CONTROL ASPECTS OF SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETS FOR MAGNETIC SUSPENSIONS AND BEARINGS

The paper describes some theoretical and experimental considerations a imed at identifying the main characteristics of high T-c superconducti ng magnets for use in controlled applications such as magnetic suspens ions and bearings. The theoretical model is formulated to represent th e requirements necessary for such applications, and some experiments r einforce this by assessing the effects of periodic variations in both excitation and reluctance over a range of frequencies. In this way a c lear understanding can be obtained of the factors which affect the los ses in the superconductors, and also the drive voltage requirements ar e identified for different operating conditions.