Please check back sHigh‑speed, direct‑drive centrifugal turbo‑compressors have emerged as a leading solution in the HVAC industry due to their compact architecture, simplified mechanical design, and superior efficiency compared to traditional centrifugal, scroll, and screw compressors. To fully leverage these advantages, the electromagnetic and rotor‑dynamic technologies integrated into the compressor must be precisely matched to high‑speed operation requirements. This presentation details the combined implementation of high‑speed permanent magnet (HSPM) motors and active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems, demonstrating how these technologies work together to deliver exceptional energy efficiency with no performance degradation over the compressor’s lifetime.

The HSPM motors, designed for speeds up to 40,000 rpm, maintain efficiencies as high as 97% across the operating range. Their control strategy utilizes maximum torque per amp (MTA) up to nominal voltage, transitioning to field‑weakening (FW) for extended speed operation while preserving robust dynamic control. Complementing the motor system, the five‑axis controlled homopolar magnetic bearing architecture enables fully oil‑free operation. By levitating the compressor shaft without mechanical contact, the AMB system eliminates lubrication requirements, removes wear mechanisms, and expands the viable speed envelope of the compressor.

Field data over more than a decade demonstrates that oil‑free, magnetically levitated turbo‑compressors sustain like‑new performance, avoiding the efficiency losses and capacity fade commonly seen in oil‑lubricated screw and scroll compressors. This long‑term stability translates into substantial lifetime energy savings, reduced CO₂ emissions, and significantly simplified maintenance. The combined magnetic technologies not only improve system reliability but also extend chiller lifespans while ensuring consistent, high‑efficiency operation.

This work highlights how the integration of HSPM motors and magnetic bearing systems establishes a new benchmark for high‑speed centrifugal compressor performance, setting the stage for next‑generation sustainable HVAC solutions.oon for details on this presentation.