Using magnets instead of bearings?

[irethedo]

Has anyone ever attempted to use magnets instead of bearings in a permanent magnet generator to support the rotator and to cut down on friction?

This seems like it could be a simple way to create a generator that spins freely and with little drag which might be ideal for a small wind turbine application or something that requires little force to turn it...

Any ideas on this or is there something out there already using this concept?

thanks

[BEP]

Lookup 'Halbach Array' and passive magnetic bearings.

They are used but rarely.

In my opinion if the motor can't overcome bearing losses easily then it likely won't work anyway.

[Paul-R]

Has anyone ever attempted to use magnets instead of bearings in a permanent magnet generator to support the rotator and to cut down on friction?

This is an off-the-peg item. Try googling for "magnetic bearing" or
http://www.waukbearing.com/
Paul.

[nightlife]

 Here is a link I found.

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/spacemech/workshop02/mag-brg.html

[yaz]

Here's a pic of a Halbach Array bearing setup using square magnets. Seems easy enough.