| The aim of this research is to search for optimal designs of permanent magnet (PM) wind generators of different topologies.; The dissertation deals with the development of analytical design equations and formulas for PM wind generators of different topologies, including equivalent magnetic circuit model for magnets, calculation of leakage flux, influence of d-q axis armature reaction, flux waveform analysis, as well as performance verification. 3-D and simplified 2-D finite element analysis is used to enhance the design precision, by which analytical formulas are modified. A new and improved formula is proposed for lamination loss calculations, based on a large experimental data set provided by steel manufacturers. The temperature stability of NdFeB magnets is analyzed and some proposals for eliminating irreversible demagnetization are presented. Two existing experimental machines are used to validate the design equations.; The genetic algorithms are used to investigate the multi-objective design optimization of PM wind generators for a high efficiency and light-weight design. The reasoning behind the selection of the objective functions, design variables and constraints are given as guidance for the PM wind generator optimum design. The implementation of the genetic algorithm is also given.; A comparison of PM wind generators of different topologies is presented. Conclusions are drawn for topology selections of PM wind generators.; The group of soft magnetic composites (SMC) has recently been expanded by the introduction of new materials with significantly improved frequency properties. This has made SMC a viable alternative to steel laminations for a range of new applications, especially axial-flux wind generators. The isotropic nature of the SMC combined with the unique shaping possibilities opens up new design solutions for axial-flux wind generators. Through careful design, an axial-flux PM wind generator with SMC core is built and tested, demonstrating the advantages of better performance, reduced size and weight, fewer parts and lower cost. |
