Radial and axial flux superconducting motors in a levitating rotor configuration
The capability of superconducting blocks to be partially magnetized allows both bearing and powering functions in a conventional stator and superconducting rotor configuration. This levitating rotor concept is investigated by means of the basic parameters: torque, levitation and centering forces in two motors with radial and axial excitation respectively. We report on the design and behavior of a high speed motor with a cylindrical HTSC rotor excited by a conventional four poles four phases armature generating a radial field. We also report on a second motor with a disk shaped HTSC rotor excited by a conventional, four poles three phases, double armature which generates an axial field in the gap. Torque, power and centering and levitating forces measurements are also provided.