Low-cost variable-speed wind turbines design by recycling small electrical machines. Arrangement of permanent magnets in the rotor

Abstract

This paper describes the design of low-cost variablespeed wind turbines by recycling small electrical machines. In this way, electrical machines such as automobile claw-pole alternators, induction motors for domestic applications, or simply electric motors for some industrial applications are studied, considering their reuse as permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG) in small wind turbines or hydro-power turbines. The main purpose is the integration of hybrid energy conversion systems (wind and hydraulic turbines) in small stand-alone microgrids within the rural environment. Likewise, in order to optimize the design, the arrangement of the permanent magnets in the rotor is analyzed. The analysis has been carried out using the FluxMotor simulation software, which is based on the 2D finite element method. At the same time, the FEM software provides a lot of information about the optimization of the electrical machine and its multiple design options and topologies. Suggested designs have similar performance as well as a similar size and weight. The purpose has been to explore different topologies and select the most efficient designs. In this way, it is shown that it is possible to reuse an electrical generator easily, without losing much of the general performance.

Analytical Design Methodology for Wind Power Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators

“…Putting together (1), (4-6) and (14-17), the diameter-cubed sizing equation is obtained (18). Results are shown in Table III.…”

“…In [17] the rotor of a claw-pole alternator is used together with a conventional stator to build a small PMSG for wind energy harvesting. It is shown that different PM arrangements on the rotor lead to different torques and efficiencies [18].…”