That all depends on the strength of the magnetic field and the weight of the turbine. Ceramic turbines are lighter. But I agree that the technology probably isn't quite where it needs to be yet. But it is ian interesting idea.

 

there's more load than you think on that wheel. probably heat far more than you would think it would also.

 

Roller element bearings are almost friction free already, plus they are cheap as hell.

Also, magnetic bearings would require a super fine control of the gap between the shaft and the housing. Metal expands and contracts way too much with the heat ------ of like 1000 degrees that the senter section sees. The size of the hole would keep changing each time you heat the turbo up with a little boost.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't magnetic bearings require a lot of electricity to energize? That could be another issue.

Good thinking, though. I like mag bearings.

 

oil isnt only used for a lubricant, it cools down the turbo too remeber that,

 

there's still friction even if there's air in between. no such thing as "friction free" on earth.

 

Hence the use of the word "almost". A good roller element bearing will transmit almost no torque when propperly lubricated. They don't suck until some jack *** cokes the oil or gets a bunch of ---- in the oil and chews up the elements.

 

because if Turbonetics can charge $1400 for a ball bearing, imagine what they'd charge for this ----, lol.

 

lol

 

theres a certain point which magnets will loose their magnetisom, right beside the turbine housing on a turbo isnt probably such a good place