Performance Optimization of Diesel Generators Using Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator with Rotating Stator

Abstract

One of the solutions to reduce fuel consumption of diesel generators (DG) is to adapt the rotational speed to mechanical torque of the crankshaft. When load power decreases, a reduction in both mechanical torque and rotational speed of the diesel engine will maintain the combustion efficiency near the levels of the nominal regime. Accordingly, the generator itself should oper-ate at a variable speed which normally requires power electronics conver-ters. In this paper, we are exploring a new generator concept that uses a stator rotating in opposite direction to the rotor such as the relative velocity between the two components remains constant when diesel engine slows down. The stator itself is driven by a compensator synchronous motor (CM) such as the relative velocity of the rotor is constant, eliminating as such sophisticated power electronics. The model developed for the syn-chronous machine with a rotating stator is based on Park’s transformation. This new concept was modelled using MATLAB software. Experimental analysis has been conducted using a 500-kW diesel GENSET equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). The numerical and experimental results are in good agreement and demonstrate that fuel con-sumption is reduced with a rotating-mode stator for PMSG during low electrical loads.