
Contact:
Mr. Dr Norbert Aschenbrenner
Editorial Office
Siemens AG
norbert.aschenbrenner@siemens.com
Original Internet Article:
https://www.siemens.com/innovation/en/home/pictures-of-the-future/energy-and-eff...
Active magnetic bearings (AMB) use electromagnets to magnetically levitate a rotor.
A radial bearing for a nine-ton rotor in a factory.
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