Design and Performance Analysis of Double Stator Axial Flux PM Generator for Rim Driven Marine Current Turbines

Abstract

This paper deals with the design and performance analysis of double stator axial flux permanent magnet generators for rim-driven marine current turbines (MCT). Indeed for submarine applications, drive train reliability is a key feature to reduce maintenance requirements. Rim-driven direct-drive multi-stator generators can therefore be a very interesting solution to improve this reliability. In this context, the presented work focus on the design of a double-stator axial flux permanent magnets (PM) generator as a rim-driven direct-drive multi-stator generator. The paper details the models, specifications and an optimization procedure that allow to preliminary design these kind of generators for rim-driven marine turbines. Thereafter, validations with finite elements computations and performance analysis considering particular design of rim driven generators are presented. The obtained results highlight some designs issues of PM generators for rim driven marine turbines. In order to assess the effectiveness of the double stator axial flux PM generator, a comparison with a designed surface mounted radial flux PM generator for rim marine turbines is carried out.. The comparison highlights that the double stator axial flux generator presents a better cooling and a reduced active parts cost and mass than the radial flux PM generator.