Linear Permanent Magnet Vernier Generators for Wave Energy Applications: Analysis, Challenges, and Opportunities

Reza Jafari, Pedram Asef (), Mohammad Ardebili and Mohammad Mahdi Derakhshani
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Reza Jafari: Electrical Engineering Department, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 1631714191, Iran
Pedram Asef: Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
Mohammad Ardebili: Electrical Engineering Department, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 1631714191, Iran
Mohammad Mahdi Derakhshani: Electrical Engineering Department, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 1631714191, Iran

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 17, 1-35

Abstract: Harvesting energy from waves as a substantial resource of renewable energy has attracted much attention in recent years. Linear permanent magnet vernier generators (LPMVGs) have been widely adopted in wave energy applications to extract clean energy from oceans. Linear PM vernier machines perform based on the magnetic gearing effect, allowing them to offer high power/force density at low speeds. The outstanding feature of providing high power capability makes linear vernier generators more advantageous compared to linear PM synchronous counterparts used in wave energy conversion systems. Nevertheless, they inherently suffer from a poor power factor arising from their considerable leakage flux. Various structures and methods have been introduced to enhance their performance and improve their low power factor. In this work, a comparative study of different structures, distinguishable concepts, and operation principles of linear PM vernier machines is presented. Furthermore, recent advancements and innovative improvements have been investigated. They are categorized and evaluated to provide a comprehensive insight into the exploitation of linear vernier generators in wave energy extracting systems. Finally, some significant structures of linear PM vernier generators are modeled using two-dimensional finite element analysis (2D-FEA) to compare their electromagnetic characteristics and survey their performance.

Keywords: direct-drive; finite element analysis; high force density; linear permanent magnet vernier machine; linear generator; magnetic gearing effect; wave energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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