Towards the operational demonstration of a horizontal axis radial magnetic levitation bearing with zero-field cooled high temperature superconducting bulks

This editorial provides views and guidelines on the development and operation of horizontal axis radial levitation passive magnetic bearings (PMB) with High-temperature Superconducting (HTS) bulks using Zero-Field cooling (ZFC) in the stator and permanent magnet (PM) rings in the rotor. These are based on results from a framework on the conception, study, optimization, implementation and experimental testing of proof-of-concept prototypes. Views and guidelines are given on: i) Methodologies to facilitate the initial Zero-field cooling ZFC magnetization process; ii) Topologies of HTS bulks for which levitation is verified with alignment of the rotor and stator axes; iii) PM rotor sizing to create guiding stability; iv) Addition of external limiting PM rings to significantly increase guidance forces and stiffness; and v) Scale-up principles to consider on the design of bearings to support higher weight rotors.