Unbalanced Forces in Electrical Generators for Wave and Tidal Devices

Electrical generators and other drive train components experience significant varying loads in wave and tidal devices. This can lead to bearing failure due to unbalanced forces caused by misalignment and rotor eccentricity. For wave and tidal devices to operate effectively components, such as bearings, should be repaired or replaced prior to failure. This paper presents modelling of an electrical generator to investigate the unbalanced forces produced and the experimental test rig design that will verify simulation work. Work from the paper will lead towards a drive-train bearing wear model where unbalanced forces can be reduced and failures minimised.