Motor or generator apparatus with ionisable fluid-filled gap

Apparatus comprising:

• an electrostatic bearing;
• wherein the electrostatic bearing comprises:
• a first conductor part defining a first conductor region and a second conductor part defining a second conductor region, the first and second conductor parts being spaced apart to define opposed sides of a passageway extending between the first and second conductor regions;
• and
• an inner part moveable relative to at least the first conductor part along the passageway extending between the first and second conductor regions, with movement of the inner part relative to the first conductor part defining a circumferential path extending through the passageway, the inner part being spaced from the first conductor part to form a fluid-filled gap;
• wherein the electrostatic bearing is configured to generate a region of electrical conductivity in the fluid in the fluid-filled gap between the first and second conductor regions;
• wherein at least one of the first conductor part and the inner part comprises a radially facing electrically insulating surface exposed to the fluid-filled gap and onto which charge is deposited when the region of electrically conductive fluid is generated between the first and second conductor regions, whereby a radial repulsive force is produced between the first conductor part and the inner part;
• wherein the fluid in the fluid-filled gap is an ionisable fluid;
• and
• wherein the first and second conductor parts are configured to generate the region of electrical conductivity in the fluid via application of an electric field to the fluid, the electric field causing the fluid to change from an electrical insulator to an electrical conductor by exposure to the electric field.