Power Generation Enhancement of Surface-Mounted Permanent Magnet Wind Generators Using Eccentric Halbach Array Permanent Magnets

Zaw Min Tun, Pattasad Seangwong, Nuwantha Fernando, Apirat Siritaratiwat and Pirat Khunkitti ()
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Zaw Min Tun: Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Pattasad Seangwong: Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Nuwantha Fernando: School of Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Apirat Siritaratiwat: Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Pirat Khunkitti: Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-13

Abstract: Surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous generators (SPMSGs) are well suited for wind power applications mainly because of their high power density, low cogging torque, and effective thermal management. This study proposes an eccentric Halbach PM array pole shape to enhance the power generation capability of SPMSGs specifically designed for low-speed wind power generation. The topology of the proposed eccentric Halbach PM arrangement is optimized using a genetic algorithm. Two-dimensional finite element simulations indicate that the eccentric Halbach configuration significantly improves flux focusing and magnetic field distribution. Compared to the conventional design, the proposed structure exhibits a substantial increase in electromotive force with reduced total harmonic distortion. Cogging torque is reduced by 48.6%, supporting improved starting and low-speed operation. Under on-load, the proposed design delivers higher average torque with reduced ripple, contributing to smoother operation. At a rated speed, the output power increases by 25%, with consistently higher power generation capability across a wide range of load conditions. Additionally, the proposed generator achieves higher efficiency across all operating speeds. These findings confirm the effectiveness of the eccentric Halbach array configuration in improving the power generation capability of SPMSG, thereby reinforcing its applicability to low-speed wind energy systems aligned with long-term sustainability objectives.

Keywords: permanent magnet synchronous generator; surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous generator; eccentric pole shape; Halbach array; wind power generation; sustainable energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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