Huge amounts of energy are wasted in gearboxes around the world. Losses occur in bearings, but more so between the teeth of the gears themselves. With this in view, the MAGDRIVE project has produced prototype gearboxes in which both conventional toothed gears & bearings are replaced with magnetic alternatives.
In space, cold & a near perfect vacuum create a unique set of problems for lubrication. Superconductor magnets make one prototype of MAGDRIVE a perfect match.
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/12/this-maglev-gearbox-doesnt-need-teeth/ / inefficient gearing system gear teeth friction frictional losses heat mechanical wear magnetic levitation repulsion developed collaboration seven European nations built two working prototypes magnetic gear reducer frictionless magnetic axles transmission system tooth researchers UC3M research centre Madrid cryogenic temperatures -210C superconductors axles floating stabilise rotating prototype works at room temperature toothed cogs permanent magnets repel attract force coupling physical contact railways railroads oil industry lubrication sterile environments food drug industries /
