Objective A new type of modular, direct drive permanent magnet generator for wind turbines has been patented. Windpower & Co (UK) Ltd built the first, credible size, variable speed generator to this concept. The testing of the highly unusual topology revealed four new types of loss mechanism which resulted in very low efficiency. There were also problems with noise, starting and cogging torque, thermal effects which tended to close the air gap and very high cost. Nevertheless, subsequent studies showed that the overall prospects remain good and efficiency should be high (about 96%) if the new parasitic losses can be eliminated and the other problems overcome. The research project will improve the predictive model, further evaluate the cause of one of the existing losses, exarnine and select the best ways of largely eliminating parasitic losses by innovative design and material use as well as reducing vibration, noise and starting torque, reducing the cost of power conditioning and developing a simple to use integrated wind turbine and generator controller. The results of the research will be tested on a MW scale generator test rig which will simulate all the working conditions of a wind turbine and measure the generator's overall efficiency and assess its power quality. Fields of science natural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicstopologyengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energywind power Programme(s) FP4-NNE-JOULE C - Specific programme for research and technological development, including demonstration in the field of non-nuclear energy, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 03040103 - Concepts of highly innovated turbines: new design principles and machine-oriented components for improved performance and cost of smaller wind turbines Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme EAW - Exploratory awards Coordinator Windpower & Co. (UK) Ltd. EU contribution No data Address Porkellis TR13 0LG Helston - Cornwall United Kingdom See on map Total cost No data Participants (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Orbital A/S Denmark EU contribution No data Address 1,Kobbervej 6900 Skjern See on map Total cost No data
