Comparative analysis and experimental verification of a linear tubular generator for wave energy conversion

Abstract

To improve the power density and reliability of radial (RS-TLPMG) and quasi-Halbach (QH-TLPMG) magnetization tubular linear surface-mounted permanent magnet generators under realistic sea-state conditions, a novel tubular linear generatorwithmultilayer interior permanentmagnets (MI-TLPMG) for wave energy conversion is proposed and analyzed in this paper. Using finite element analysis (FEA), a comprehensive comparison of air gap flux density, flux linkage, back electromotive force (back-EMF), load, and no-load performance is investigated to verify the advantages of the proposed machine. The FEA results indicate thatMI-LTPMG with a flux-concentrating effect has higher back-EMF, air gap magnetic flux density, flux linkage, and output power than do the other two machines. Finally, a prototype is manufactured and measured on the test platform and wave tank. The experiment and simulation results show a great agreement with each other.