A Planar Generator for a Wave Energy Converter

Abstract

This paper presents a permanent magnet planar translational generator which is able to exploit multiple modes of sea wave energy extraction. Linear electrical generators have recently been studied for the exploitation of sea wave energy, but, to the best of our knowledge, no synchronous planar translational generator has been proposed. In this paper, to maximise the energy extraction, we have considered all the potential modes of motion due to wave excitation and included them within the mathematical model of the proposed system. The principle of operation of the generator can be summarized as follows: the moving part (translator) of the generator is driven from the sea waves and induces and EMF on the windings mounted to the armature. The movement of the translator is two dimensional and therefore all the movement modes of the wave, except heave, can be exploited. The proposed mathematical model includes the dynamic equations of the translator and the electric equations of the windings. The coupling parameters (inductances, fluxes etc.) have been determined by FEM analysis. Optimization of the device has been performed by considering both, the parameters of the electromagnetic circuit, and, the parameters associated with the stochastic features of the wave.

An Experimental Comparison between an Ironless and a Traditional Permanent Magnet Linear Generator for Wave Energy Conversion

“…A review of the current WEC technology is reported in [7]. This stage converts the mechanical energy contained in the wave motion into a more usable mechanical energy; the coupling device introduces additional losses, weakness in the reliability of the system and additional maintenance requirements [10].…”

A Piezoelectric Wave Energy Harvester Using Plucking-Driven and Frequency Up-Conversion Mechanism

“…Huang et al [5] proposed a direct-drive WEC using an outer-permanent magnet linear generator that can increase the power density and relative movement distance to improve energy conversion efficiency. Wang et al [6] proposed a planar generator for a WEC system that can use rolling and pitching motion to produce electrical power.…”

Progress in Piezoelectric Material Based Oceanic Wave Energy Conversion Technology

“…The later class of converters can produce shear stress up to 10 times more compared to that of those in traditional electrical generators with very low loss [15]. An optimized planar linear generator is proposed in [16], which is capable of utilizing several modes of OWE conversion. Optimal design of the generator is developed based on parameters of the electrical equivalent circuit and the properties of oceanic wave.…”