Daniel M. Saban

Design of High-Speed Direct-Connected Permanent-Magnet Motors and Generators for the Petrochemical Industry

This paper reexamines some of the usual assumptions in deploying synchronous machines in multi-megawatt high-speed applications. A viable design that can operate at common gas turbine speeds and power ratings is presented with a focus on rotor capability and cooling system performance. The models used in the analysis are validated using test data from a similar topology machine with a higher operating speed but lower power as well as a prototype machine built based on the design presented.

Experimental evaluation of a high-speed permanent-magnet machine

This paper presents the experimental evaluation of a high-speed, directly-coupled, multi-megawatt permanent-magnet machine. The maximum, continuous operating speed of the machine being evaluated is 15 krpm to match the shaft speed of compressors and turbines of up to 8 MW in targeted petroleum and chemical industry applications. The machine is characterized by high power-density and high efficiency. The design parameters and the predicted performance are corroborated by component, no-load, loaded and short-circuit tests. The thermal model and the cooling system design are evaluated and calibrated by the temperatures registered during the tests. The total measured losses and the allocation of losses across components is compared with the losses predicted by various analytical and numerical models.

Design of High-Speed, Direct-Connected, Permanent-Magnet Motors and Generators for the Petrochemical Industry

This paper reexamines some of the usual assumptions in deploying synchronous machines in multi-megawatt high-speed applications. A viable design that can operate at common gas turbine speeds and power ratings is presented with a focus on rotor capability and cooling system performance. The models used in the analysis are validated using test data from a similar topology machine with a higher operating speed but lower power as well as a prototype machine built based on the design presented.

Beyond IEEE Std 115 & API 546: Test procedures for high-speed, multi-megawatt permanent-magnet synchronous machines

High-speed multi-megawatt permanent-magnet machines have been proposed in the literature and offered for sale in a variety of petro-chemical applications. Presently, the discussion of synchronous machines in both IEEE Std 115 [1] and American Petroleum Institute (API) 546 [2] exclude consideration of permanent-magnet synchronous machines. These machines pose special problems when attempting to apply the test procedures given for wound-field synchronous machines in that many of the tests rely on the ability to adjust the field strength. In addition, a permanent-magnet-rotor topology has different performance and robustness concerns than a wound-field machine that should be addressed. This paper attempts to outline a coherent method for evaluating high-speed permanent-magnet machines by extending the test procedures outlined in IEEE Std 115, and by presenting additional procedures specific to permanent-magnet machines. Extended application guidelines will be discussed for high-speed, multi-megawatt machines. The differences between the risk profile for permanent-magnet machines and wound-field machines will be highlighted with a particular emphasis on risk mitigation via test for the permanent-magnet machine.

Design And Experimental Evaluation Of A High-Speed, Directly-Coupled, Multi-Megawatt Permanent-Magnet Machine.

in Cerritos, California. She designs high-speed medium-voltage permanent-magnet machines. She began her career as an Integrated Drive Generator Design Engineer with Hamilton Sundstrand, designing an integrated variable speed transmission and AC generator for various military aircraft applications. Ms. Bailey graduated from Northwestern University with a B.S. degree (Mechanical Engineering, 2003) and is a member of ASME.

The effects of system voltage on electric machine design

Marine propulsion is essentially a variable speed — variable torque application. In the early days of the transition from purely mechanical drive trains to electrical versions, the only variable speed equipment available was powered by direct current. As the general understanding of power electronics and the successful development and deployment of technology has progressed, so too has the breadth of its applicability. Now, with systems capable of delivering usable alternating current from rectified sources over a wide range of frequencies, both synchronous and induction designs are making inroads into areas once thought to be the sole province of direct current machines. Modern power electronics systems are available that can deliver high current, high voltage, or both. The purpose of this paper is to present the case for choosing between the myriad of options so that the complexity of the rotating equipment connected to the output shaft is minimized, and that overall system reliability is not compromised.