Flat-type permanent magnet linear alternator:A suitable device for a free piston linear alternator

We proposed the flat-type permanent magnet linear alternator (LA) for free piston linear alternators (FPLAs) instead of the tubular one. Using the finite element method (FEM), we compare these two kinds of LAs. The FEM result shows that the flat-type permanent magnet LA has higher efficiency and larger output specific power than the tubular one, therefore more suitable for FPLAs, and that the alternator design can be optimized with respect to the permanent magnet length as well as the air gap.