DYNAMIC SUSPENSION CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPACT DOUBLE STATOR AXIAL GAP MOTOR WITH FULL MAGNETIC LEVITATION DURING ROTARY BLOOD PUMP OPERATION

Abstract

Compact magnetically suspended motors have been demanded to achieve miniature pediatric VAD which has long life expectancy and better hemocompatibility. An ultra-compact 5-degrees of freedom controlled self-bearing motor has been developed in this study. The motor consists of two identical motor stators and a levitated impeller sandwiched by both stators, and is driven as 6-slot and 4-pole synchronous permanent magnet motor. This paper investigated impeller suspension characteristics during centrifugal pump operation with closed circulation loop. The developed maglev pediatric VAD can produce enough flow rate to provide circulatory support for pediatric heart disease patients. The motor can completely levitate the impeller and sufficiently suppress the impeller vibration, that is indicating well suspension performance.