Magnetic suspension and drive system for rotating equipment

Abstract

An electromagnetic suspension and rotary drive system comprises at least one conical bearingless motor/generator. Each conical bearingless motor/generator comprises a rotatable part and a stationary part. The rotatable part has an axis of rotation with respect to the stationary part. The stationary part has one or more windings for producing a drive field and a control field. The drive field is provided for exerting a torque on the rotatable part to transfer energy between the rotatable part and the stationary part. The control field is provided for exerting a force on the rotatable part to levitate the rotatable part. The force exerted by the conical bearingless motor/generator is adapted to be directed at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable part.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.