Design Study of an HTS Linear Power Generator Suitable for Wave Energy Converter

Abstract

In this paper, we show a conceptual structure of a direct drive linear power generator with REBaCuO high-temperature superconducting (HTS) bulk field poles for wave energy conversion. The proposed linear power generator structure is comprised of a moving armature coil and HTS bulks concept, which we call it a dual translator power generation system. Its performance has been analyzed using a finite-element electromagnetic field analysis method. A determination of the main machine parameters for the dual translator HTS linear power generator was conducted. Simulation results were compared between our dual translator HTS linear generator structure and the use of permanent magnets (PMs) for the field poles of that structure. It was found that the electromotive forces, electromagnetic forces and output power of the dual translator HTS linear power generator structure are 1.67, 2.63 and 2.60 times superior to that of dual translator PM linear generator structure, respectively. A combination of the dual translator power generation system and HTS bulks has the potential to help us to achieve higher torque and higher output power despite low ocean wave speed, which is important to achieve practical application of ocean power generation systems.