Patent ID: 9225222
Filing Date: 2015-12-29
Classification: F16C,H02K

Abstract:
1. A bearing apparatus for a rotating machine, comprising: a bearing bracket; at least one lubricated shaft support mechanical bearing coupled to the bearing bracket; a permanent magnet bearing having a stationary permanent magnet portion coupled to a permanent magnet support which is incorporated into the bearing bracket, and a rotating permanent magnet portion coupled to a rotating magnet support, the permanent magnet bearing exerting a directional magnetic force that generates an axial thrust preload support force on a rotating shaft that is selectively varied by varying air gap between the stationary and rotating permanent magnet portions; and an air gap adjustment mechanism for selectively varying the air gap between the stationary and rotating permanent magnet portions, for varying the magnetic force, the air gap adjustment mechanism having a control system coupled thereto for dynamically varying the air gap based on external load applied on the rotating machine, wherein the control system comprises a controller that varies the air gap in response to changing loads imparted on the rotating machine, and wherein the controller is coupled by communication pathway to a load sensor in a feedback loop.