Magnetic bearings also improve dynamic stability, lower machine vibration, and offer advanced diagnostic capabilities. Synchrony has developed and patented proprietary technology which increases the performance and reliability of its magnetic bearing systems relative to other systems that are available. This technology was developed under NASA and Air Force sponsorship. Lack of friction and higher operating temperatures result in gas turbine engines with lower system weight, higher thermodynamic efficiency, higher reliability, and reduced maintenance. Modular Amplifiers Synchrony's magnetic bearing system features high performance, high temperature actuators with integrated sensors, and an advanced rotor control system.
Fault tolerance is achieved by using redundant sensors and actuator coils.
The control system, which uses a triple modular redundant architecture with four processors, is fully-integrated with the sensor electronics, amplifiers, and power supplies. The control software takes advantage of the redundant sensors and coils to provide continuous operation even in the event of a sensor, coil, or amplifier failure. The control system incorporates an automatic inertial balancing system, which minimizes transmitted forces to the stationary structure caused by shaft unbalance. Included is an advanced monitoring system that monitors system performance such as rotation rate, rotor position, and unbalance. The monitoring system also analyzes the unbalance, calculating its location and magnitude.