Magnetic Bearing Technology in HVAC Compressors
Magnetic bearing systems in HVAC compressors operate under demanding conditions, managing rotational speeds up to 40,000 RPM while maintaining precise shaft positioning within micron-level tolerances. These systems must reliably handle both radial and axial loads while operating in refrigerant environments where traditional lubricants cannot be used.
The fundamental challenge lies in balancing the competing demands of magnetic suspension stability, thermal management, and system efficiency while maintaining the reliability expected in commercial HVAC applications.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including integrated housing heat transfer systems, dual-cooling architectures for control modules, symmetrical impeller configurations, and micro-channel designs for enhanced thermal management. These and other approaches demonstrate practical implementations that address both the mechanical and thermal challenges of magnetic bearing technology.
1. Axial Flux Motor with Unique Stator Configuration and Controlled Magnetic Field
TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH, 2025
Axial flux motors for HVAC&R systems that enhance efficiency and reliability through optimized magnetic design. The motors employ a unique stator configuration with electromagnets and windings that create a controlled magnetic field around the rotor. This design minimizes interference between windings and enables precise control of magnetic flux, resulting in improved motor performance and reduced losses. The motors are specifically designed for HVAC&R applications where high efficiency and reliability are critical, particularly in systems with compressors that require precise control of working fluid flow.
2. Turbo Compressor with Integrated Housing Heat Transfer Plate for Magnetic Bearing Operation
MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE THERMAL SYSTEMS CO LTD, 2025
Turbo compressor and refrigerator that maintain cost stability while maintaining magnetic bearing operation. The compressor incorporates a housing with an integrated heat transfer plate, which is mounted on the outer surface of the housing. The plate is positioned on the outer surface of the housing and serves as a heat sink for the compressor's electrical components. This design eliminates the need for separate heat sinks or thermal management systems, thereby reducing the overall cost of the compressor while maintaining its magnetic bearing operation.
3. Screw Refrigeration Compressor with Permanent Magnet Suspension and Integrated Oil Management System
Wuhan Kailong Technology Development Co., Ltd., WUHAN KAILONG TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, 2025
Magnetically suspended screw refrigeration compressor that addresses the limitations of conventional screw compressors. The compressor features a magnetic suspension system that eliminates the need for mechanical seals and bearings, while maintaining the same compact design as conventional screw compressors. The magnetic suspension system utilizes permanent magnets to suspend the compressor components, eliminating the mechanical components that can cause friction and wear. The design also incorporates advanced oil management systems, including a sophisticated oil circulation system and improved oil recovery mechanisms, to maintain optimal refrigerant quality and performance.
4. Turbocooler with Direct Drive Turbocompressor and Magnetic Bearing Using R1233zd(E) Refrigerant
MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES THERMAL SYSTEMS LTD, 2025
A turbocooler that achieves reduced environmental impact through the use of R1233zd(E) refrigerant in a turbocompressor configuration. The turbocooler employs a direct drive turbocompressor with a magnetic bearing, where the rotating shaft of the impeller directly connects to the motor. This design eliminates the need for a separate lubrication system, eliminating maintenance requirements and refrigerant release. The R1233zd(E) refrigerant, with its low global warming potential and low ozone depletion potential, enables the turbocooler to achieve significant environmental benefits while maintaining performance.
5. Axial Flux Motor with Dual Rotors and Sandwich Stator Configuration
TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH, 2024
A high-efficiency axial flux motor for HVAC&R systems that enables direct drive of compressors. The motor features a unique rotor design with two separate rotors and stators, where the rotors are positioned adjacent to each other and axially offset from one another along a central axis. The stator windings are arranged in a sandwich configuration between the rotors, with electromagnets disposed around the core. This configuration enables direct interaction between the rotor magnets and the compressor shaft, eliminating the conventional stator-bent windings and flux path inefficiencies associated with traditional radial flux motors. The motor's unique rotor configuration and sandwich stator design enable high-torque operation while minimizing the number of components and improving efficiency.
6. Refrigeration Compressor with Magnetic Levitation Bearings and Dual Cooling Systems for Motor Drive and Control Modules
RACI INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT GUANGDONG CO LTD, 2024
Magnetic suspension refrigeration compressor with enhanced heat management. The compressor features a shell, motor stator, rotor, impeller assembly, magnetic levitation bearing group, motor drive module, and magnetic levitation control module. The shell is mounted on the motor stator and rotor, with the rotor's ends connected to the shell through the magnetic levitation bearing group. The compressor incorporates separate cooling systems for the motor drive module and magnetic levitation control module, ensuring efficient heat dissipation from these critical components while maintaining stable operation.
7. Magnetic Suspension Motor Sealing-Cooling System with Coaxial Magnetic Levitation Compressors and Expander
SHANGHAI MARINE DIESEL ENGINE RES INST, 2024
A magnetic suspension motor sealing-cooling system for refrigeration systems that optimizes cooling performance by integrating air and water cooling. The system employs a coaxial arrangement of magnetic levitation compressors and an expander, with the compressors' working fluid and cooling gas streams flowing in a coordinated manner. The compressors' outlet cooling gas is directed to the motor cavity, while the expander's outlet cooling gas is directed back to the compressor inlet. This dual-cooling approach ensures precise temperature and pressure matching, preventing motor overheating and ensuring stable operation. The system can operate in both air-cooled and water-cooled configurations, with the compressors' working fluid and cooling gas streams being optimized for the specific refrigerant used.
8. Magnetic Levitation Compressor with Symmetrical Impeller and Pneumatic Component Arrangement
GUANGDONG JUCI POWER TECH CO LTD, 2024
Magnetic levitation compressor with improved load balancing and surge management. The compressor features a unique configuration where the impeller and pneumatic components are symmetrically arranged in the casing, with the motor connected to the bearing assembly and the refrigerant heat sink integrated into the casing. This configuration enables the compressor to maintain load balance under high-pressure conditions while preventing surge events. The control system monitors compressor performance and adjusts the impeller and bearing speed accordingly, with real-time compensation for suspension accuracy and surge margin.
9. Micro-Channel Magnetic Levitation Centrifugal Chiller with Integrated Refrigerant Circulation Loop Components
SCHLEE REFRIGERATING EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO LTD, Nanjing Hengbiao Srier Refrigeration Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd., 2023
Micro-channel magnetic levitation centrifugal chiller with enhanced energy efficiency. The chiller comprises a magnetic levitation centrifugal compressor, a dry evaporator, a first electronic expansion valve, and a micro-channel condenser that are connected in sequence to form a refrigerant circulation loop.
10. Segmented Stator Core Magnetic Bearings with Radial Grooves for Centrifugal Chillers
DAIKIN IND LTD, 2022
Magnetic bearings for centrifugal chillers that minimize eddy currents and improve compressor efficiency. The bearings feature a segmented stator core with radial grooves that support electrical windings. The core is assembled from multiple pie-shaped segments, each with its own radial grooves, to create a balanced magnetic field. This segmented design eliminates the traditional single-piece stator core and its associated eddy current issues, enabling more efficient operation of the compressor.
11. Magnetic Levitation Screw Refrigeration Compressor with Integrated Rotor and Magnetic Bearing Assembly
WUHAN KAILONG TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, Wuhan Kailong Technology Development Co., Ltd., 2022
Magnetic levitation screw refrigeration compressor with improved seal performance and reduced oil consumption. The compressor features a magnetic levitation system, comprising a rotor, driven rotor, magnetic coupling, and bearings. The magnetic bearings form a complete assembly, eliminating the need for separate bearings and seals. This design integrates the magnetic levitation components into a single, compact unit, providing improved seal performance and reduced oil consumption compared to traditional screw compressors.
12. Magnetic Levitation Centrifugal Air Compressor with Two-Stage Design and Displacement-Based Control System
江苏海拓宾未来工业科技集团有限公司, 2022
High-speed and high-pressure magnetic levitation centrifugal two-stage air compressor with advanced control system. The compressor employs magnetic levitation technology to support the main shaft, significantly reducing frictional power consumption compared to conventional ball bearings. The control system includes displacement sensing for precise shaft positioning, enabling optimal operation in high-speed and high-pressure conditions. The system calculates compressor pressure and temperature based on the position of the main shaft relative to the magnetic suspension bearings, ensuring consistent performance across different operating conditions.
13. Magnetic Levitation Compression System with Direct Motor-Suspension Magnetic Coupling
鑫磊压缩机股份有限公司, XINLEI AIR COMPRESSOR CO LTD, 2022
A magnetic levitation (MCL) compression system with direct motor-suspension connection eliminates traditional mechanical coupling requirements. The system integrates a magnetic levitation motor directly with the MCL compressor through a magnetic coupling, eliminating the need for speed-increasing boxes. The motor shaft and magnetic coupling transmit torque without contact between the compressor shafts, achieving lower concentricity requirements. This design enables rapid assembly of the equipment while maintaining precise concentricity.
14. Direct-Motor-Compressor System with Integrated Magnetic Levitation and Direct-Drive Configuration
XINLEI AIR COMPRESSOR CO LTD, 鑫磊压缩机股份有限公司, 2022
A direct-motor-compressor (DMC) system that eliminates the need for speed-increasing boxes in magnetic levitation (Maglev) applications. The system integrates a Maglev motor with a direct-drive compressor, where the motor's rotor is directly connected to the compressor's shaft. This eliminates the conventional speed-increasing box requirement, reduces equipment volume and weight, and eliminates the need for lubrication. The compressor's magnetic bearings support the rotor, allowing higher speed operation without mechanical support.
15. Single-Side Double-Impeller Maglev Turbocompressor Structure with Axial Impeller Arrangement and Intervening Sealing Ring
Nanjing Ruizhi Heavy Industry Technology Co., Ltd., NANJING RUIZHI HEAVY INDUSTRY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022
A high-performance single-side double-impeller maglev high-speed direct-drive turbocompressor structure for gas compression and dust conveying applications. The structure employs a novel axial impeller arrangement where the non-working surface of the first impeller is positioned adjacent to the non-working surface of the second impeller, with a sealing ring separating them. This configuration enables improved performance characteristics compared to conventional double-impeller designs.
16. Compressor with Radial and Axial Magnetic Bearings and Interference Fit Protective Bearing Assembly
XINLEI AIR COMPRESSOR CO LTD, 2021
A high-speed compressor featuring magnetic bearings that enable efficient operation at high rotational speeds. The compressor employs radial and axial magnetic bearings with integrated magnetic components that support the compressor shaft through magnetic interaction. The bearings are positioned at the shaft's ends, with the radial bearings aligned with the compressor rotor and the axial bearings positioned at the thrust plate. This configuration enables the compressor to maintain high rotational speeds while maintaining precise shaft alignment and preventing shaft deflection. The bearings are supported by a protective bearing seat and protective bearing, with the outer ring of the protective bearing and seat forming a precise interference fit at the shaft's ends.
17. Centrifugal Compressor System with Magnetic Levitation and Rare-Earth Permanent Magnet Motor
SHANGHAI SCREW COMPRESSOR CO LTD, Shanghai Screw Compressor Co., Ltd., 2021
Magnetic levitation centrifugal compressor system for industrial applications that eliminates oil contamination through the unique operation mechanism of magnetic levitation. The system utilizes a rare-earth permanent magnet motor and high-precision centrifugal impeller to achieve oil-free operation, while maintaining high efficiency and reliability. The system enables the use of compressed air as a clean energy source in industrial processes, particularly in applications where oil-based systems would otherwise be required.
18. Magnetic Levitation Centrifugal Compressor with Bearing and Seal-Free Rotor Suspension
Qing'an Group Co., Ltd., QINGAN GROUP CO LTD, 2021
A magnetic levitation centrifugal compressor that eliminates the need for mechanical bearings and sealing oil stop rings, achieving significant weight and space savings while maintaining high efficiency. The compressor employs a magnetic levitation system to suspend the rotor, eliminating the conventional mechanical bearing and sealing requirements. This design enables the compressor to operate with a reduced overall weight and size compared to traditional centrifugal compressors, while maintaining its high performance characteristics.
19. Residential Air Conditioning System with High-Speed Variable-Speed Centrifugal Compressor and Inter-Loop Heat Exchanger Using Low-Pressure Refrigerant
CARRIER CORP, 2020
A compact residential air conditioning system that achieves high efficiency through optimized compressor design and operation. The system employs a high-speed, variable-speed centrifugal compressor with a low-pressure refrigerant (R1233zd) that operates below atmospheric pressure. The compressor is coupled to an inter-loop heat exchanger that provides close-loop operation, allowing the compressor to operate at lower pressures than traditional systems. The system incorporates a unique bearing arrangement that enables the compressor to maintain optimal performance while minimizing noise and vibration. The system also features a low-pressure refrigerant with lower GWP compared to traditional R410A.
20. Centrifugal Compressor with Radial Bearingless Motor and Integrated Axial Magnetic Bearing Configuration
SKF MAGNETIC MECHATRONICS, 2019
Compact electric centrifugal compressor for automotive applications that addresses the challenges of conventional motor-driven compressors. The compressor features a radial bearingless motor configuration with two separate motors positioned along the shaft, each maintaining a defined radial position through contactless operation. The axial magnetic bearing is positioned between the motors, maintaining the shaft's axial position. This design eliminates the need for separate bearings, reduces friction, and simplifies system management. The axial magnetic bearing can be integrated with the motor windings, eliminating the need for separate windings. The radial bearingless motors provide the necessary radial force and positioning, while the axial magnetic bearing ensures precise axial positioning.
21. Magnetic Levitation Compressor System with Oil-Free Operation and Compact Condenser Design
BEIJING FENGLIAN AORUI TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Beijing Fenglian Auray Technology Co., Ltd., 2019
A magnetic levitation centrifugal power heat pipe multi-unit air conditioning integrated machine that eliminates the need for oil return through a novel magnetic suspension compressor design. The system features a magnetic levitation compressor that operates without lubrication, eliminating the conventional oil return issues associated with conventional multi-line systems. The magnetic suspension technology enables the compressor to maintain optimal performance without the need for oil, while the system's compact condenser design eliminates the requirement for medium pipeline length and height.
22. Centrifugal Compressor with Integrated Magnetic Bearing Backup System
DAIKIN APPLIED AMERICAS INC, 2019
Centrifugal compressor with magnetic bearing backup system for enhanced reliability and efficiency in chiller systems. The compressor incorporates a magnetic bearing backup system that enables continuous operation during compressor failure, maintaining refrigerant flow and pressure. This system utilizes a magnetic bearing that can maintain its position even when the compressor's conventional bearings fail, ensuring continuous operation of the compressor. The magnetic bearing backup system is integrated with the compressor's control system to automatically activate in the event of bearing failure.
23. Refrigerant System Cooling Method Using Magnetic Bearing Compression for R1233zd
DAIKIN APPLIED AMERICAS INC, 2018
Cooling method for refrigerant systems containing R1233zd, which is a candidate for low-GWP refrigerants in HVACR applications. The method involves compressing the refrigerant in a magnetic bearing assembly within a chiller system, rather than the conventional centrifugal compressor. The compressed refrigerant is then cooled in the condenser, expanded through an expansion valve, and subsequently cooled in the evaporator. This approach eliminates the need for conventional lubricating oils in the system, significantly reducing environmental impact.
24. Rotor Assembly with Integrated Magnetic Bearings and Microprocessor-Controlled Alignment
DAIKIN APPLIED AMERICAS INC, 2018
A rotor assembly for high-performance applications, particularly in gearboxes, that achieves superior bearing support through advanced magnetic levitation technology. The assembly comprises a rotor with integrated magnetic bearings that utilize microprocessor-controlled power amplifiers to maintain precise bearing alignment and position. The bearings are mounted on a precision-machined rotor platform and are supported by a robust electronics enclosure within the compressor body.
25. Double Permanent Magnet Double-Stage Screw Compressor with Tapered Shaft and Reverse Oil-Cooled Architecture
SHANGHAI RUOTUO NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Shanghai Nuotuo New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., 2017
A double permanent magnet double-stage screw compressor for air compression that achieves higher efficiency through optimized magnetic design. The compressor features a double-stage configuration with two permanent magnet loops connected by a tapered shaft, enabling improved coaxial transmission and reliable transmission. The design incorporates tapered shafts that enable interference between the magnetic loops, enhancing the compressor's performance and reliability. The compressor also employs a reverse oil-cooled permanent magnet machine architecture, which enables stepless cooling and pressure protection.
26. Magnetic Suspension Compression Device with Scroll and Annular Permanent Magnet Stator
Shandong Zhiheng Magnetic Levitation Technology Co., Ltd., SHANDONG ZHIHENG MAGNETIC LEVITATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2017
Magnetic suspension compression device with improved energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The device comprises a scroll with an impeller region, motor region, and tail region. The motor region is fixed with an annular permanent magnet stator. The rear rotor features an axial thrust bearing and an impeller with a flow channel. The device achieves optimal compression performance through optimized impeller design and flow channel configuration. The scroll design enables compact compression while maintaining high efficiency.
27. Compressor with Adjustable Impeller-Housing Clearance Using Magnetic Bearing and Axial Position Sensor
CARRIER CORP, Carrier Corporation, 2017
A compressor with adjustable clearance between the impeller and housing to optimize performance and capacity. The compressor features a housing assembly with suction and discharge ports, an impeller supported by a rotating shaft, and a magnetic bearing system. The controller, coupled to an axial position sensor, monitors the impeller position and adjusts clearance between the impeller and housing through the bearing to achieve optimal operation across varying capacities and lift levels.
28. Compressor Shaft with Magnetic Levitation for Inverter Air Conditioner
SHENZHEN WOSEN AIR-CONDITIONING TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2015
A magnetic levitation type inverter air conditioner compressor shaft that eliminates the need for mechanical bearings and lubricants in the compressor rotor. The compressor rotor is divided into two sections: a main rotor and a stator. The main rotor is equipped with a magnetic levitation system that enables it to rotate without mechanical bearings, while the stator is a conventional scroll compressor. The main rotor's magnetic levitation system eliminates the need for bearings and lubricants, reducing maintenance and wear on the compressor.
29. Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with Mosaic Pattern Rotor and Magnetic Suspension Bearing for Direct Drive Air Compressor
HUNAN UNIVERSITY, Hunan University, 2015
A permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) direct drive air compressor that achieves high-speed operation with reduced energy consumption. The compressor incorporates a permanent magnet motor with a unique rotor design featuring permanent magnets integrated into the rotor structure. The rotor's permanent magnets are arranged in a specific mosaic pattern to optimize magnetic field distribution and minimize energy losses. The rotor is mounted on a bearing assembly that supports the motor shaft, which is connected to a high-speed compressor impeller. The compressor's front bearing assembly features a magnetic suspension bearing that enables high-speed operation while maintaining low maintenance costs. The design enables the compressor to achieve high-speed operation (up to 10,000 rpm) while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to conventional motors.
30. Magnetic Bearing System with Dual Radial and Axial Displacement Sensors for Enhanced Rotor Detection
Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, BEIJING INSTITUTE OF PETROCHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY, 2015
A magnetic bearing system for direct drive compressors that improves rotor displacement detection and control through advanced sensor placement. The system employs two radial displacement sensors positioned on either side of the bearing to detect rotor displacement, with one sensor positioned at the bearing's center and the other at the bearing's outer edge. This configuration enables precise measurement of both radial and axial displacements, enabling more accurate control of the bearing's magnetic field. The system's axial displacement sensors detect the rotor's movement in the direction of rotation, allowing precise control of the magnetic field distribution. This configuration provides improved bearing performance compared to conventional radial displacement sensors, particularly in applications where high precision displacement measurement is critical.
31. Magnetic Suspension Compressor with Dual Displacement Sensor-Controlled Radial Bearings and Axial Shaft Monitoring
BEIJING INSTITUTE OF PETROCHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY, 2015
A magnetic suspension single shaft direct drive compressor that achieves high efficiency, reliability, and environmental protection through advanced bearing technology. The compressor features a radial magnetic bearing system with dual displacement sensors, where one sensor measures the radial displacement of the left bearing and the other measures the radial displacement of the right bearing. This configuration enables precise control of both bearings through differential displacement measurement, significantly improving bearing performance and reducing maintenance requirements compared to traditional single-bear configurations. The system also incorporates axial displacement sensors on the shaft to monitor the rotor's axial movement, further enhancing bearing control.
32. Centrifugal Compressor Assembly with Variable Speed Drive and Integrated Energy Recovery System
TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC, Trane Technologies plc, 2015
Centrifugal compressor assembly and method for optimizing refrigeration system performance through precise control of compressor speed and energy recovery. The assembly features a variable speed drive that enables continuous operation of the compressor within a specified speed range, while also incorporating an energy recovery system to maximize efficiency. The drive system incorporates a compact permanent magnet motor with a variable speed capability, allowing continuous operation while maintaining optimal compressor performance. The system integrates with the compressor to optimize refrigerant compression and energy recovery, enabling higher-capacity compressors with improved efficiency compared to conventional designs.
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