High Speed Passive Magnetic Bearing with Increased Load Supporting Capabilities.

The presented passive magnetic bearing comprises an inherent ironless power generator provided with three coil systems per control axis. The energy coming from the generator is transferred via a simple passive signalprocessing unit to an actuator, which is similar to those typically used in ordinary active magnetic bearings. As the actuator is located at the close vicinity to the generator, the energy need not be transported over great distances. The bearing possesses load capacity and stiffness characteristics that are similar to those of conventional active magnetic bearings without need of expensive and complicated sensors, amplifiers, control systems and wiring. It is capable to supply power needed to control the rotor position of some few tens of kilowatts. The bearing can be conceived for almost arbitrary available power and stiffness requirements. As long as the rotor is at the radially centered position, practically no losses are present. The bearing does not comprise active elements, nevertheless, it does use some semiconductor components in the presented design, but only passive ones (diodes).