Midspan active magnetic bearing

A method for supporting at least two shafts, comprising:

• disposing the at least two shafts in a compressor having a first side and a second side separated by a division wall, the at least two shafts being axially connected to each other at respective first ends of the at least two shafts;
• supporting a first shaft of the at least two shafts with a first radial bearing proximate a second end of the first shaft;
• supporting a second shaft of the at least two shafts with a second radial bearing proximate a second end of the second shaft;
• and
• supporting the first ends of the at least two shafts with an intermediate radial bearing disposed at or adjacent the division wall, the intermediate radial bearing being disposed between the first radial bearing and the second radial bearing and proximate the connected first ends of the first shaft and the second shaft.

A compression system, comprising:

• a compressor having a first side and a second side separated by a division wall;
• a first shaft and a second shaft within the compressor, the first shaft and the second shaft being axially connected to each other at respective first ends via a rotor portion of an intermediate radial bearing, the rotor portion including a plurality of laminations stacked between a first plate and a second plate fastened to each other;
• a first radial bearing disposed on a first side of the intermediate radial bearing and proximate a second end of the first shaft, the first radial bearing configured to support the first shaft;
• and
• a second radial bearing disposed on a second side opposite to the first side of the intermediate radial bearing and proximate a second end of the second shaft, the second radial bearing configured to support the second shaft.