Analysis and control of a reduced switch converter for active magnetic bearings

A reduced switch converter for active magnetic bearing system is analyzed and its performance is experimentally validated at 24,000 rpm on a 4-axis magnetic bearing test-rig. Based on the coupled coil arrangement and unidirectional current operation, the reduced switch converter is derived and its modes of operation are elaborated. In comparison to conventional topologies, this converter reduces the requirement on number of switches, gate drives and pulse width modulation signals stemming from the controller. The analysis and experimental results successfully validates the operation of reduced switch converter to meet the magnetic bearing operation requirements.