OSWALD Elektromotoren GmbH, Miltenberg, Germany, is experienced in direct linear
motors with high power density. For some special applications the requirements are
extremely demanding and almost beyond reach, even for state-of-the-art linear motors
operated at room temperature. In order to obtain even higher power density, and hence
also increased acceleration, we have to develop a new technology for linear motors. In this
paper we propose a round superconducting linear motor. The stator windings will be made
of YBCO coated conductors in the shape of double pancake coils. The frequency
will be limited to approximately 10 Hz for this application. The actuator will be
provided with NdFeB permanent magnets. The special cryogenic design will be
discussed. The cooling of the stator will be provided by lN2 at 77 K or lower. The
calculated force of this SC linear motor is 10 000 N. The force density will be 2–3
times more than the normal conducting counterpart of the same dimensions.