Addressing the Magnet Mounting Problem for Double-Sided TFM Machines With Flux-Concentrating Setup

Abstract

Variable reluctance machines, such as transverse flux machines (TFMs), have very suitable properties for slow-speed renewable energy conversion applications such as wave power. The double-sided TFM variant with flux-concentrating magnet setup has generally better performance than other variants, but it is considerably more challenging to build. One of the most challenging parts to build for such machines is the magnet structure, especially for larger machines where the magnet structure is wide. In this paper, the magnet mounting problem of such a structure for a linear wave power generator has been analyzed. A mounting method has been proposed, and the mounting forces involved for that method have been calculated. A mounting tool has been designed and built, and it has been used to successfully build 12 magnet stacks for two linear-wave power generators that form a test setup. Through this work, it has been demonstrated that it is fully feasible to construct such magnet structures, and thereby, a reference to how this rather complex practical problem can be handled is provided for others in the field.