Design and Performance Evaluation of a 5-MW Dual Three-Phase Permanent Magnet Vernier Motor for Ship Propulsion
Date
2024-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch University
Abstract
The global landscape of transportation is undergoing a paradigm shift, witnessing the surge of electric propulsion across diverse scales, from e-bikes and electric cars to colossal megawatt ships. This burgeoning ecosystem encompasses locomotives, increasingly electrified aircraft, and marine vessels with power demands ranging from 100 kW to a staggering 22 MW. At the heart of these large electric propulsion systems lie the induction, permanent magnet (PM), and wound rotor synchronous motors. However, recent years have ignited exploration into a new frontier: magnetically geared motor technologies. While these emerging contenders offer appealing advantages, such as enhanced torque density and efficiency, some also face varying degrees of complexity. In this context, the permanent magnet Vernier motor (PMVM), representing a novel subclass of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), emerges as a transformative technology for ship propulsion systems. This advanced category of permanent magnet machines, inspired by the principles of magnetic gearing, uniquely combines high torque density with the mechanical simplicity typical of conventional PM motors. The core objective of this research is to design and optimize a 5-MW permanent magnet motor specifically for ship propulsion. Additionally, it seeks to conduct a comprehensive analysis to ascertain the most suitable type of PM motor for this power level. By systematically investigating various gear ratios of the PMVM and engaging in a rigorous comparative analysis with a conventional PM motor, the study aims to identify the optimal solution for this demanding application. Acknowledging the critical need for redundancy and unwavering reliability in ship propulsion, this exploration delves into the promising domain of dual three-phase technology for direct-drive systems. This innovative setup offers significant potential for enhanced fault tolerance, enabling continued operation under faulty conditions at half of the rated power. This study also reveals challenges with PMVM technology, which must be further investigated.
Description
Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2024.