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Arctic Ocean monitoring with near-real-time data transfer is urgently needed. The harsh and remote conditions constraining year-round observation sites present significant logistical challenges and energy needs for sustained Arctic observations. The Arctic project group is attempting to design a mechanical structure to harvest energy from low-speed current in the Arctic Ocean. An Arctic energy harvesting system that consists of a transverse flux generator, boosted by a nozzle-diffuser-duct, and an American multiblade turbine that drives the generator, are designed in this study. The transverse flux generator is then optimized based on its design parameters and the optimization successfully improves the torque performance of the generator while maintaining the largest power output. The American turbine fits the extreme low-speed current condition (<0.2m/s) well and could support the rotation of the generator. Finally, the article compares the energy harvesting system is compared with the existing ones in the market and demonstrates its superior performance. / Master of Science / Arctic area has great potential and it is beneficial to monitor and do research in the Arctic area. The continuous energy could be a problem. The challenging and isolated conditions that limit the establishment of year-round observation stations pose significant logistical hurdles and energy requirements for continuous Arctic data collection. To address this, the Arctic project team is endeavoring to create a mechanical structure capable of harnessing energy from low-speed currents in the Arctic Ocean.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Several transverse flux and longitudinal flux linear generator topologies exist for freepiston Stirling engine applications. In this thesis the transverse flux permanent magnet linear generators are investigated together with a back-to-back converter which can deliver the electrical energy from the linear generator to the electrical network. The transverse flux permanent magnet linear generator is geometrically optimised with the aim to maximise the power-to-weight ratio while maintaining preset power and efficiency levels. An optimised 3 kW linear generator is built and the measured results correlate to the simulation results. A close-loop current control scheme is introduced to control the current of the rectifier, which is part of the back to back converter. The transverse flux permanent magnet linear generator is connected to the input of the rectifier which has the ability to force a specific current from the generator. The measured results of the rectifier correlate to the results of the simulations that were done. The current control present some complications and it is suggested that another control scheme is used. A close-loop voltage control scheme is introduced for the control of the DC bus voltage. The DC bus is connected between the rectifier and the inverter, which is the other part of the back-to-back converter. A close-loop current control scheme is introduced to control the inverter current that flows from the inverter to the electrical network. The measured results of the inverter and the DC bus correlate to the results of the simulations that were done. The results of the system, including the generator, rectifier and inverter, tested as a unit is presented and discussed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Verskeie tranverse vloed en longitudinale vloed lineˆere generator topologie¨e bestaan vir vrysuier Stirling enjin toepassings. In hierdie tesis word ’n transverse vloed permanente magneet lineˆere generator ondersoek saam met ’n omsetter. Die omsetter dra die elektriese energie van die generator oor aan die elektriese netwerk. Die transverse vloed permanente magneet lineˆere generator word geometries geoptimeer met die doel om die drywing-tot-gewig verhouding te maksimiseer terwyl vasgestelde drywing en effektiwiteit vlakke behou word. ’n Geoptimeerde 3kW lineˆere generator prototipe is vervaardig en die gemete resultate is geverifieer met die simulasie resultate. ’n Geslote lus stroombeheer strategie word voorgestel om die stroom te beheer van die gelykrigter, wat deel is van die omsetter. Die transverse vloed permanente magneet lineˆere generator word aan die gelykrigter, wat die vermo¨e het om ’n spesifieke stroom uit die generator te forseer, se intree verbind. Die gemete resultate van die gelykrigter wat gebou is stem goed ooreen met die van die simulasies wat gedoen is. Die stroombeheer hou komplikasies in wat bespreek word. Dus word die gebruik van ’n alternatiewe stroombeheer voorgestel. ’n Geslote lus spannings beheer strategie¨e word voorgestel om die gs. busspanning te beheer. Die gs. bus is gekonnekteer tussen die gelykrigter en die wisselrigter, wat ook deel uitmaak van die omsetter. ’n Geslote lus stroom beheer word voorgestel om die stroom te beheer wat vanaf die wisselrigter na die elektriese netwerk toe vloei. Die gemete resultate van die wisselrigter en die gs. bus stem goed ooreen met die van die simulasies wat gedoen is. Die resultate van die hele stelsel, wat die generator, gelykrigter en die wisselrigter insluit, wat as ’n eenheid getoets is word weergegee en bespreek.

This thesis deals with the analysis of a permanent magnet synchronous generator suited for direct-drivenwind turbines inmegawatt class. The higher specific torque and power density of a transverse flux permanent magnet machine in comparison to conventional radial-flux machines make it a promising solution for direct-driven wind turbine generators. The novel transverse flux generator investigated in this work would allow a better utilization of the available nacelle space due to its more compact construction. The major part of the thesis deals with the finite element analysis and analytical calculations of transverse flux generators. The computations are performed for single units of the basic transverse flux topology (BTFM) and the one utilizing iron bridges (IBTFM). As the selection of the pole length in a transverse flux machine affects the pole-to-pole flux leakage and thus its performance, the topologies have been analyzed with respect to the varying dimensions in the direction of movement. The topologies utilizing IBTFM have been found to be superior to the BTFM with respect to the flux linkage (by 110%) and utilization of the magnets (by 84%). The machines with longest magnets gave the largest flux linkage, while machines with short magnets should be preferred for better magnet utilization. The four sets of dimensions have been selected for a dynamic finite element analysis. The power factor is evaluated for the topologies with the varying dimensions in the peripheral plane in static finite element analysis. The performance of the topologies with the best power factor in the studied range (0.62 in the BTFM and 0.57 in the IBTFM), as well as the topologies that give the highest power factor to magnet volume ratio, is compared with the dynamic simulations.The electromagnetic and cogging forces of the transverse-flux generator are estimated. The IBTFM is superior to the BTFM with respect to the force production, where the three-phase electromagnetic force is twice as large as in the BTFM. The force ripples of the three-phase electromagnetic force are found to be insignificant in both topologies. An analytical procedure based on the results from the finite element simulations is applied for evaluation of the transverse flux generators with different shapes and topologies. The effectiveness of each topology is investigated based on the estimation of the torque production in a certain nacelle volume. A toroidal generator with the iron-bridge topology is the most compact alternativefor a wind turbine as it has the highest torque-per-volume ratio. Furthermore, the analyticalmodel, including evaluation of the synchronous inductance, is developed and compared with the results obtained in the threedimensional finite element analysis. Themodel provides a good agreement for the studied set of dimensions. / QC 20101109

In this thesis, the basics of electromagnetic theory for wave-energy conversion are reviewed, some of the characteristics of the ocean wave are investigated, some of the power take-off (PTO) systems are introduced, and details about linear permanent magnetic machines, in particular, are discussed.  The thesis aims to model the novel linear transverse flux machine designed by Anders Hagnestål and to build hysteresis current controller for power factor correc- tion. Although this machine is expected to have high performance in terms of efficiency, it also exhibits a strong mutual interaction between the three phases of the machine. Thus, simplification of the actual model of the machine is im- posed to mitigate the complexity of the machine and facilitate the Simulink model. Four cases of the double band hysteresis control are studied. The cur- rents seem to be responding properly to the control scheme; however, software and hardware programming of a microprocessor would be preferable to ensurethe applicability of the control strategy in a real environment. / I detta examensarbete undersöks elektromagnetisk teori och havsvågors egenskaper. Några energiomvandlingssystem introduceras och permanentmagnetiserade maskiner diskuteras i detalj. Syftet med avhandlingen är att modelleraen ny linjär transversalflödesmaskin som är designad av Anders Hagnestål och att bygga en hysteresbaserad strömkontroll för denna. Även om maskinen förväntas prestera bra, uppvisar den också en stark ömsesidig magnetisk interaktion mellan de tre faserna. För att kunna hantera detta problem och därmed kunna genomföra simuleringar införs en förenklad elektromagnetisk modell av maskinen. En strömkontroller har implementerats i Simulink, där fyra fall av dubbelbandshystereskontroll studerats. Resultaten från simuleringarna visar att strömkontrollern fungerar. Nästa steg i projektet är att utföra mjukvaru och hårdvaruprogrammering av en mikrokontroller för att testa systemet i enverklig miljö.

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Direct drive wave energy conversion systems have been identified as a potentially major contributor to the world’s energy demands, forecasting shares of up to 25 % of the energy mix. Anders Hagnestål conducts research at the Royal Institute of Technology where a novel linear transverse flux permanent magnet generator is developed. This concept machine is particularly well-suited for the pertaining operating conditions in marine environments, producing large forces at low speeds with outstandingly low resistive losses. However, it exhibits severe magnetic saturation and draws unsymmetrical phase currents at nominal operation. In addition, it possesses a low power factor. All in all, this places stern requirements on the power electronic system and control algorithms. The aim of this thesis has been to design a functioning power conditioning system that connects the machine to the electric grid. For this purpose, a three-phase two-level voltage source converter is proposed to be back-to-back connected with two-level single-phase voltage source converters (active rectifiers) interfacing each and every machine phase. It is shown that the intermediate DC link can be maintained at a constant voltage with restricted ripple while feeding power at unity power factor to the grid by appropriately sizing the DC capacitor and adopting a feedback linearization control scheme. The phase currents can be controlled effectively by means of a cascaded gain-scheduled PID controller. By including a low-pass filter the iron losses in the machine may be suppressed even at lower switching frequencies. A constrained cost optimization indicates that the converter consequently can reach 99.1 % efficiency. Finally, with this thesis as a background, it is suggested that the thermal stresses on the selected semiconductor modules and the iron losses of the machine are evaluated to further improve the design. If higher efficiency of the active rectifiers is strived for, more complex converter topologies could be considered. / Direktdrivna vågenergiomvandlingssystem har utpekats som en potentiellt starkt bidragande resurs för att tillgodose världens efterfrågan på energi med andelar på uppemot 25 % av energimixen förutspådda. Anders Hagnestål bedriver forskning och utveckling av en ny typ av linjär permanentmagnetiserad transversalflödesmaskin vid Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan. Konceptmaskinen är särskilt väl lämpad för de rådande marina förhållandena genom att kunna producera stora krafter vid låga hastigheter med utomordentligt låga resistiva förluster. Maskinen går emellertid i kraftig magnetisk mättnad och drar asymmetriska strömmar vid nominell drift. Dessutom är effektfaktorn låg i jämförelse med standardmaskiner. Alltsomallt inför detta hårda krav på det effektelektroniska systemet och kontrollalgoritmerna. Målet med detta examensarbete har varit att designa ett funktionellt effektkonditioneringssystem som sammanfogar maskinen med det angränsande elektriska nätet. För att åstadkomma detta föreslås att en tvånivås-trefasomriktare kopplas rygg-mot-rygg till tvånivås-enfasomvandlare (aktiva likriktare) som i sin tur är kopplade till varje maskinfas. Med den här konfigurationen visas det att spänningen på den mellanliggande DC-länken kan hållas konstant med begränsat rippel, alltmedan effekt tillförs nätet vid effektfaktor ett genom att dimensionera DC-kondensatorn på rätt sätt och använda en kontrollag baserad på exakt linjärisering. Maskinens fasströmmar kan kontrolleras effektivt med hjälp av en kaskadkopplad PID-regulator med schemalagda förstärkningsfaktorer. Genom att inkludera ett lågpassfilter förväntas det att järnförlusterna i maskinen kan begränsas även vid lägre switchfrekvenser. Genom att lösa ett kostnadsoptimeringsproblem visas det att den resulterande aktiva likriktaren kan uppnå en verkningsgrad på 99.1 %. Slutligen, med det här examensarbetet som grund, föreslås det att den termiska stressen på de valda halvledarkomponentsmodulerna och järnförlusterna i maskinen utvärderas för att ytterligare förbättra designen. Om högre verkningsgrad eftersträvas hos de aktiva likriktarna kan mer komplicerade omvandlartopologier övervägas.

The object of this thesis is to develop a cost effective direct-driven wind generator suited for offshore wind turbines. As the generator price is a complicated function dependent on many parameters, the emphasis is mainly put on reduction of the weight of active materials, such as copper, laminated steel, permanent magnets, and electrical insulation. The higher specific torque and power density of a transverse flux permanent magnet (TFPM) machine in comparison to conventional radial-flux machines make it a promising solution for direct-driven wind turbine generators. The novel TFPM generator investigated in this work due to its possibly more compact construction would allow a better utilization of the available nacelle space. The analytical model, including evaluation of the synchronous inductance, is developed and applied in parametric study of a 5 MW wind turbine generator. The influence of the design variables with respect to the analyzed characteristics is investigated. A number of machines that have approximately the same performances are found. These machines are compared and the optimal ranges for the main parameters are suggested. One possible design topology is presented in more details with dimensions and main characteristics. This generator is compared with radial-flux generators with surface-mounted and tangentially-polarized magnets. It is found that the analyzed TFPM generator would favor a smaller outer diameter, reduced total active weight, and reduced weight of the magnet material. The TFPM would however require a longer axial length. TFPM generators with a broader range of output power have also been investigated. Generators rated 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12 MW are analyzed and their characteristics with respect to the output power are compared. The novel transverse flux topology has been found to be promising for low-speed hightorque applications, such as direct-driven wind turbines in the multi-megawatt range. / QC 20101118

Cette thèse présente l’étude d’une machine électrique à stator à flux transverse à griffes. Après une étude du SMC et des structures à flux transverse, une structure associant un stator à griffes à un rotor à aimants permanents est choisie. Un modèle de la machine par réseau de réluctances est développé, en s’appuyant sur des simulations éléments finis. Il est ensuite amendé par l’introduction d’hypothèses d’inclinaison de flux dans l’entrefer, puis il est validé par le test d’un prototype. L’architecture est alors optimisée après une analyse détaillée de la circulation des flux, qui permet d’identifier le problème de la saturation du pied de dents. Après des simulations éléments finis de la machine améliorée, un prototype est ensuite testé qui confirme l’apport de la nouvelle architecture.Une version alternative de la machine, avec un bobinage d’excitation au stator et un rotor massif est ensuite proposée. Cette machine promet une fabrication économique et une bonne robustesse. Un modèle analytique est proposé, accompagné d’une étude éléments finis, puis pour finir un prototype est testé. Une version améliorée de cette machine avec un rotor à dents isolés est ensuite proposée : un modèle analytique et des études éléments finis permettent de valider l’intérêt de cette évolution. / This thesis presents the study of a claw-pole transverse flux electric machine. At first, SMC material properties and transverse flux structures are studied, leading to the choice of a structure combining a claw-pole stator and a permanent magnet rotor. The machine is modelled by the means of a magnetic equivalent circuit, with a reluctance network, developed with the help of finite elements simulation. The model is then changed with the introduction of the hypothesis that the flux is bent inside the airgap; it is then validated by the test of a prototype.The architecture of the machine is optimized after a detailed analysis of the flux circulation, leading to the identification of the tooth-tip saturation issue. After finite element simulation of the improved machine, a prototype is later tested, which confirms the gain brought by the new architecture.An alternative version of the machine, with a field winding attached to the stator and a massive rotor is then proposed. This machine promises to be cost-effective to build and robust thanks to its massive rotor. An analytical model of the machine is introduced, along with a finite element simulation, to end with the test of a prototype which confirms the possibilities of this new concept. An improved version of the machine with a rotor with isolated teeth is finally studied, with an analytical model and a finite element leading to the validation of the interest of this evolution.

Cette thèse présente l’étude d’une machine électrique à stator à flux transverse à griffes. Après une étude du SMC et des structures à flux transverse, une structure associant un stator à griffes à un rotor à aimants permanents est choisie. Un modèle de la machine par réseau de réluctances est développé, en s’appuyant sur des simulations éléments finis. Il est ensuite amendé par l’introduction d’hypothèses d’inclinaison de flux dans l’entrefer, puis il est validé par le test d’un prototype. L’architecture est alors optimisée après une analyse détaillée de la circulation des flux, qui permet d’identifier le problème de la saturation du pied de dents. Après des simulations éléments finis de la machine améliorée, un prototype est ensuite testé qui confirme l’apport de la nouvelle architecture.Une version alternative de la machine, avec un bobinage d’excitation au stator et un rotor massif est ensuite proposée. Cette machine promet une fabrication économique et une bonne robustesse. Un modèle analytique est proposé, accompagné d’une étude éléments finis, puis pour finir un prototype est testé. Une version améliorée de cette machine avec un rotor à dents isolés est ensuite proposée : un modèle analytique et des études éléments finis permettent de valider l’intérêt de cette évolution. / This thesis presents the study of a claw-pole transverse flux electric machine. At first, SMC material properties and transverse flux structures are studied, leading to the choice of a structure combining a claw-pole stator and a permanent magnet rotor. The machine is modelled by the means of a magnetic equivalent circuit, with a reluctance network, developed with the help of finite elements simulation. The model is then changed with the introduction of the hypothesis that the flux is bent inside the airgap; it is then validated by the test of a prototype.The architecture of the machine is optimized after a detailed analysis of the flux circulation, leading to the identification of the tooth-tip saturation issue. After finite element simulation of the improved machine, a prototype is later tested, which confirms the gain brought by the new architecture.An alternative version of the machine, with a field winding attached to the stator and a massive rotor is then proposed. This machine promises to be cost-effective to build and robust thanks to its massive rotor. An analytical model of the machine is introduced, along with a finite element simulation, to end with the test of a prototype which confirms the possibilities of this new concept. An improved version of the machine with a rotor with isolated teeth is finally studied, with an analytical model and a finite element leading to the validation of the interest of this evolution.