An Efficient, Robust Magnetic Bearing System for Jtagg III Operating Conditions

Magnetic bearings will dramatically improve performance of gas turbine engines by permitting high rotor speeds and combustion temperatures. Lubrication systems are also eliminated, reducing weight and logistic support. These huge potential benefits are essential to the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology Program (IHPTET). SatCon Technology Corporation's magnetic bearings have been tested to 36,000 RPM under contract with the Army's Power Systems Division. However, several key issues remain. No magnetic bearing system (MBS) has auxiliary bearings and control software that allow touchdown and recovery at engine operating speeds of 50,000 RPM, or is built with high temperature materials that will withstand 1,100F. In addition, actuators and power electronics must be designed for low losses and minimal power dissipation. In Phase I, SatCon will perform the initial analyses necessary to design a MBS that can satisfy the JTAGG II and III operating environment. This design will address the key remaining issues. An integral part of this design effort will be test and validation on an existing gas turbine test rig, upgraded to operate at the JTAGG II speed of 50,000 RPM in Phase II. Phase III will entail combining SatCon's magnetic and auxiliary bearing configurations with a JTAGG II or III engine.