Dec 18 2013
Calnetix Technologies, a pioneer in developing and manufacturing high-speed permanent magnet motor generators, power electronics and magnetic bearings for a variety of applications and industries, recently received a new patent for its magnetic bearing "constant-flux" edge position sensor invented by Principal Research Engineer Alexei Filatov.
This is the seventh U.S. Patent issued to Filatov since he joined Calnetix in September of 2002.
"Position sensors are critical components of any Active Magnetic Bearing (AMB). Their role is to continuously provide the magnetic bearing controller with accurate, up-to-date information about the rotor position unaffected by external factors, such as speed, temperature, dust, working fluids, external magnetic, and electrical fields," said Filatov. "While the radial inductive position sensors were easily meeting AMBs requirements, a textbook axial inductive position sensor had significant limitations. Our 'constant-flux' edge sensor overcomes drawbacks of the previously available axial position sensing technologies and provides a unique combination of advantageous properties."
Since 2011, the constant-flux edge sensor has been the standard axial position sensor solution in Calnetix's magnetic bearings and has been successfully implemented in many commercial machines in a wide variety of applications. The benefits of Filatov's invention for AMBs include, but are not limited to:
- Ability to work in dusty environments and in many working fluids.
- Low sensitivity to EMI and external DC magnetic fields.
- Large measurement range in excess of 0.2 inches (5 millimeters).
- Excellent linearity over displacement ranges typical for AMB applications.
- Excellent temperature stability.
- Large temperature operating range (tested up to 175 degrees C and up to 250 degrees C theoretically possible).
- Pass-through assembly.
About Calnetix Technologies
Calnetix Technologies, LLC ("Calnetix"), headquartered in Cerritos, CA, is focused on Innovation That Drives Industries™. The company specializes in high-performance, high-speed motor generators and best-in-class advanced magnetic bearings and control systems. Calnetix's patented, underlying technologies, which have been in use since the company's inception in 1998, have made Calnetix a world leader in the design and production of high-speed machines. The company's overall technology portfolio and system integration capabilities have led to development and production contracts with industry leaders and the start of many successful subsidiaries that focus on unique niche markets.