Development of Test Rig and Experimental Evaluation of Hydrostatic Bearings for an Axial Flux Machine

Abstract: A novel electric machine design, similar to an axial flux machine, incorporates hydrostatic bearings to increase efficiency and stability of said machine. In this thesis, the feasibility of a hydrostatic solution is explored and evaluated by development, manufacturing, and assembly of a test rig, as well as running experimental tests with it. The experiments are designed to measure viscous losses in the contact area between a rotor disc and stator bearing pads, where the oil fil thickness is below 0.1 mm, simulating low rpm (50-150 rpm) working condition of a 1:1 scale simplified model of the novel machine. The effects on the viscous losses by the hydraulic oil film thickness, rotor disc speed and oil pump pressure are analyzed and compared with an analytical model provided by the inventing startup company. A regression analysis model based on the experimental data is also presented.