H αυξανόμενη ανάγκη για στροφή της παραγωγής ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας σε βιώσιμες και ανανεώσιμες πηγές έχει οδηγήσει στη ραγδαία ανάπτυξη της αιολικής ενέργειας και στη διείσδυσή της στην αγορά ενέργειας. Η παρούσα εργασία πραγματεύεται ένα αιολικό σύστημα παραγωγής ενέργειας βασισμένο σε σύγχρονη γεννήτρια μόνιμου μαγνήτη. Η συγκεκριμένη μηχανή αποτελεί τη νέα τάση στην αγορά εξ’ αιτίας των σημαντικών πλεονεκτημάτων που προσφέρει, ιδίως αυτό της δυνατότητας για απουσία κιβωτίου ταχυτήτων που οδηγεί το σύστημα σε αυξημένη απόδοση. Στην εργασία αυτή, θα γίνει μια παρουσίαση των χαρακτηριστικών των σύγχρονων αιολικών συστημάτων, θα γίνει η μοντελοποίηση της σύγχρονης γεννήτριας μόνιμου μαγνήτη και θα αναλυθεί η λογική του ελέγχου που ακολουθείται και στηρίζεται στο διανυσματικό έλεγχο προσανατολισμού σε πεδίο. Τέλος, θα γίνει η παρουσίαση και ο σχολιασμός των αποτελεσμάτων του μοντέλου, που αναπτύχθηκε σε περιβάλλον Matlab/Simulink, με την παράλληλη εξαγωγή συμπερασμάτων για την απόκρισή του. / The ongoing increase in electric power demand and the need for sustainable and renewable energy has led wind energy into high rates of growth and penetration to the energy markets. This thesis deals with a permanent magnet synchronous generator based wind power system. This type of machine has become a trend for the markets, due to its specific benefits and, especially, for the absence of gearbox that leads the whole system to higher efficiency. In this thesis, we will discuss the characteristics of a modern wind power system, then, the permanent magnet synchronous generator will be modelled, and the field oriented vector control strategy will be analyzed. Finally, we will present and discuss the outcome of the model that was built in the Matlab/Simulink programme, and we will come into certain conclusions about its response.

Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία πραγματεύεται τη μελέτη μιας διάταξης ανεμογεννήτριας με σύγχρονη μηχανή με μόνιμους μαγνήτες η οποία συνδέεται μέσω dc διασύνδεσης με το δίκτυο. Τη dc διασύνδεση τη δημιουργεί ένας dc πυκνωτής και από την πλευρά της μηχανής υπάρχει ένας ac/dc πλήρως ελεγχόμενος ανορθωτής ισχύος ενώ από την πλευρά του δικτύου βρίσκεται ένας dc/ac πλήρως ελεγχόμενος αντιστροφέας ισχύος. Σκοπός της εργασίας είναι αρχικά να μελετήσουμε θεωρητικά το συνολικό σύστημα της ανεμογεννήτριας χρησιμοποιώντας το μετασχηματισμό Park για τη μοντελοποίηση του στο d-q πλαίσιο αναφοράς. Στη συνέχεια προχωρούμε στον υπολογισμό των εξισώσεων στο χώρο κατάστασης και τελικά προτείνουμε ένα σύστημα ελέγχου το οποίο βασίζεται στους PI ελεγκτές. Τέλος, προσομοιώνουμε το παραπάνω σύστημα με τη βοήθεια της εφαρμογής Simulink του λογισμικού MATLAB και μελετώντας τα αποτελέσματα, εξάγουμε τα ανάλογα συμπεράσματα. / This thesis deals with the study of a wind turbine device with a permanent magnet synchronous machine which is connected with the grid side via a dc interconnection. The dc link is created by a dc capacitor and on the machine side there is an ac / dc power converter while on the grid side there is a dc / ac power converter, both of which are totally controlled. Aim of this thesis is to study the complete wind turbine system in the d-q rotating vertical axes system through the Park transformation. Then we calculate the state space equations and propose a control system based on PI controllers. Finally, we simulate the complete system with the MATLAB Simulink and having studied the results, we draw conclusions.

Thesis (MSc (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Knowledge of the magnetic fields in the domain of electrical machines is required in order to model machines accurately. It is difficult to solve these fields analytically because of the complex geometries of electrical machines and the non-linear characteristics of the materials used to build them. Thus, finite element analysis, which can be used to solve the magnetic field accurately, plays an important part in the design of electrical machines. When designing electrical machines, the task of finding an optimal design is not simple because the performance of the machine has a non-linear dependence on many variables. In these circumstances, numerical optimisation using finite element analysis is the most powerful method of finding optimal designs. In this thesis, the work of improving an existing finite element simulation package, formerly known as the Cambridge package among its users, and the use of this package in the optimisation of electrical machine designs, is presented. The work involved restructuring the original package, expanding its capabilities and coupling it to numerical optimisers. The developed finite element package has been dubbed SEMFEM: the Stellenbosch Electrical Machines Finite Element Method. The Cambridge package employed the air-gap element method, first proposed by Razek et. al. [2], to solve the magnetic field for different positions of the moving component in a time-stepped finite element simulation. Because many new machine topologies have more than one air-gap, the ability to model machines with multiple air-gaps is important. The Cambridge package was not capable of this, but during the course of this work, the ability to model machines with multiple air-gaps using the air-gap element method was implemented. Many linear electrical machines have tubular, axisymmetric topologies. The functionality to simulate these machines was newly implemented because the original program was not capable of analysing these machines. Amongst other things, this involved the derivation of the coefficients of an axisymmetric air-gap element’s stiffness matrix. This derivation, along with the original air-gap element derived by Razek et. al. [2] and the extension of the method to the Cartesian coordinate system by Wang et. al. [29, 30], completes the derivation of all two-dimensional air-gap elements. In order to speed the numerical optimisation process, which is computationally expensive, parallelisation was introduced in two areas: at the level of the finite element simulation and at the level of the optimisation program. The final product is a more powerful, more usable package, geared for the optimisation of electrical machines. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Kennis van die magnetiese velde in die gebied van elektriese masjiene word benodig om masjiene akkuraat te modelleer. Dit is moeilik om hierdie velde analities op te los as gevolg die komplekse geometrieë van elektriese masjiene en die nie-lineêre karakteristieke van die materiale wat gebruik word om hulle te bou. Dus speel eindige element analise ’n belangrike rol in die ontwerp van elektriese masjiene omdat dit gebruik kan word om die magnetiese veld akkuraat te bepaal. Wanneer elektriese masjiene ontwerp word, is dit nie ’n eenvoudige taak om ’n optimale ontwerp te vind nie omdat die werkverrigting van die masjien nie-lineêr afhanklik is van baie veranderlikes. Onder hierdie omstandighede is numeriese optimering, tesame met eindige element analise, die kragtigste metode om optimale ontwerpe te vind. In hierdie tesis word die verbetering van ’n bestaande eindige element simulasie pakket, wat onder gebruikers van die pakket as die Cambridge pakket bekend staan, en die gebruik van hierdie pakket vir die optimering van elektriese masjiene, voorgelê. Die werk het die herstrukturering van die oorspronklike pakket, die uitbreiding van die pakket se vermoëns en die koppeling van die pakket aan numeriese optimeerders behels. Die ontwikkelde eindige element pakket word SEMFEM genoem: die Stellenbosch Elektriese Masjiene Finite Element Method. Die Cambridge pakket het van die lugspleet element metode, soos oorspronlik deur Razek et. al. [2] voorgestel, gebruik gemaak om die magnetiese veld vir verskillende posisies van die bewegende komponent in ’n tyd-stapsgewyse eindige element simulasie op te los. Omdat baie nuwe masjien topologieë meer as een lugspleet het, is die vermoë om masjiene met meer as een lugspleet te kan modelleer belangrik. Die Cambridge pakket was nie hier toe in staat nie, maar die vermoë om masjiene met meervoudige lugsplete te modelleer is gedurende hierdie werk geïmplementeer. Baie lineêre masjiene het tubulêre, assimmetriese topologieë. Die funksionaliteit om hierdie masjiene te simuleer is nuut geïmplementeer omdat die oorspronlike program nie in staat was om hierdie masjiene te analiseer nie. Dit het onder andere behels dat die koeffisiënte van ’n assimmetriese lugspleetelement se styfheidsmatriks afgelei moes word. Hierdie afleiding, tesame met die oorspronlike lugspleetelement afgelei deur Razek et. al. [2] en die uitbreiding na die Cartesiese koördinaatstelsel deur Wang et. al. [29, 30], voltooi die afleiding van alle twee-dimensionele lugspleet elemente. Om die numeriese optimeringsproses, wat tipies tydsgewys duur is, te versnel, is parallellisering op twee vlakke ingebring: op die vlak van die eindige element simulasie en op die vlak van die optimeringsprogram. Die finale produk is ’n kragtiger, meer bruikbare pakket, goed aangepas vir die optimering van elektriese masjiene.

Este trabalho foca o estudo e desenvolvimento de um atuador linear com ímãs permanentes aplicado a sistemas de suspensão ativa, com ênfase em suspensão veicular. Seu desenvolvimento considera aspectos específicos como força, volume, razão força/volume, curso e resposta em frequência. Junto ao estudo teórico desenvolve-se o projeto baseado na simulação paramétrica em elementos finitos que analisa aspectos qualitativos e quantitativos importantes para tomada de decisão do projeto, especificamente na definição de materiais e geometrias. Para servir como ferramenta de análise foi empregada uma modelagem analítica que se mostrou eficiente, pois foi capaz de produzir resultados de forma mais rápida que o método de elementos finitos para avaliar grandezas de interesse como força e densidade de fluxo magnético. Por fim e com base nos aspectos de projeto, foi construído um protótipo que permitiu validar os modelos. Os resultados experimentais e teóricos mostraram boa concordância o que permite concluir que os métodos empregados são eficazes, fornecendo subsídios à aplicação em foco. / This work aims the study and development of a linear actuator with permanent magnets applied to active suspension systems, with emphasis on vehicular suspension. That development takes into account specific features such as force, volume, force per volume ratio, stroke and frequency response. Together with the theoretical study the design of the actuator is carried out based on parametric simulation by means of finite elements which analyses qualitative and quantitative aspects that are important to make the project decision, specifically to define materials and geometry. To suit as an analysis tool it was employed an analytical modelling, which showed to be efficient because it was capable of producing faster results than the finite elements method to evaluate physical quantities of interest such as force and magnetic flux density. Finally and based on project aspects, a prototype was built which allowed to validate all models. Experimental and theoretical results showed a good agreement which led to conclude that the employed methods are efficient, providing subsidies to the studied application.

Durant ces dernières décennies, le moteur synchrone à aimants permanents (MSAP) est devenu un actionneur essentiel pour les applications militaires, industrielles et civilesgrâce à ses avantages de haute densité de puissance, de rendement élevé, de grande fiabilité avec une structure simple, un faible volume et un poids réduit. Parfois, plusieurs MSAP sont utilisés pour effectuer des tâches coopératives. Par exemple le boggie d'une locomotive ou encore les surfacesde vol d'un avion. Ces MSAP fonctionnent généralement à la même vitesse. Pour réduire le volume et le poids, une idée de mutualisation des dispositifs de conversion statique, appelée système Multi-MSAP Mono-Convertisseur (MIMSAPMC), est proposée. Bien que de nombreux chercheurs aient déjà proposé différentes solutions de contrôle pour le système MIMSAPMC, la plupart d'entre eux ne garantissent pas la stabilité et l'efficacité énergétique du système. Ceci estdevenu le plus grand obstacle à l'utilisation pratique du MIMSAPMC. A cet effet et en commençant par un système MIMSAPMC avec 2 moteurs nous avons testé expérimentalement quelques stratégies de commande pour en vérifier la faisabilité et les performances. Sur la base des données mesurées, nous avons constaté que le problème de sur-contraintes existe dans certaines stratégies de contrôle. Ensuite, la synthèse d’une commande basée sur un modèle en régime permanent d'un système MIMSAPMC est réalisée. En étudiant le problème d'existence du régime permanent, nous formulons une procédure de conception de la structure de la loi de commande. En combinant la stabilité en boucle ouverte et la solution en régime permanent, nous définissons alors la région de contrôlabilité et de stabilité. La méthode des multiplieurs de Lagrange est ensuite utilisée pour formuler l'expression de l'état d'équilibre optimal en fonction ducouple et de la vitesse. L'expérience a montré que l'efficacité avec cette nouvelle loi de commande s’est considérablement améliorée. Dans le même temps, nous avons exploré l'influence de la variation des paramètres pour la stabilité du système et pour l'optimisation de l'efficacité. Ainsi, nous montrons que la variation paramétrique influence la zone de stabilité. Mais son influence peut être éliminée en utilisant la stratégie Maitre-Esclave. Par ailleurs, en ce qui concerne l'optimisation de l'efficacité énergétique, les résultats de simulation ont montré que la non-concordance des paramètres, en particulier le flux de l’aimant, peut entraîner une perte d'efficacité élevée. Dans la dernière étape, ce contrôleur est également adapté à un système MIMSAPMC avec un nombre de moteurs supérieurs à 2. Les résultats de la simulation démontrent alors l'efficacité de la proposition. / During these decades, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) has become a vital part of military, industry and civil applications due to the advantages of high power density, high efficiency, high reliability and simple structure, small volume and light weight. Sometimes, multiple PMSMs are used to carry out cooperative functions. For example, the bogie of a locomotive, the flight control surface of an airplane. These PMSMs usually operates at the same speed. To reduce the volume and weight, an idea of sharing the static power conversion devices, which is called Mono-Inverter Multi-PMSM system (MIMPMSM), is raised. Although many researchers have given different controller solutions for the MIMPMSM system, most of them are not clear in the aspects of system stability and efficiency issues. This has become the biggest obstacle to the practical use of MIMPMSM. Oriented with these problems, starting with a MIMPMSM system with 2 motors, in the first step, we have tested some control strategies by an experiment to verify the feasibility and performance of them. In final, based on the experiment data, we have figured that the overconstraint problem exists in some control strategies. Then, an analysis and controller design based on steady-state model of a Mono-Inverter Dual-PMSM (MIDPMSM) system is carried out.By studying the solution existence problem of the steady-state model, we give out the design guideline to the controller structure. Combining the open-loop stability and steady-state solution, the region of controllability and stability is obtained. Lagrange Multiplier is used develop theexpression of efficiency-optimal steady-staterelated to torque and speed. The experiment has shown that the efficiency of the new controller has improved significantly. Meanwhile, we have explored the influence of parameter variation in system stability and efficiency-optimization. The variation will influence the stability region. But its influence can be eliminated by using Master- Slave strategy. On the other hand, in the aspect of efficiency optimization, the simulation results have shown that parameter mismatch, especially the permeant flux, can cause high efficiency loss. In the last step, this controller is also adapted to a MIMPMSM system with more than two motors. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness.

Esta dissertação propõe um projeto de aerogerador que é composto de uma turbina eólica de cinco pás, acoplada a um difusor e um gerador elétrico, com a finalidade de gerar energia elétrica com ventos de velocidade a partir de 4 m/s. São apresentados os pressupostos teóricos referentes ao estudo e dimensionamento aerodinâmico de uma pá, baseados principalmente na teoria do disco atuador e na teoria aerodinâmica, através do método de Betz. É feito o estudo de um difusor para ser acoplado à turbina com o objetivo de aumentar o aproveitamento energético. No final foram estudadas as principais topologias utilizadas para a geração eólica e é selecionado o gerador síncrono de ímãs permanentes. A seguir foram estudadas e dimensionadas as partes ativas do gerador (diretamente envolvidas na conversão eletromagnética). É projetado um aerogerador trifásico com enrolamentos distribuídos. O rotor, que é acoplado às pás, localiza-se internamente. Os ímãs permanentes de Neodímio-Boro-Ferro são montados na superfície do rotor. Conclui-se com a avaliação do aerogerador proposto com base nas simulações computacionais de seu desempenho. / This thesis proposes a wind generator design which combines a five blade wind turbine that is attached to a diffuser and an electrical generator. The design aims to produce electric power from 4 m/s starting wind speeds. It presents the theoretical study concerning the design and aerodynamics of a blade, commonly based on the theory of actuator disc and aerodynamic theory, through the method of Betz. A study was conducted on a diffuser to be coupled to the turbine in order to increase the energy utilization. In the end, the main topologies used for wind generation were presented, and the permanent magnet synchronous generator was selected. Next, all the active parts of the generator (directly involved in electromagnetic conversion) were studied and determined. An outer stator with three-phase distributed windings was designed. The rotor, which is coupled to the blades, is located internally. The Neodymium-Iron-Boron permanent magnets are mounted on the rotor surface. It is concluded with an evaluation of the proposed wind generator in accordance with its behavior computational simulations.

Les processus d'aimantation dans des aimants de type NdFeB ont été étudiés dans le cadre de cette thèse, sur la base de mesures d'aimantation macroscopiques et de caractérisations locales (MFM). Deux types d'échantillons ont été analysés : des aimants massifs dont les propriétés excellentes résultent d'un processus d'infiltration de NdCu le long des joints de grain (échantillons fournis par Toyota Motor Corporation) et des échantillons sous forme de couches épaisses, dont les microstructures, et, de ce fait les propriétés magnétiques, diffèrent. La variation thermique du champ coercitif et celle du volume d'activation ont été analysées dans le cadre de deux modèles, respectivement dénommé micromagnétique et global. Les valeurs déduites des deux paramètres principaux caractérisant la coercitivité (N représentant les effets du champ démagnétisant et α reliant le champ coercitif aux propriétés magnétiques intrinsèques de la phase dure) indiquent que dans les aimants massifs les différences de coercitivité entre échantillons sont dues pour l'essentiel à la variation de N alors que dans les films, c'est la variation du paramètre α qui joue le rôle principal. Le volume d'activation à une température donnée, dérivé de mesures de trainage magnétique, a des valeurs proches pour tous les échantillons massifs. Au contraire, il varie d'un échantillon à l'autre dans le cas des films : plus le champ coercitif est fort, plus petit est le volume d'activation. Une conclusion générale de cette étude est que les propriétés magnétiques au sein du volume d'activation sont proches de celles de la phase dure Nd2Fe14B. Le lien entre microstructure et coercivité a été examiné dans les films épais par microscopie de force magnétique (MFM). Des observations de films dans différents états rémanents le long du cycle d'hystérésis ont été réalisées. Des « domaines d'interactions » ont été révélés dans les films de faible coercitivté. Dans de tels films, comme dans ceux de coercitivité moyenne, le renversement d'aimantation est dominé par la propagation de domaines, alors que dans les films de plus forte coercitivité, la nucléation suivie de la propagation de domaines d'orientation inverse à celle de l'aimantation principale dominent. / Magnetization reversal in NdFeB-type permanent magnets was studied in this thesis, based on both global (magnetometry) and local (magnetic force microscopy) experimental techniques. Two types of samples were analyzed: bulk magnets of which magnetic properties are greatly improved as a result of NdCu infiltration along the grain boundaries (samples provided by Toyota Motor Corporation) and thick film magnets with different microstructures and thus different coercive fields. The temperature dependence of the coercive field and that of the activation volume were analyzed in the framework of two models: the micromagnetic and the global model. The derived values of the two main parameters characterizing coercivity (N representing demagnetizing field effects and α linking the coercive field to the intrinsic magnetic properties of the hard phase) indicate that, in bulk magnets, the difference in coercivity between different samples is related mainly to N whereas in films the parameter alfa plays the leading role. The activation volume derived from magnetic after effect measurements is similar for all bulk samples at a given temperature. On the opposite, it varies in the case of films : the higher the coercive field, the smaller the activation volume. Altogether, it is concluded that the magnetic properties within the activation volume are close to those of the main phase. The link between microstructure and coercivity was studied in thick films, using magnetic force microscopy. Imaging of films that present different microstructures was performed in different remanent states along the hysteresis cycle. Interaction domains were observed in the case of films with lower coercive field. In such low coercivity films, as well as in medium coercivity ones, magnetization reversal is dominated by domain wall propagation, instead of nucleation + propagation in high coercivity films.

Esta dissertação propõe um projeto de aerogerador que é composto de uma turbina eólica de cinco pás, acoplada a um difusor e um gerador elétrico, com a finalidade de gerar energia elétrica com ventos de velocidade a partir de 4 m/s. São apresentados os pressupostos teóricos referentes ao estudo e dimensionamento aerodinâmico de uma pá, baseados principalmente na teoria do disco atuador e na teoria aerodinâmica, através do método de Betz. É feito o estudo de um difusor para ser acoplado à turbina com o objetivo de aumentar o aproveitamento energético. No final foram estudadas as principais topologias utilizadas para a geração eólica e é selecionado o gerador síncrono de ímãs permanentes. A seguir foram estudadas e dimensionadas as partes ativas do gerador (diretamente envolvidas na conversão eletromagnética). É projetado um aerogerador trifásico com enrolamentos distribuídos. O rotor, que é acoplado às pás, localiza-se internamente. Os ímãs permanentes de Neodímio-Boro-Ferro são montados na superfície do rotor. Conclui-se com a avaliação do aerogerador proposto com base nas simulações computacionais de seu desempenho. / This thesis proposes a wind generator design which combines a five blade wind turbine that is attached to a diffuser and an electrical generator. The design aims to produce electric power from 4 m/s starting wind speeds. It presents the theoretical study concerning the design and aerodynamics of a blade, commonly based on the theory of actuator disc and aerodynamic theory, through the method of Betz. A study was conducted on a diffuser to be coupled to the turbine in order to increase the energy utilization. In the end, the main topologies used for wind generation were presented, and the permanent magnet synchronous generator was selected. Next, all the active parts of the generator (directly involved in electromagnetic conversion) were studied and determined. An outer stator with three-phase distributed windings was designed. The rotor, which is coupled to the blades, is located internally. The Neodymium-Iron-Boron permanent magnets are mounted on the rotor surface. It is concluded with an evaluation of the proposed wind generator in accordance with its behavior computational simulations.

Este trabalho foca o estudo e desenvolvimento de um atuador linear com ímãs permanentes aplicado a sistemas de suspensão ativa, com ênfase em suspensão veicular. Seu desenvolvimento considera aspectos específicos como força, volume, razão força/volume, curso e resposta em frequência. Junto ao estudo teórico desenvolve-se o projeto baseado na simulação paramétrica em elementos finitos que analisa aspectos qualitativos e quantitativos importantes para tomada de decisão do projeto, especificamente na definição de materiais e geometrias. Para servir como ferramenta de análise foi empregada uma modelagem analítica que se mostrou eficiente, pois foi capaz de produzir resultados de forma mais rápida que o método de elementos finitos para avaliar grandezas de interesse como força e densidade de fluxo magnético. Por fim e com base nos aspectos de projeto, foi construído um protótipo que permitiu validar os modelos. Os resultados experimentais e teóricos mostraram boa concordância o que permite concluir que os métodos empregados são eficazes, fornecendo subsídios à aplicação em foco. / This work aims the study and development of a linear actuator with permanent magnets applied to active suspension systems, with emphasis on vehicular suspension. That development takes into account specific features such as force, volume, force per volume ratio, stroke and frequency response. Together with the theoretical study the design of the actuator is carried out based on parametric simulation by means of finite elements which analyses qualitative and quantitative aspects that are important to make the project decision, specifically to define materials and geometry. To suit as an analysis tool it was employed an analytical modelling, which showed to be efficient because it was capable of producing faster results than the finite elements method to evaluate physical quantities of interest such as force and magnetic flux density. Finally and based on project aspects, a prototype was built which allowed to validate all models. Experimental and theoretical results showed a good agreement which led to conclude that the employed methods are efficient, providing subsidies to the studied application.

Este trabalho foca o estudo e desenvolvimento de um atuador linear com ímãs permanentes aplicado a sistemas de suspensão ativa, com ênfase em suspensão veicular. Seu desenvolvimento considera aspectos específicos como força, volume, razão força/volume, curso e resposta em frequência. Junto ao estudo teórico desenvolve-se o projeto baseado na simulação paramétrica em elementos finitos que analisa aspectos qualitativos e quantitativos importantes para tomada de decisão do projeto, especificamente na definição de materiais e geometrias. Para servir como ferramenta de análise foi empregada uma modelagem analítica que se mostrou eficiente, pois foi capaz de produzir resultados de forma mais rápida que o método de elementos finitos para avaliar grandezas de interesse como força e densidade de fluxo magnético. Por fim e com base nos aspectos de projeto, foi construído um protótipo que permitiu validar os modelos. Os resultados experimentais e teóricos mostraram boa concordância o que permite concluir que os métodos empregados são eficazes, fornecendo subsídios à aplicação em foco. / This work aims the study and development of a linear actuator with permanent magnets applied to active suspension systems, with emphasis on vehicular suspension. That development takes into account specific features such as force, volume, force per volume ratio, stroke and frequency response. Together with the theoretical study the design of the actuator is carried out based on parametric simulation by means of finite elements which analyses qualitative and quantitative aspects that are important to make the project decision, specifically to define materials and geometry. To suit as an analysis tool it was employed an analytical modelling, which showed to be efficient because it was capable of producing faster results than the finite elements method to evaluate physical quantities of interest such as force and magnetic flux density. Finally and based on project aspects, a prototype was built which allowed to validate all models. Experimental and theoretical results showed a good agreement which led to conclude that the employed methods are efficient, providing subsidies to the studied application.