Design and evaluation of a 300 kW double stage axial-flux permanent magnet generator

Date
2001-12
Authors
Mbidi, David Natangue
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis deals with the design and evaluation of a 300 kW double stage axial-flux permanent magnet generator with an ironless stator. The magnetic and electrical design equations are derived for sinewave and quasi-squarewave axial-flux permanent magnet machines. The thermal design approach used is also described. The machine is optimised for maximum torque per current loading. A Matlab program code is developed to do the necessary calculations in the design optimisation and the calculation of the machine parameters. Mechanical finite element simulations are conducted to investigate the severity of the magnetic attraction force between the rotor discs. The results obtained from the simulations suggested an increase in the yoke thickness in order to withstand the attraction force. The construction of the prototype machine's rotor and stator is described. The flux density in the airgap is thoroughly investigated through measurements and analysis. Thermal measurements are also conducted to investigate the effect of eddy currents in the stator winding. Furthermore, no-load measurements conducted on the 300 kW machine showed that the machine has a serious problem of circulating currents in the parallel connected coils. Possible solutions for this are investigated and recommendations are given. Due to the circulating current problem and the relative high eddy current losses, it was not possible to do full-load tests on the machine.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis handeloor die ontwerp en evaluering van 'n multi-stadium Aksiale Vloed Permanente Magneet (AFPM) masjien met 'n ysterlose stator. Die magnetiese - en elektriese ontwerp-vergelykings is afgelei vir sinusgolf en quasi vierkantsgolf AFPM masjiene. Die termiese ontwerp word ook bespreek. Die masjien is geoptimeer vir maksimum draairnoment per stroombelasting. Daar is 'n program-kode in Matlab geskryf om die nodige berekeninge vir die optimering van die masjien uit te voer en vir die bepaling van die masjien-parameters. Meganiese eindige element berekenings is gedoen om die invloed van die magnetiese aantrekkingskrag tussen die rotorskywe te ondersoek. Die resultate het aangedui dat die rotorskyfdikte nie die magnetiese aantrekkingskrag van die magnete kan weerstaan nie en moes in dikte vedubbel word. Die konstruksie van die masjien se rotor en stator is behandel. Die vloeddigtheid in die luggaping is noukeurig ondersoek deur metings en analise. Termiese metings is ook gedoen om die invloed van die werwel strome in die statorwikkelings te ondersoek. Verder het die nullas-toetse wat gedoen is op die masjien, aangedui dat die masjien 'n ernstige probleem het met sirkuierende strome in die parallelle geleiers van die statorspoele. Moontlike oplossings is ondersoek en aanbevelings word gegee. Dit was nie moontlik om vollastoetse op die masjien te doen nie, as gevolg van die probleem met sirkuierende strome en die relatiefhoë werwelstoom-verliese in die statorwikkelings.
Description
Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2001.
Keywords
Permanent magnet motors -- Design, Dissertations -- Electrical engineering
Citation