Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Oct 2020)
Study and Development of Electromagnetic Field Generation for Radial Loading of Bush Bearings
Abstract
Today, modern vehicles are subject to several requirements, including high efficiency associated also with low level energy usage and low (direct or indirect) emissions in all operating conditions, as well as a high degree of operational safety and reliability. These requirements should be considered for both conventional internal combustion engines and electric and hybrid vehicles. To meet these needs, vehicle manufacturers extensively develop not only elements of powertrain but also the peripheral systems in recent years. One such subsystem is the cooling system of the powertrain including batteries of electric and hybrid vehicles. Cooling system, which is a complex, highly regulated unit today, is essential for all three drive types. Electrical pumps of the cooling system are the subject of interdisciplinary project coordinated by the Research Institute of Electronics and Informatics of the University of Miskolc. The aim of the project is to develop an accelerated lifetime test method for bush bearings of the pump. Research work included analysis of theoretical wear curves, defining acceleration parameters, development and installation of endurance test stands for validation of practical wear curves of the bearings, developing mathematical model for lifetime estimation, and finally, developing acceleration methods for industrial use. This paper summarizes results of the project so far and presents results of research part using electromagnetic static load to the shaft and bearings. Practical endurance tests proved that applying extra radial force is one of the most effective accelerator parameters, but from the point of research, it is one of the most challenging and time-consuming methods to determine the most effective magnetic field arrangement and to develop accurate control sequence for ensuring the same force characteristic as the practical one.
