Reduced Maintenance Requirements Research Articles

Feed Restriction on Productive Performance of Layer Chickens: A Review

Feed restriction is method of feeding where time, duration and amount of feed are limited, and it has an impact on whether a bird is capable of achieving the same productive performance as unrestricted birds. Feed restriction included of quantitative and qualitative restriction that is in quantitative to limiting the amount of feed daily given to the animals whereas a qualitative restriction is related to nutrient dilution in the diet. Different research results indicated that restriction of feed on layers production have controversial effect on feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, body weight gain, egg weight and quality. Overall, the potential of feed restriction programs as a management’s tool is important to increasing the egg production, egg quality, reduce maintenance requirements and improvement of feed efficiency in layers chickens. Also can be lead to economical saving in cost of feeding in layers chicken, thus may be usefulness for commercial layers chicks production farms. Keywords : feed restriction, Layers, performance, production DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-11-04 Publication date: June 30 th 2021

Evaluation of two benchtop blood gas analyzers for measurement of electrolyte concentrations in venous blood samples from dogs.

To assess agreement between 2 benchtop blood gas analyzers developed by 1 manufacturer (BGA 1 and BGA 2 [a newer model with reduced maintenance requirements]) and a reference chemistry analyzer for measurement of electrolyte (sodium, chloride, and potassium) in blood samples from dogs. 17 healthy staff- and student-owned dogs and 23 client-owned dogs admitted to an emergency and intensive care service. Blood collected by venipuncture was placed in lithium heparin-containing tubes. Aliquots were analyzed immediately with each BGA. Samples were centrifuged, and plasma was analyzed with the reference analyzer. Results for each BGA were compared with results for the reference analyzer by Passing-Bablok regression analysis. Percentage differences between BGA and reference analyzer results were compared with published guidelines for total allowable error. Proportional bias was detected for measurement of chloride concentration (slope, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.7 to 0.8), and constant positive bias was detected for measurement of chloride (y-intercept, 34, mmol/L; 95% CI, 16.9 to 38 mmol/L) and potassium (y-intercept, 0.1 mmol/L; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.2 mmol/L) concentrations with BGA 1. There was no significant bias for measurement of potassium or chloride concentration with BGA 2 or sodium concentration with either BGA. Differences from the reference analyzer result exceeded total allowable error guidelines for ≥ 1 sample/analyte/BGA, but median observed measurement differences between each BGA and the reference analyzer did not. Good agreement with reference analyzer results was found for measurement of the selected electrolyte concentrations in canine blood samples with each BGA.

Landscape Aesthetics and Maintenance Perceptions: Assessing the Relationship between Homeowners’ Visual Attention and Landscape Care Knowledge

Residential landscape design choices can be used to reduce inputs (e.g. fertilizer, irrigation, etc.) to landscapes which may negatively impact the environment. However, homeowners’ opinions of low input landscapes are highly variable and frequently rely on aesthetic and maintenance perceptions. Understanding how consumers view low input landscapes is an important component when developing policies to encourage installation of more environmentally friendly options. The purpose of this study was to quantify homeowners’ perceptions of and visual attention to different landscape designs. Specifically, participants (n = 133) were asked to evaluate 8 Florida-Friendly Landscapes for curb appeal and maintenance requirements. While evaluating the landscapes, participants’ eye movements were recorded. Ordered logit models tested how landscape composition, consumer knowledge, and visual attention influenced their perceptions. Overall, visual appeal was highest for heterogeneous landscapes (i.e. incorporating both turfgrass and plants) and lowest for homogenous landscapes (i.e. primarily composed of turfgrass or plants). Homeowners with more knowledge about landscape care viewed the landscapes as more visually appealing and requiring less maintenance than participants with less knowledge. Greater visual attention was positively correlated with increased visual appeal and maintenance ratings. Overall, results imply that landscape ordinances that allow flexibility in incorporation of both turfgrass and ornamental plants optimizes visual appeal of landscape options and attract homeowners. Furthermore, emphasizing the reduced maintenance requirements of low input landscapes could encourage homeowner adoption.

Thermoelectric cooling and heating of human body temperature

The cooling and/or heating of human body temperature is of critical importance and interest in a myriad of applications, however, the use of thermoelectric cooling has made little impact in this area. Current solutions focus on the use of wearable materials that assist the natural temperature regulation of the human body, or the use of liquid cooling techniques reliant on refrigerant fluid or large quantities of dry ice, often used in astronaut spacesuits, worn by surgeons during long surgical procedures, firefighters, military personnel, and motor racing drivers. The motivation for this work is to investigate the feasibility of using thermoelectricity to achieve the cooling process, replacing the existing use of refrigerant fluid and associated compressor and refrigeration components or the use of large quantities of dry ice to create chilled or cooled water. A thermoelectric cooling/heating prototype system has been designed and tested, and successfully demonstrates the temperature of circulating water within small tubes incorporated into a person’s vest undergarment can be used to regulate body temperature. The system briefly comprises: a small reservoir tank of water; a thermoelectric module, heatsink and electronic fan; a small electronic water pump; a proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) controller; interconnecting tubing to carry the circulating water; and a vest undergarment that is worn by the user to help regulate their body temperature. Results presented demonstrate the thermoelectric module successfully cools or heats the water circulating around the vest undergarment, which when worn by a user can be used to lower or increase their external body temperature and improve their temperature comfort levels. The thermoelectric cooling/heating system has several advantages over existing solutions including; a significant decrease in size and weight; system cost; accurate temperature control; ability to provide cooling or heating under user control; no moving parts within the thermoelectric module contributing to high reliability and reduced maintenance requirements; quiet in operation; the elimination of dry ice in the cooling process; and no use of refrigerate fluid or other harmful chemicals. Further work will optimize the design, scale the system to achieve specific cooling/heating targets, and demonstrate the effectiveness of the system in improving a user’s temperature comfort levels.

Differential hepatic oxidative status in steers with divergent residual feed intake phenotype

Oxidative stress occurs when oxidant production exceeds the antioxidant capacity to detoxify the reactive intermediates or to repair the resulting damage. Feed efficiency has been associated with mitochondrial function due to its impact on cell energy metabolism. However, mitochondria are also recognized as a major source of oxidants. The aim of this study was to determine lipid and protein oxidative stress markers, and gene and protein expression as well as activity of antioxidant enzymes in the liver of steers of divergent residual feed intake (RFI) phenotypes. Hereford steers (n = 111) were evaluated in post-weaning 70 days standard test for RFI. Eighteen steers exhibiting the greatest (n = 9; high-RFI) and the lowest (n = 9; low-RFI) RFI values were selected for this study. After the test, steers were managed together under grazing conditions until slaughter when they reached the slaughter body weight. At slaughter, hepatic samples were obtained, were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80°C until analyses. Hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive species and protein carbonyls were greater (P = 0.05) and hepatic 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for high- than low-RFI steers. Hepatic gene expression glutathione peroxidase 4, glutamate–cysteine ligase catalytic subunit and peroxiredoxin 5 mRNA was greater (P ≤ 0.05) and glutathione peroxidase 3 mRNA tended (P = 0.10) to be greater in low- than high-RFI steers. Hepatic protein expression and enzyme activity of manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity tended (P ≤ 0.10) to be greater for low- than high-RFI steers. High-efficiency steers (low-RFI) probably had better hepatic oxidative status which was strongly associated with greater antioxidant ability near to the oxidant production site and, therefore, reduced oxidative stress of the liver. Decreased hepatic oxidative stress would reduce maintenance requirements due to a lower protein and lipid turnover and better efficiency in the use of energy.

Turning the electric motor inside out: A Belgian startup's axial-flux motor for EVs is small, light, and powerful

The World is Electrifying Fast. Manufacturing processes, cars, trucks, motorcycles, and now airplanes are making the move to electrons that Edison predicted more than a century ago. And they are all doing so for much the same reasons: quieter operation, reduced maintenance requirements, better performance and efficiency, and a more flexible use of energy sources.

Kinematic and Dynamic Analysis of Magnetic Gear With Dual-Mechanical Port Using Block Diagrams

Magnetic gears with dual-mechanical port have several attractive features, such as reduced maintenance requirements and inherent overload protection, as compared with mechanical gears. However, it is difficult to obtain an intuitive analytical model because of its complicated magnetic flux interaction, and the dual-port transmission of this magnetic gear is rarely discussed. These difficulties actually limit the practical applications and increase the control difficulty. Therefore, this paper develops a modeling approach based on the block diagram. Both of the kinematic and dynamic characteristics for a dual-port transmission can be obtained in one unified description. This control-based approach also provides more flexibility and convenience, facilitating further control applications. The feasibility will be verified by finite element analysis simulation and experimental results.

Evaluation of a magnetic gear for air‐cooled condenser applications

In high-power industrial applications such as air-cooled condenser fans, excessive mechanical gear failures highlight a need to investigate possible alternatives. In this study, the concentric magnetic gear (CMG) is evaluated as a potential replacement for traditional mechanical gear. For a more objective comparison between the CMG and mechanical gear, a CMG is optimally designed in accordance with the performance specifications of an existing mechanical gear. The design is further refined for performance improvements taking into account mechanical strength requirements. Based on the design a CMG prototype is manufactured and experimentally evaluated against its mechanical counterpart under the same operating conditions. The performance of both gears achieved efficiency in the mid 90% range. The mechanical gear slightly outperformed the CMG under rated operating conditions. The large unbalanced magnetic forces within the CMG are likely responsible for the larger than expected no-load losses. With the advantage of overload protection, reduced maintenance requirements, the CMG could be a valid replacement for the mechanical gear.

Non-sterile fermentations for the economical biochemical conversion of renewable feedstocks.

Heavy reliance on petroleum-based products drives continuous exploitation of fossil fuels, and results in serious environmental and climate problems. To address such an issue, there is a shift from petroleum sources to renewable ones. Biochemical conversion via fermentation is a primary platform for converting renewable sources to biofuels and bulk chemicals. In order to provide cost-competitive alternatives, it is imperative to develop efficient, cost-saving, and robust fermentation processes. Non-sterile fermentation offers several benefits compared to sterile fermentation, including elimination of sterility, reduced maintenance requirements, relatively simple bioreactor design, and simplified operation. Thus, cost effectiveness of non-sterile fermentation makes it a practical platform for low cost, large volume production of biofuels and bulk chemicals. Many approaches have been developed to conduct non-sterile fermentation without sacrificing the yields and productivities of fermentation products. This review focuses on the strategies for conducting non-sterile fermentation. The challenges facing non-sterile fermentation are also discussed.

561 Effects of ractopamine hydrochloride on lysine utilization by growing cattle

Two separate sets of 6 ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (240 kg) were used to study effects of ractopamine on lysine utilization. Steers were housed in metabolism crates and limit-fed 2.52 kg DM/d of a diet (10.1% CP) containing 82% soybean hulls twice daily. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial with 2 levels of ractopamine-HCl (0 and 200 mg/d) and 3 levels of lysine (0, 6, and 15 g/d) continuously infused abomasally. For each replicate of 6 steers, a completely randomized design was used for main-plot treatments (ractopamine-HCl; 0 vs 200 mg/d). Each steer received subplot treatments (lysine; 0, 6, or 15 g/d) in random sequence, such that each replicate contained concurrent 3 × 3 Latin squares, with each Latin square representing either 0 or 200 mg/d ractopamine-HCl. All steers were continuously infused ruminally with 200 g/d acetic acid, 200 g/d propionic acid, and 50 g/d butyric acid and abomasally with 300 g/d glucose to increase energy supply. Urea (10 g/d) was infused ruminally to ensure adequate ruminal ammonia. Steers were abomasally infused with excess of all essential AA except lysine to ensure lysine was solely limiting. Periods were 6 d with N retention measured on d 3 to 6 and longissimus biopsies and blood collected on d 6. Lysine increased (P<0.01) N retention for both control steers (21.3, 28.6, 33.9 g/d) and ractopamine-fed steers (25.5, 33.2, 38.9 g/d); ractopamine tended (P= 0.07) to increase N retention. Lysine linearly decreased (P<0.01) plasma urea (2.83, 2.04, 1.88 mM), leucine, and valine, but increased (P<0.01) plasma lysine (34, 51, 76 mM), arginine, and alanine. Ractopamine decreased (P<0.05) plasma lysine and arginine concentrations. In longissimus, ractopamine increased (P<0.05) phosphorylation of RPS6 on Ser-235 and Ser-244, and tended to increase (P= 0.08) phosphorylation of AKT on Thr-308 but not Ser-473. Abundance of MAFbx was decreased (P= 0.01) and MURF1 was numerically decreased (P= 0.14) by ractopamine. Lysine supplementation did not affect phosphorylation of RPS6 or AKT or abundance of MAFbx or MURF1. The efficiency of lysine use between 0 and 6 g/d supplemental lysine was 49% for control and 51% for ractopamine-supplemented steers. N retention tended to be improved by ractopamine when lysine supply was limiting, but incremental efficiencies of lysine utilization were not affected by ractopamine, suggesting that ractopamine reduced maintenance requirements for lysine.

Single use and conventional bronchoscopes for Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) in research: a comparative study (NCT 02515591)

BackgroundBroncho alveolar lavage (BAL) is widely used for investigative research to study innate, cellular and humoral immune responses, and in early phase drug trials. Conventional (multiple use) flexible bronchoscopes have time and monetary costs associated with cleaning, and carries a small risk of cross infection. Single use bronchoscopes may provide an alternative, but have not been evaluated in this context.MethodsHealthy volunteers underwent bronchoscopy at a day-case clinical research unit using the Ambu® aScopeTM single-use flexible intubation bronchoscope. Broncho alveolar lavage was performed from a sub segmental bronchus within the right middle lobe; a total of 200 ml of warmed normal saline was instilled then aspirated using handheld suction. BAL volume yield, cell yield and viability were recorded.ResultsTen volunteers, (mean age 23 years, six male) participated. Bronchoscopies were carried out by one of two senior bronchoscopists, experienced in the technique of obtaining BAL for research purposes. The results were compared to 50 (mean age 23, 14 male) procedures performed using the conventional scope by the same two bronchoscopists. The total volume yield was significantly higher in the disposable group median 152 ml (IQR 141–166 ml) as compared to conventional 124 ml (110–135 ml), p = <0.01. The total cell yield and viability were similar in both groups, with no significant differences.ConclusionsWith single use bronchoscopes, we achieved a larger BAL volume yield than conventional bronchoscopes, with comparable cell yield and viability. Better volume yields can potentially reduce post procedure side effects such as pleuritic chest pain and cough. The risk of cross infection can be eliminated, providing reassurance to researchers and participants. Reduced maintenance requirements can be cost effective. These could potentially be used for early phase drug development studies.Trial registrationThis trial was registered prospectively in July 2015 with the National Clinical Trials register, with the following registration number assigned: NCT 02515591.

An eddy-covariance system with an innovative vortex intake for measuring carbon dioxide and water fluxes of ecosystems

Abstract. Closed-path eddy-covariance (EC) systems are used to monitor exchanges of trace gases (e.g., carbon dioxide [CO2], water vapor [H2O], nitrous oxide and methane) between the atmosphere and biosphere. Traditional EC-intake systems are equipped with inline filters to prevent airborne dust particulate from contaminating the optical windows of the sample cell which causes measurement degradation. The inline filter should have a fine pore size (1 to 20 µm is common) to adequately protect the optics and a large filtration surface area to extend the time before it clogs. However, the filter must also have minimal internal volume to preserve good frequency response. This paper reports test results of the field performance of an EC system (EC155, Campbell Scientific, Inc., Logan Utah, USA) with a prototype vortex intake replacing the inline filter of a traditional EC system. The vortex-intake design is based on fluid dynamics theory. An air sample is drawn into the vortex chamber, where it spins in a vortex flow. The initially homogenous flow is separated when particle momentum forces heavier particles to the periphery of the chamber, leaving a much cleaner airstream at the center. Clean air (75 % of total flow) is drawn from the center of the vortex chamber, through a tube, to the sample cell where it is exposed to the optical windows of the gas analyzer. The remaining 25 % of the flow carries the heavier dust particles away through a separate bypass tube. An EC155 system measured CO2 and H2O fluxes in two urban-forest ecosystems in the megalopolis of Beijing, China. These sites present a challenge for EC measurements because of the generally poor air quality which has high concentrations of suspended particulate. The closed-path EC system with vortex intake significantly reduced maintenance requirements by preserving optical signal strength and sample-cell pressure within acceptable ranges for much longer periods. The system with vortex intake also maintained an excellent frequency response. For example, at the Badaling site, the amount of system downtime attributed solely to clogged filters was reduced from 26 % with traditional inline filters to 0 % with the prototype vortex intake. The use of a vortex intake could extend the geographical applicability of the EC technique in ecology and allow investigators to acquire more accurate and continuous measurements of trace-gas fluxes in a wider range of ecosystems.

All-SiC 9.5 kW/dm3On-Board Power Electronics for 50 kW/85 kHz Automotive IPT System

Inductive power transfer (IPT) is widely discussed for the automated opportunity charging of plug-in hybrid and electric public transport buses without moving mechanical components and reduced maintenance requirements. In this paper, the design of an on-board active rectifier and dc-dc converter for interfacing the receiver coil of a 50 kW/85 kHz IPT system is designed. Both conversion stages employ 1.2 kV SiC MOSFET devices for their low switching losses. For the dc-dc conversion, a modular, nonisolated buck+boost-type topology with coupled magnetic devices is used for increasing the power density. For the presented hardware prototype, a power density of 9.5 kW/dm 3 (or 156 W/in 3 ) is achieved, while the ac-dc efficiency from the IPT receiver coil to the vehicle battery is 98.6%. Comprehensive experimental results are presented throughout this paper to support the theoretical analysis.

Improving the performance of railway tracks through ballast interventions

Maintenance and eventual renewal of a ballasted track constitute major operational costs for a railway network. Thus, significant benefits would accrue from a more robust track design having a longer service life and reduced maintenance requirements. This paper presents the results from a laboratory study and explores the potential to achieve this through improving the ballast grading and reducing the ballast shoulder slope. Cyclic loading tests were carried out on a section of track representing one sleeper bay in plane strain, in the Southampton Railway Testing Facility. A cyclic load representing a 20 tonne axle load was applied at 3 Hz for at least 3 million cycles, during which measurements of permanent and resilient vertical deflection were made. Certain interventions are found to result in lower rates of permanent settlement and different resilient ranges of movement. Supplementary measurements to determine longitudinal pressure, ballast breakage and attrition, and shoulder slope movement were used to explore the mechanisms responsible for the observed improvements in ballast bed performance. It is concluded that the use of finer ballast gradings and a shallower shoulder slope have the potential to reduce maintenance requirements.

Design and Performance Analysis of Double Stator Axial Flux PM Generator for Rim Driven Marine Current Turbines

This paper presents the design and performance analysis of double stator axial flux permanent magnet generators for rim-driven marine current turbines (MCT). In submarine applications, drive train reliability is a key feature for reducing maintenance requirements. Rim-driven, direct-drive, multistator generators can therefore be an interesting solution to improve reliability. In this context, the work presented here focuses on the design of a double-stator, axial flux, permanent magnet (PM) generator as a rim-driven, direct-drive, multistator generator. The models, specifications and an optimization procedure that facilitate the preliminary design of these kinds of generators for rim-driven marine turbines are presented. Validation with finite element computations and a performance analysis for a particular design of rim driven generators are conducted. The results obtained highlight some designs issues associated with PM generators for rim driven marine turbines. To assess the effectiveness of the double stator axial flux PM generator, a comparison with a surface mounted radial flux PM generator design for rim marine turbines is carried out. The comparison shows that the double stator axial flux generator has a better cooling characteristic and a reduced active parts cost and mass than the radial flux PM generator.

An Investigation on Manufacturing of Self-healing Materials

Self-healing material is receiving an increasing amount of worldwide interest as a method to autonomously address damage in materials. Biological organisms have an amazing ability to automatically initiate self-healing. Materials engineers are dreaming about making materials that could replicate the same features. Self-healing materials are a class of smart materials that have the ability to incorporate repairing ofstructural damage caused by mechanical usage over time. Initiation of cracks and other types of damage on a microscopic level has been found to change thermal, electrical, and acoustical properties, and eventually lead to whole scale failure of the material. The reason of failure usually, found in the form of cracks, are sorted out by special instrumentsand are mended by hand, which is unsatisfactory because cracks often needs cautious work to detect& repair them. A material (polymers, ceramics, etc.) that can intrinsically correct damage caused by normal usage could lower production costs of a number of different industrial processes through longer part lifetime, reduction of inefficiency over time caused by degradation, as well as prevent costs incurred by material failure is discussed in this paper. Imagine self-repairing cars, planes, bridges or buildings. These materials could be of particular use in structures that are at present impractical or impossible to repair, such as electronic circuit boards, implanted medical devices or spacecraft. Self-repairing materials would have a massive impact on virtually all industries, lengthening product lifetimes, increasing safety, and lowering product costs by reducing maintenance requirements.

Adaptation to climate change in industry: improving resource efficiency through sustainable production applications.

The objective of this study was to investigate the climate change adaptation opportunities of six companies from different sectors through resource efficiency and sustainable production. A total of 77 sustainable production options were developed for the companies based on the audits conducted. After screening these opportunities with each company's staff, 19 options were selected and implemented. Significant water savings (849,668 m3/year) were achieved as a result of the applications that targeted reduction of water use. In addition to water savings, the energy consumption was reduced by 3,607 MWh, which decreased the CO2 emissions by 904.1 tons/year. Moreover, the consumption of 278.4 tons/year of chemicals (e.g., NaCl, CdO, NaCN) was avoided, thus the corresponding pollution load to the wastewater treatment plant was reduced. Besides the tangible improvements, other gains were achieved, such as improved product quality, improved health and safety conditions, reduced maintenance requirements, and ensured compliance with national and EU regulations. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first ever activity in Turkey devoted to climate change adaptation in the private sector. This study may serve as a building block in Turkey for the integration of climate change adaptation and mitigation approach in the industry, since water efficiency (adaptation) and carbon reduction (mitigation) are achieved simultaneously.

Management of fatigue cracking: West Gate Bridge, Melbourne

Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge has recently been the subject of a major, award-winning strengthening project designed to increase load capacity and reduce maintenance requirements. This paper addresses the management of existing and potential fatigue cracking on the steel spans of the bridge. Recent growth in average vehicle weight and traffic volumes has continued to give rise to fatigue cracking, something the bridge has suffered from since soon after it was opened, particularly in areas directly subject to wheel and axle loads. The paper summarises the work being undertaken on the fatigue-prone areas and focuses on crack monitoring and behaviour. It also describes the fatigue management task, treatment details, constructability issues and the strategy for prioritising the treatment works.

Active load control of wind turbine blade section with trailing edge flap: Wind tunnel testing

In order to reduce the cost of energy, the rotor diameter of wind turbine has been continuously increased. Fatigue load becomes more important as wind turbines increase in size. The reduction of fatigue load can result in increased component lifetimes, reduced maintenance requirements, and an overall lower cost of energy. In this article, a load reduction analysis and experiment are performed to show the load reduction abilities of an active aerodynamic load control device, namely trailing edge flaps, in the operation of large wind turbines. Through numerical simulations that use trailing edge flaps as active aerodynamic load control devices on wind turbines, a 30%–50% reduction in the standard deviation oscillations of root bending moment from the mean value was achieved. To validate the active load control analysis and show the potential of the trailing edge flap for load reduction, an active load control experiment of the wind turbine blade was performed. The experimental model was developed using a non-rotating blade equipped with a trailing edge flap and load-cell sensors to facilitate feedback control. A controller is based on the proportional–derivative control in order to minimize the blade root load variation in the flapwise direction. Through the experiment, a 20%–30% reduction in the standard deviation oscillations of blade root load from the mean value was achieved.

A bearingless coaxial magnetic gearbox

Recently, magnetic gearboxes (MGBs) are serious contenders to their conventional mechanical counterparts in terms of reduced maintenance requirements, improved reliability, tolerance to mechanical inaccuracies, and inherent overload protection. MGBs are preferably employed in high speed applications and compact harsh environments subjected to severe shock and vibration. A high gear ratio MGB is also a suitable candidate for single stage high-speed transmission applications such as helicopter power transmissions. In this paper, the conventional planetary magnetic gearbox is equipped with a three-phase winding to provide additional magnetic levitation capabilities besides torque transmission, thus creating a bearingless MGB configuration. This was achieved by adding a three-phase winding in the space between the ferromagnetic pieces. The current in this additional winding is controlled to provide decoupled axial forces irrespective of the transmitted mechanical power. This feature is important to reduce the mechanical losses especially for high-speed rotors and can be a viable method for vibration suppression.