Abstract
We have developed a new hybrid magnetic(HM)bearing system for durable and small size artificial hearts. A prototype maglev pump was also developed to verify the feasibility of the developed HM bearing system. A small impeller centrifugal pump was combined with the HM bearing for the prototype pump. The impeller is levitated by a set of HM bearings at both sides of the impeller. A motor stator is set at the center of the device to rotate the levitated impeller. Maximum rotating speed with complete levitation in the air is15, 000rpm. Maximum oscillation amplitude in the radial direction is 0. 04mm with a target rotating number of5, 000rpm. The developed HM bearing system indicated sufficient levitation performance for the artificial heart and the magnetically levitated centrifugal pump with small impeller also displayed good pump performance as a ventricular assist system.
