A New Solution for Sea Wave Energy Harvesting, the Proposal of an Ironless Linear Generator

Domenico Curto,Alessia Viola,Marco Trapanese,Vincenzo Franzitta,Fabio Cardona

doi:10.3390/jmse8020093

Domenico Curto, Alessia Viola + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8020093

Copy DOI

Abstract

The paper investigates an innovative ironless linear generator, installable inside a wave energy converter, in order to produce electricity from sea waves. This energy source is considered strategic for the future, especially in small islands; however, this technology is still far from the commercial phase. Considering the wave energy potential of the Mediterranean Sea, a first prototype of the electrical linear generator was realized at the Department of Engineering of Palermo University. This machine can be run by a two-floating buoys system, able to produce a linear vertical motion. The main goal of this paper is the investigation of the advantages and the disadvantages of the utilization of steel materials to realize the stator of linear generators. Thus, starting from the prototype, the authors analyzed the effects produced by the replacement of steel in the stator with a non-magnetic material. For comparison, the authors evaluated the amplitude of no-load voltages, using a three-phase connection scheme, and the amplitude of the magnetic force produced by the interaction of magnets with the stator. Both aspects were evaluated through numerical simulations and mathematical models.

Highlights

Sustainable electricity generation is nowadays a fundamental priority for industrialized countries [1]
Around the world the share of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in electricity generation continues to be low, with a strong dependence from fossil fuels, that are responsible for greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, and global warming [2]
An interesting solution is represented by Permanent Magnets (PM) linear generators, as the simplified topology of these machines [40]

Summary

Introduction

Sustainable electricity generation is nowadays a fundamental priority for industrialized countries [1]. A possible classification of WEC is based on the specific technologies installed inside the system for the conversion of mechanical energy of sea wave into electrical energy [36]. This choice deeply influences the designing step of WEC. In this context, a promising solution suggests the adoption of linear generators, thanks to their peculiarity of converting directly a linear input motion into electrical energy. An interesting solution is represented by Permanent Magnets (PM) linear generators, as the simplified topology of these machines [40]

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion