Thermal Modeling and Analysis of a Novel Transverse Flux HAPM Generator for Small-Scale Wind Turbine Application

Abstract

This article focuses on a Transverse Flux Permanent Magnet generator which benefits from Halbach-array permanent magnets. In this topology, a sinusoidal air-gap flux is achieved and thus, lower THD content and cogging torque is resulted. The Transverse flux generators can be a proper choice for direct drive, low speed, and high torque density applications such as wind turbines. Regarding the available small scale turbines in the market, an operating point is chosen for the proposed machine. The problem of a high torque density generator is thermal stresses which should be taken into consideration in the design and modeling process. Precise thermal modeling at the design stage can take the risk of the increase in machine temperature. Using an active component meshed model by considering the localized losses along with a lumped parameter circuit for the unmeshed parts is proposed for the understudy machine. A 3 kW, 320 rpm generator is designed and analyzed by considering the electromagnetic and thermal properties. It is shown that the magnetic-thermal modeling of the proposed machine is highly consistent with the experimental results.