Post by SnidelyA video I recently watched was about the development of vertical
windmill generators, primarily for household/farm power provisioning,
supplmental, off-grid, and backup supplies.
One of the construction details is the use of magnetic bearings on the
main vertical shaft, which supports the vanes, which are visually
similar to oil drum halves. In describing these, the developer
mentioned that the manufacturer of the magnets promised that they could
run 42 years with no significant degradation.
My question is whether this longevity is due to each of the magnets
acting a keeper for the other. I know that for traditional horseshoe
magnets it is recommended to use a keeper bar across the ends to aid in
retaining the magnetization. Is something similar going on when two
ring magnets are stacked? I don't know what the shape of the magnetic
field is in ring magnets, and I don't have a supply of fine iron
filings, although I do have some thumbprint-sized disk magnets I ccould
put under the paper.
ChatGPT's take on this:
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The longevity of the magnets used in magnetic bearings for vertical
windmill generators does indeed relate to the design and arrangement of
the magnets, among other factors. Using magnetic bearings can
significantly reduce friction and wear compared to traditional
mechanical bearings, which enhances the lifespan of the system.
1. Magnet Degradation and Longevity:
The claim of 42 years without significant degradation is primarily based
on the stability of the materials used in the magnets (often neodymium
or samarium-cobalt) and their resistance to demagnetization. Factors
such as temperature, humidity, and external magnetic fields can affect
magnet performance, so proper design and environmental considerations
play a key role in achieving long life.
2. Magnetic Keepers:
Indeed, magnetic keepers are used in traditional horseshoe magnets to
help retain magnetization by providing a closed magnetic circuit. This
helps to minimize the loss of magnetic flux. In a similar way, stacking
ring magnets can maintain a strong magnetic field, but unlike horseshoe
magnets, the geometry and configuration play an important role.
When you stack two ring magnets, they do create a more unified magnetic
field, but they don't necessarily act as keepers in the way traditional
magnets do. Instead, they work together to form a stronger overall
magnetic field while helping to equalize the magnetic forces at play.
The design of the magnetic circuit in the bearing assembly may also
incorporate other factors, such as pole arrangements and air gaps, which
can optimize performance.
3. Magnetic Field Characteristics:
The shape of the magnetic field in a ring magnet is not as
straightforward as in horseshoe magnets. In general, a ring magnet has a
magnetic field that flows from one side of the magnet through the center
hole and back around to the other side. The field lines are concentrated
near the edges, and there is a significant field within the ring as
well.
Using fine iron filings or similar materials can help visualize this
field. The filings will tend to align along the magnetic field lines,
giving you a good indication of the field strength and direction.
4. Conclusion:
In conclusion, the longevity of the magnets in your video is likely due
to a combination of the high-quality materials used, the arrangement of
the magnets, and the specific design of the magnetic bearing system that
minimizes detrimental influences. While stacking magnets doesn't provide
the same function as traditional keepers, it can help optimize the
magnetic circuit in certain configurations.
If you're interested in further exploring the behavior of magnets,
experimenting with your disk magnets under a sheet of paper with iron
filings can indeed provide insight into how magnetic fields work!
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Post by Snidelyhttp://youtu.be/AyF0td7oygM
For those interested in the turbine design, there's discussion of vane
shape at
http://youtu.be/AyF0td7oygM
/dps