PM Wind Generator Topologies

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to provide a comparisonamong permanent magnet (PM) wind generators of differenttopologies. Seven configurations are chosen for the comparison,consisting of both radial-flux and axial-flux machines. Thecomparison is done at seven power levels ranging from 1 to 200kW. The basis for the comparison is discussed and implementedin detail in the design procedure. The criteria used forcomparison are considered to be critical for the efficientdeployment of PM wind generators. The design data areoptimized and verified by finite-element analysis andcommercial generator test results. For a given application, theresults provide an indication of the best-suited machine.

Keywords

• Axial flux
• outer rotor
• permanent magnet
• radial flux
• wind generator