Mechanical Construction and Bearing Function Integration in Tubular Linear Flux Switching Machines

This contribution discusses the integration of bearing function within the tubular linear (TL) flux switching (FS) permanent magnet (PM) machines (TLFSPM machines). The mechanical integration allows reducing the machines volumes and therefore increasing the force density. The goal here is not to present a final design which has proven to be feasible and reliable, but rather to discuss the concept. It is aimed at stimulating new ideas.