Optimal Design of a Multibrid Permanent Magnet Generator for a Tidal Stream Turbine

Khalil Touimi, Mohamed Benbouzid and Zhe Chen
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Khalil Touimi: Institut de recherche Dupuy de Lôme (UMR CNRS 6017 IRDL), University of Brest, 29238 Brest, France
Mohamed Benbouzid: Institut de recherche Dupuy de Lôme (UMR CNRS 6017 IRDL), University of Brest, 29238 Brest, France
Zhe Chen: Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 2, 1-19

Abstract: Tidal stream energy is acquiring more attention as a future potential renewable energy source. Considering the harsh submarine environment, the main challenges that face the tidal stream turbine (TST) industry are cost and reliability. Hence, simple and reliable technologies, especially considering the drivetrain, are preferred. The multibrid drivetrain configuration with only a single stage gearbox is one of the promising concepts for TST systems. In this context, this paper proposes the design optimization of a multibrid permanent magnet generator (PMG), the design of a planetary gearbox, and afterwards analyzes the multibrid concept cost-effectiveness for TST applications. Firstly, the system analytical model, which consists of a single-stage gearbox and a medium speed PMG, is presented. The optimization methodology is afterwards highlighted. Lastly, the multibrid system optimization results for different gear ratios including the direct-drive topology are discussed and compared where the suitable gear ratio (topology) is investigated. The achieved results show that the multibrid concept in TST applications seems more attractive than the direct-drive one especially for high power ratings.

Keywords: tidal stream turbine; multibrid concept; direct-drive; permanent magnet generator; single stage gearbox; design optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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