Optimization of radial active magnetic bearings using the finite element technique and the differential evolution algorithm

An optimization of radial active magnetic bearings is presented in the paper. The radial bearing is numerically optimized, using differential evolution-a stochastic direct search algorithm. The nonlinear solution of the magnetic vector potential is determined, using the 2D finite element method. The force is calculated by Maxwell's stress tensor method. The parameters of the optimized and nonoptimized bearing are compared. The force, the current gain, and the position stiffness are given as functions of the control current and rotor displacement.