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Title: Axial-flux modular permanent-magnet generator with a toroidal winding for wind-turbine applications

Journal Article · · IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/28.777191· OSTI ID:20001224

Permanent-magnet (PM) generators have been used for wind turbines for many years. Many small wind-turbine manufacturers use direct-drive PM generators. For wind-turbine generators, the design philosophy must cover the following characteristics: low cost, light weight, low speed, high torque, and variable-speed generation. The generator is easy to manufacture and the design can be scaled up for a larger size without major retooling. A modular PM generator with axial flux direction was chosen. The permanent magnet used is NdFeB or ferrite magnet with flux guide to focus flux density in the air gap. Each unit module of the generator may consist of one, two, or more phases. Each generator can be expanded to two or more unit modules. Each unit module is built from simple modular poles. The stator winding is formed like a torus. Thus, the assembly process is simplified and the winding insertion in the slot is less tedious. The authors built a prototype of one unit module and performed preliminary tests in the laboratory. Follow-up tests will be conducted in the laboratory to improve the design.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
20001224
Journal Information:
IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), Vol. 35, Issue 4; Other Information: Paper presented at the 1998 Industry Applications Society Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO (US), October 12--16, 1998, PBD: Jul-Aug 1999; ISSN 0093-9994
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English