Description
Objective: The objective of the activity is to design, manufacture and test a magnetic bearing system for high-speed rotary mechanisms in telecommunication spacecraft applications (e.g. reaction wheels or thermal control pumps and compressors). Targeted Improvements:- Increase rotation speed by a factor of 2 (resulting in higher angular momentum capability). - Increase lifetime by a factor of 2 (due to contact-less bearings and no lubrication). - Reduce emitted micro-vibration by a factor of 5 - 10.Description: High-speed rotary mechanisms are primarily used for telecommunication spacecraft platforms in critical applications such as reaction wheels and thermal control pumps. Traditional ball bearing systems are employed to allow rotor and shaft suspension, but the resulting friction and other phenomena in the context of mechanical contact and high relative speed (e.g. lubricant loss) limit the achievablerotation speed and mechanism lifetime. The lubrication of the bearing system can also be a complex issue resulting in an extensive development, analysis and test programme.Magnetic bearing system have the potential to overcome the deficiencies and limitations of traditional ball bearings. These bearings, already used in a number of terrestrial applications, make use of a magnetically suspended floating rotor or shaft such that physical contact with rotating parts is eliminated. This will remove all of the issues associated with friction and wear and allow higher rotation speeds, potentially extending lifetime and completely removing the need for lubrication. Increased rotation speed in turn increases the angular momentum capacity of flywheel systems, for which there is a growing market demand in reaction wheel applications. In the frame of the overall equipment life cycle, testing time could be drastically reduced and the need for any maintenance (e.g., using a re-lubrication system) could be completely eliminated.This activity will design,manufacture and test a magnetic bearing system and implement it into a high-speed mechanism. Other elements, such as the control electronics, will be adapted if needed. Testing will include assessment of the achievable rotation speed, the mechanical environment and lifetime evaluation. Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to:http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Small_and_Medium_Sized_En…