Performance Characteristics and Preliminary Analysis of Low Cost Tubular Linear Switch Reluctance Generator for Direct Drive WEC

This paper presents the performance characteristics of a low cost but high-power density tubular linear switch reluctance generator (TLSRG) for direct drive marine wave energy conversion (WEC). The presented TLSRG consists of series of soft magnetic rings and exhibits higher power density than conventional teeth type TLSRG. There is sole set of round winding in each stator slot, which facilitates manufacturing process, thus, results in low cost. The referred ring segments are both magnetically and electrically isolated with each other so it reduces the phase coupling and increase the capability of fault tolerance that is favorable to be used in harsh conditions as WEC. The characteristics and dynamic performance at WEC mode are examined and discussed, validating that the presented TLSRG is a strong alternative candidate to permanent magnet tubular generator for WEC.