Conventional and TFPM Linear Generators for Direct-Drive Wave Energy Conversion

TLDR

The Archimedes wave swing converts ocean wave energy into electricity, and among conventional generators the three‑phase permanent‑magnet synchronous type with iron in both stator and translator is considered most suitable due to lower cost and higher efficiency. The study aims to determine the most suitable generator for the AWS and proposes a new transverse‑flux PM generator topology. The proposed TFPM generator features a double‑sided moving‑iron design with flux concentrators, magnets, and conductors on the stator while the translator consists solely of iron.

Abstract

The archimedes wave swing (AWS) is a system that converts ocean wave energy into electric energy. The goal of the research described in this paper is to identify the most suitable generator type for this application. Of the conventional generator types, the three-phase permanent-magnet synchronous generator with iron in both stator and translator is most suitable, because it is cheaper and more efficient than the induction generator, the switched reluctance generator, and the permanent-magnet (PM) generator with an air-gap winding. The paper also proposes a new transverse-flux PM (TFPM) generator topology that could be suitable for this application. This new double-sided moving-iron TFPM generator has flux concentrators, magnets, and conductors on the stator, while the translator only consists of iron.