Design and performance analysis of a magnetically levitated vertical axis wind turbine based axial flux PM generator

This paper presents an innovative concept to design of a magnetically levitated axial flux permanent magnet generator used in vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). Conventional PM axial flux generator's efficiency needs to be improved by reducing frictional losses. This novel design incorporates magnetic levitation concept using rare earth permanent magnets between dual rotors to reduce the losses. The levitation force is generated using the magnetic repulsion. The levitated generator design without bearings and gears provides an almost frictionless flow of energy minimizing noise and hence friction losses are also reduced. At the same time the gentle running of fewer moving components guarantees minimal material wear, which reduce the maintenance cost. The performance of the proposed prototype magnetically levitated VAWT based axial flux PM generator is also tested experimentally. The generator design presented in this work could be a potential candidate for all vertical axis wind turbines.

I. Introduction

The popularity of renewable energy has experienced significant growth recently due to the foreseeable exhaustion of conventional fossil fuel power generation methods and increasing realization of the adverse effects that conventional fossil fuel power generation has on the environment. This popularity has been strengthened by government policy, cutting edge research, and ground breaking technology that have been introduced so far to aid in the effective tapping of these natural resources.