Centrifugal Compressor Test Facility With Active Magnetic Bearings

Design of a test facility for assessing wheel loading of a centrifugal compressor is described. The facility uses active radial and axial magnetic bearings to estimate static and dynamic bearing loadings. The central application of the facility is to measure the loading forces on the impeller at non-design conditions. This data is then used to verify and refine analytical models for use in compressor design. In addition, the axial active magnetic bearing provides substantial control authority over the impeller tip-clearance, creating strong potential for active suppression of surge.