Levitating bearings using superconductor technology under smart systems scope

Abstract

This paper presents a study about the cooling and leakage aspects of superconductor magnetic bearings towards their integration on a smart systems scope to keep the stability of the cooling system. The use of superconductor magnetic bearings in electric power generation, namely in wind power has been increased due to their weight, friction less, and volume reduction advantages. The novelty of this paper is the use of Zero-Field Cooling instead of the common Field Cooling technique. On the other hand, this new kind of bearings needs a constant flow of liquid nitrogen to keep the superconductivity properties. A prototype was modelled, simulated and implemented for experimental validation.