Integration of C-GEN to Wave and Tidal Devices

C-GEN is a new topology of direct-drive permanent magnet generator being developed at Edinburgh University. The main benefits are reduced overall system mass and ease of manufacturing, due to the use of an air-cored winding, but with a modular PM rotor consisting of C-core modules. A recent project funded by Npower Juice aims to investigate the feasibility of C-GEN to two tidal and two wave energy converters. An analytical design tool is developed to find out the most optimum solution for each device. Analytical design tool combines electromagnetic, structural and thermal design aspects for the C-GEN. Also, FEA simulations are performed for each device to validate the analytical tool.

Aquamarine Oyster Aquamarine Oyster is a seabed mounted wave energy device in the near shore. First prototype has been installed at the European Marine Energy Centre offshore test facility in Orkney. A radial flux generator with was designed. There are two generator sets on each side of the flap.

Scotrenewables Tidal Turbine Scotrenewables Marine Power is developing a tidal energy converter - Scotrenewables Tidal Turbine (SRTT) in which the turbines are suspended below a float, making it cheaper and easier to install as well as easier to access for O&M. The design study indicates that an axial flux arrangement is more suitable than the radial flux topology due to space constraints in the nacelle of the device.

Archimedes Wave Swing Archimedes Wave Swing (AWS) is a wave energy converter with submerged cylinder shaped buoy. It utilizes pressure variation on the buoy caused by vertical wave movement. A direct drive permanent magnet generator has been designed. Due to high force requirements of AWS, double generator sets is preferred.

SeaGen Marine Current Turbines developed the world’s first full-scale (1.2 MW) commercially available tidal energy converter. SeaGen is operational in Strangford Lough since 2008. An axial flux type C-GEN is designed for SeaGen. C-GEN is more advantageous in terms of efficiency, reliability and mass by eliminating any intermediate stages between prime mover and generator.

Group Leader

Dr Markus Mueller