Design of Permanent-Magnet Linear Generators with Constant-Torque-Angle Control for Wave Power

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation method for direct-drive permanent-magnet linear generators designed for wave power. Analytical derivations of power and maximum damping force are performed based on Faraday’s law of induction and circuit equations for constant-torque-angle control. Knowledge of the machine reactance or the load angle is not needed. An aim of the simulation method is to simplify comparison of the maximum damping force, losses, and cost between different generator designs at an early design stage. A parameter study in MATLAB based on the derived equations is performed and the effect of changing different generator parameters is studied. The analytical calculations are verified with finite element method (FEM) simulations and experiments. An important conclusion is that the copper losses and the maximum damping force are mainly dependent on the rated current density and end winding length. The copper losses are inherently large in a slow-moving machine so special consideration should be taken to decrease the end winding length. It is concluded that the design of the generator becomes a trade-off between material cost versus high efficiency and high maximum damping force.