Abstract
In the article a mathematical model of radial passive magnetic bearings applicable to ocean engineering units has been presented. The application of the bearings in ship thrusters should increase durability of propulsion systems and give lower maintenance costs. The rotor of thruster's electric motor is suspended in magnetic field generated by radial passive magnetic bearings. However the maintaining of axial direction of the rotor must be controlled with electromagnets equipped with a high-dynamic controller. The risk of application of the magnetic bearings results from very low stiffness of the unit in comparison with rolling bearings. Also construction of the bearing should be different due to gyroscope effect and high forces generated during ship manoeuvring. The physical model performs correctly if electromagnets are controlled properly; and, technological problem with sealing system seems more significant than power supply to electromagnets winding. The equations presented in the article are necessary to build algorithms of a digital controller intended for on-line controlling magnetic bearing in axial direction.