3D finite element modelling and comparative performance analysis between axial and radial flux machines for micro wind turbine application

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative performance analysis between the axial flux and radial flux permanent magnet synchronous machines dedicated to a 550W micro wind turbine application. Both machines are based on iron armature cores and permanent magnet structure, but one has a slotted stator and single sided rotor disc and the other one is a radial flux surface mounted inner rotor machine. This study is based on a 3D finite element modelling using the Multiphysics program ANSYS. The finite element analysis was applied for the two machines configurations in order to evaluate their performances, compare their efficiency regarding the material consumption of the active parts and eventually predict their cost. The obtained results promote the axial flux topology as the best solution for micro wind turbine application.