Performances comparison of axial-flux permanent-magnet generators for small-scale vertical-axis wind turbine

Abstract

The use of wind energy as an alternative source of energy to generate the electricity is increasing worldwide. The application of an axial flux permanent magnet generator for small-scale wind turbine nowadays is increasing due to innovation, new material discoveries and completion in the manufacturing technology. The axial flux machines can be constructed with single-side, double-side and multi-stage topologies and can also be constructed with or without an iron core. Nine possible patterns between the single-side and double-side topologies with iron core and with surface-mounted permanent magnet method were designed in this study with the aid of the analytical method. To obtain the most qualified generator, there are six parameters used as constraints including flux density distribution, on-load terminal voltage, voltage regulation, total harmonic distortion, output power, and efficiency and analyzed with the finite element method from Maxwell-3D software. From the comparison, the generator type IX excited with rectangular poles is proven to be the most qualified generator among other generators in this case.

Keywords

• Axial flux permanent magnet generator (AFPMG)
• Single-side and double-side topologies
• Generator performances
• Finite element method (FEM)
• Ansys Maxwell Software