In some embodiments, the system 20 may control the position of the rotor 24 when the rotor is stopped from rotating, which may gently move the rotor 24 into a parked position, and which can prevent the rotor 24 from forcibly striking one or more of the stator poles 29, for example, in applications where the electric motor is installed in a horizontal orientation.

In some embodiments, the system 20 of the present disclosure provides for an electric motor 22 with a rotor 24 that is supported solely upon the layer of lubricating fluid 31, and which does not include spindle bearings. By controlling the radial position of the rotor 24, the system 20 may ensure that the lubricating fluid 31 is maintained in all modes and conditions of motor operation. This includes startup, high torque operation, during external vibration/shock events, critical speeds, low speed and high speed. The system 20 may also maintain the rotor 24 in its optimal position relative to the stator 25. The system 20 of the present disclosure can, therefore, ensure that the lubricating fluid 31 remains in a specified thickness range, and that the rotor 24 remains centered within the stator 25. By insuring that the rotor 24 is centered relative to the stator 25 during operation, shearing forces exerted by the lubricating fluid 31 are minimized. This, in turn, minimizes the spin loss or frictional loss of the plain bearing formed by the rotor/stator system.