Magnetic bearing: structure, model, and control strategy

Bearings are pivotal components in mechanical systems, providing crucial support to rotating bodies. However, traditional bearings are susceptible to failure caused by friction and wear. This vulnerability is particularly pronounced in scenarios involving ultrahigh speeds and extreme conditions, necessitating the minimization of bearing losses and the enhancement of performance. Magnetic bearings, distinguished by their frictionless operation, absence of lubrication requirements, and high-speed capabilities, offer a promising solution to mitigate bearing failure attributable to friction. Nevertheless, a comprehensive review of magnetic bearings, encompassing their structural attributes, modeling mechanisms, and control strategies, is currently lacking in the literature. This paper aims to address this gap by conducting an exhaustive literature review on magnetic bearings. The objective is to provide scientists with a profound understanding of the structural characteristics, operational mechanisms, control performance, and future development trajectories of this technology. The paper begins by categorizing various magnetic bearings and conducting an in-depth analysis of their properties and characteristics, focusing on their magnetic circuit structures. Subsequently, it delves into the working principles and performance of mathematical models for magnetic bearings with different configurations, outlining the modeling procedures and optimization approaches. Additionally, the paper highlights the impact of control strategies on the performance of magnetic bearings. Modern control theory has demonstrated a remarkable 50% improvement in position accuracy and adjustment time compared to traditional PID control. Finally, the paper offers a glimpse into the future of magnetic bearing design, modeling mechanisms, and control strategies, presenting prospective directions for further advancements in this field.