Magnet configurations for magnetic levitation of wind turbines and other apparatus

摘要

A wind turbine having one or more magnets for reducing friction between the turbine support and a turbine rotor. The reduction of friction between the turbine rotor and the turbine support allows for an increase in energy production and scale of the wind turbines. The magnet configuration employs a ring of cylindrically-shaped magnets at the bottom and opposed by a corresponding number of generally rectangular-shaped magnets. Bearing magnets are also employed for axial stabilization.

主权项

1. A wind turbine, comprising:
a turbine rotor; a turbine support; a first magnet set located on a lower surface of said turbine rotor, magnets therein having a generally rectangular shape and disposed in a ring along said lower surface of said turbine rotor; and a second magnet set located on an upper surface of said turbine support, magnets therein having a generally cylindrical shape, each of said cylindrically-shaped magnets being disposed in a ring and substantially aligned below a respective rectangularly-shaped magnet in said first magnet set, whereby, in operation, a space between said first magnet set on said turbine rotor and said second magnet set on said turbine support opens, wherein the space is created by the magnet sets in opposition.