A Comparative Study of Modular Axial Flux Podded Generators for Marine Current Turbines

Abstract

This research note deals with performance comparison of axial flux modular podded generators for marine current turbines (MCTs). Due to the submarine environment, maintenance operations are very hard, very costly, and strongly depending on sea conditions. In this context, the drive train reliability is a key feature for MCTs. For that purpose, a comparative study is proposed, to assess modular axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machines potential for reliability improvement. Thereby, designs of direct-drive modular AFPM generator for a given experimental MCT are performed. The proposed study shows that even number sizing of spatially shifted AFPM machine modules leads to the elimination of the electromagnetic torque ripples transmitted to the MCT shaft. Moreover, it is shown that the proposed module-based generator configuration achieves better thermal behavior. As the actives parts masses and costs are expected to be higher, compromises should be carried-out in terms of reliability and fault-tolerance