Comparison of Flux-Switching and Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators for Direct-Driven Wind Applications Based on Nelder–Mead Optimal Designing

Abstract

The permanent magnet flux-switching machine (PMFSM) is one of the most promising machines with magnets inserted into the stator. To determine in which applications the use of PMFSM is promising, it is essential to compare the PMFSM with machines of other types. This study provides a theoretical comparison of the PMFSM with a conventional interior permanent magnet synchronous machine (IPMSM) in the gearless generator of a low-power wind turbine (332 rpm, 51.4 Nm). To provide a fair comparison, both machines are optimized using the Nelder–Mead algorithm. The minimized optimization objectives are the required power of frequency converter, cost of active materials, torque ripple and losses of a generator averaged over the working profile of the wind turbine. In order to reduce the computational time, the substituting profile method is applied. Based on the results of the calculations, the advantages and disadvantages of the considered machines were revealed: the IPMSM has significantly lower losses and higher efficiency than the PMFSM, and the PMFSM requires much less rare-earth magnets and copper and is, therefore, cheaper in mass production.

Recent Trends in Wind Energy Conversion System with Grid Integration Based on Soft Computing Methods: Comprehensive Review, Comparisons and Insights

“…In direct-drive WECSs, a high number of poles are necessary to remove gearboxes. Because of the merits of FS-PMSGs such as basically sinusoidal back-EMF, the high density of torque, good thermal management of permanent magnets, and they have gained a lot of attention in the previous few decades [17,38,39]. Flux-reversal PMSGs (FR-PMSG) have attracted attention in recent decades due to their benefits; fast transient response, simplicity of rotor configuration, and high-power density, Moreover the mechanical robustness of FR-PMSG rotor.…”

Small Magnus Wind Turbine: Modeling Approaches

“…As a generator in this realization of MWT, we used a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSMG). However, it could be also be built using a Flux-Switching Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator as described in [7]. This prototype of MWT is designed to operate at a 100 rpm external wheel that satisfies low wind speed (2-8 m/s).…”