Effect of eliminating rotor iron on a mega-watt halbach permanent magnet synchronous generator for wind turbine applications

Abstract

Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (PMSGs) are increasingly considered for large, direct-drive Mega-Watt level wind energy conversion systems. Highefficiency, high-power density, low maintenance, and high reliability are some cited benefits of PMSGs making them attractive for onshore and offshore wind farms. However, as the PMSG's power level increases so would its weight and size. This research attempted to reduce the size and weight of PMSGs by using Halbach magnetic array instead of a conventional array. An analytical model of a MW Halbach array PMSG has been developed. This Halbach PMSG was optimized using a five-input particle swarm optimization algorithm. The use of Hablach array allowed the ability to reduce backside iron, which resulted in a reduction of overall active material weight, without effecting performance.