Design of a Linear Vernier Permanent Magnet Generator with Improved Power Factor for Inland-Water Wave Energy Conversion

The ebb and flow of rivers, lakes, and oceans offer a myriad of energy sources that can be harnessed and converted into valuable electrical power using electrical generators. Linear generators have garnered considerable attention in the field of energy harvesting due to their distinctive ability to directly convert energy, eliminating the need for an intermediary converter. The Linear Vernier Permanent Magnet Generator (LVPMG), distinguished by its flux modulation effect that results in high thrust density, emerges as a promising contender for this purpose. Nonetheless, its drawback lies in its low power factor, which necessitates a significantly larger converter capacity compared to its counterpart. This study delves into enhancing the power factor of the LVPMG by employing a two-slot-pitch winding arrangement. Through effective suppression of non-working harmonics and alleviated saturation levels, the proposed LVPMG with the two-slot-pitch winding demonstrates a 50% increase in power factor compared to a conventional LVPMG, while maintaining a thrust density as high as 27.8 kN/$\mathrm{m}^{2}$.