Mårten Grabbe

Matching a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator to a Fixed Pitch Vertical Axis Turbine for Marine Current Energy Conversion

Extracting energy from a free-flow marine current using a vertical axis fixed pitch turbine requires a generator that can handle varying speeds and loads, since such a turbine gives maximum power capture for a fixed tip speed ratio. A prototype of such a generator has been designed and constructed. In this paper, its variable speed and load operation is evaluated, both in terms of how the constructed generator performs in relation to simulations, and in terms of how the generator could perform with three different fixed pitch turbines. Measurements of root mean square (RMS) voltage and current differ 10% from simulations. Performance analysis with example turbines shows that the generator can match fixed tip speed ratio operation of several turbines for current speeds between 0.5 and 2.5 m/s.

A low-speed generator for energy conversion from marine currents – experimental validation of simulations

Abstract A low-speed permanent magnet (PM) cable wound generator for electrical energy conversion from marine or tidal currents has been designed and constructed. A key feature of this variable speed direct drive generator is its capability to efficiently generate electricity from tidal currents with very low velocities, in the order of 1 m/s. In arriving at an appropriate design for the generator typical characteristics of tidal currents were considered. Using these characteristics as input, and accounting for the electromagnetic losses, detailed computer simulations using a finite-element method software were carried out to come up with the final design. Various parameters that can influence the generator design are presented. An experimental set-up has been constructed based on the above-mentioned design in order to study the electrical and mechanical performance of the generator through a variety of experiments. The power input for this set-up is a variable speed motor, capable of operating the generator at rotational speeds of 0–16 r/min, representing tidal currents with very low velocities. The generator presented in this paper may be beneficial for a better understanding of an appropriate design and layout of tidal energy conversion systems.

On the velocity distribution for hydro-kinetic energy conversion from tidal currents and rivers

Tidal currents and rivers are promising sources of renewable energy given that suitable turbines for kinetic energy conversion are developed. To be economically and technically feasible, a velocity ...

Efficiency of a Directly Driven Generator for Hydrokinetic Energy Conversion

An experimental setup for hydrokinetic energy conversion comprising a vertical axis turbine, a directly driven permanent magnet generator, and a control system has been designed and constructed for deployment in the river Dalälven in Sweden. This paper is devoted to discussing the mechanical and electrical design of the generator used in the experimental setup. The generator housing is designed to be water tight, and it also acts as a support structure for the turbine shaft. The generator efficiency has been measured in the range of 5–16.7 rpm, showing that operation in the low velocity range up to 1.5 m/s is possible with a directly driven generator.

A Permanent Magnet Generator for Energy Conversion from Marine Currents: No Load and Load Experiments

This paper presents experiments and measurements on a low speed permanent magnet cable wound generator for marine currentenergy conversion.Measurements were made for no load and nominal load (4.44Ω ...

Experimental demonstration of performance of a vertical axis marine current turbine in a river

An experimental station for marine current power has been installed in a river. The station comprises a vertical axis turbine with a direct-driven permanent magnet synchronous generator. In measure ...

On the Stator Slot Geometry of a Cable Wound Generator for Hydrokinetic Energy Conversion

The stator slot geometry of a cable wound permanent magnet synchronous generator for hydrokinetic energy conversion is evaluated. Practical experience from winding two cable wound generators is used to propose optimized dimensions of different parts in the stator slot geometry. A thorough investigation is performed through simulations of how small geometrical changes alter the generator performance. The finite element method (FEM) is used to model the generator and the simulations show that small changes in the geometry can have large effect on the performance of the generator. Furthermore, it is concluded that the load angle is especially sensitive to small geometrical changes. A new generator design is proposed which shows improved efficiency, reduced weight, and a possibility to decrease the expensive permanent magnet material by almost one-fifth.