Amvaje Abi Active Magnetic Bearing Control System

Contact bearings are not feasible in high-speed rotating machinery due to the heat generated by friction at high speeds, which can lead to potential damage to the contact bearings. Therefore, in this category of machines, the shaft levitated in the air using a magnetic bearing system to prevent damage.

The Active Magnetic Bearing (AMB) control system is a closed-loop control system with a digital controller designed and built to stabilize the suspension of magnetic bearings. Additionally, to enhance system safety, critical parameters such as radial and axial positions, rotational speed, temperatures at various points of the machine, etc., are monitored by this system during machine operation. In case of deviations beyond specified limits, warning or shutdown commands are issued.

Magnetic bearing systems consist of two main parts: Bearings and the Control-Drive Unit (AMB), which the Control-Drive Unit is Amvaje Abi’s product.

Key features:

• Application in Turbo Expanders, Gas Turbines, Generators, and rotating machinery
• Based on advanced digital and linear control systems
• Fully Compatible with SKF S2M Machinery Protection

The overall performance of the electronic modules in this system is as follows:

• Before the turbine or turbo expander axis starts rotating, it is levitated by five pairs of bearings to reduce friction and achieve high speeds. Depending on gas pressure, the axis can reach speeds up to 45,000 RPM.
• Sensors in the system send information related to the axis, including rotational speed, bearing operating temperature, and shaft position in the bearing, to the control unit.
• The control unit processes the data sent by the control modules, and adjustments are made to the bearings if necessary.
• Bearings are magnetized by five Axial and Radial Amplifier cards, which essentially act as the power drive for the bearings. Any changes are corrected through this process to adjust the shaft position.
• Operating conditions of the system are visible through user interfaces, and in case of issues, alarms are sent to other control systems such as DCS and ESD.
• The system has a dedicated UPS that provides primary power, ensuring uninterrupted and fault-tolerant operation.

For more information on this product, please refer to the product catalog.