Passive, Active and Loss Tradeoffs in High-Speed Bearingless Motors

Material costs and novel applications have directed research interests towards miniaturized, faster rotatory electric drives. The challenges of miniaturization have made magnetic bearings more attractive, which are naturally suited for high speeds and virtually need zero maintenance. In this domain, slice motors are studied, given their stabilizing passive characteristics that simplify control schemes. Two bearingless slice motors are studied, and their passive stability, active properties along motor losses are assessed. A sensitivity analysis is conducted and an optimization example is presented.