PROJECT TITLE :

Scale models formulation of switched reluctance generators for low speed energy converters

ABSTRACT:

This study presents a design methodology based mostly on scale models for low speed switched reluctance generators (SRG). This study is motivated by the application of SRG to direct-drive wind turbines and other low speed renewable energy systems. In direct drive energy converters considerable simplifications result from the elimination of the gear box which has usually been used to interface a slowly rotating shaft with the generator shaft. The comparison and analysis of magnetic structures plays an necessary role in the SRG design. General design methodologies are usually oriented towards the evaluation of stator/rotor poles combos for normal switched reluctance machines. Besides covering that feature, the formulation of scale laws proposed is additionally appropriate to check other SRG topologies distinguished by completely different characteristics of electric and magnetic circuits and their own relative position. As well, this technique will be extended to different physical phenomena such as thermal changes and magnetic saturation by introducing some constraints. The running example compares a modular short flux-path topology versus an occasional speed twenty kW prototype SRG designed for an on the spot drive wind turbine. The modular topology will optimise the efficiency and weight taking advantages from the numerous gain of power per unit of volume and lower losses.