Active Radial Electromagnetic Damper

A design of a non-contact active radial electromagnetic damper for applications in rotating machinery is presented. The device can effectively damp lateral rotor motions without exerting rotational drag or producing negative stiffnesses. Potential applications include damping and stabilization of rotordynamic modes, stabilization of electrodynamic bearings and limiting unbalance responses. As an example, damper application in a multi-stage down-hole natural gas compressor is discussed.