Multi-Objective Optimization of Medium-Scale Wound-Field Electric Generators

Abstract

This work deals with the optimization of electric generators for multiple performance measures, e.g., the simultaneous maximization of the fundamental harmonic and the minimization of the total harmonic distortion of the Back-EMF. For a given slot/pole-configuration and pole span, the goal is to find the optimal rotor outer contour along the air gap. Different approaches for modeling the rotor contour are followed here, i.e., a Fourier-series based approach and a piecewise discretization of the circumference. The work is about performing optimizations for both approaches and to compare the achieved results (i) when considering similar computational effort, (ii) regarding modeling complexity versus design flexibility, and (iii) the possibility for acquiring additional information, as for instance the sensitivity of the contour regarding manufacturing tolerances.