Abstract
This article addresses various technical challenges in developinghigh speed, lightweight electric generators for applications in directcoupled high speed generators for distributed power systems. Thesechallenges involve the technologies of electromagnetics, thermodynam-ics, rotor dynamics, and engineering assembly practices. How those chal-lenges are being addressed and the results of activities to date relating togenerators from several hundred kilowatts to a few megawatts will bediscussed. Current status and the test data relating to these generatorswill be presented.While the requirements of power and voltage levels as well as theduty cycle vary, the applicable generator technology is mainly impactedby the power level. The electric generator is typically driven by a highspeed turbine. The operating speeds of the turbine and the mechanicaland thermal interfaces with the generator have a substantial impact onthe design details of the generator.The best approach in interfacing the high speed turbine to the gen-erator is to directly couple the two by means of a mechanical couplingand exclude the need for gear, belt or other mechanical transmissionsystems. The high speed turbine operates most ef ficiently at their ratedspeed, which varies with rated power output. Thus while a typical 200kW turbine may operate at 60000 rpm, a MW class turbine may oper-ate in the range of 15000 rpm to 30000 rpm. It is often details such asthe coupling and mounting arrangement and the suitability of coolantsand lubricants that affect the generator design and impact the weight
 and size of the final product. Selection of the appropriate generatortechnology is highly dependent on the operating speed requirements.Examples of speci fic power and speed ratings as well as suitability ofgenerator technologies such as permanent magnet (PM), wound rotorsynchronous, switched reluctance (SR) and induction will be discussed.Current development programs for 30 kW to 2.5 MW power generatorswill be presented
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Distributed Generation & Alternative Energy Journal
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
