Multiobjective Design Optimization of a Double-Sided Flux Switching Permanent Magnet Generator for Counter-Rotating Wind Turbine Applications

A counter-rotating wind turbine in which two sets of rotors rotating in opposite directions leads to the twice power density of the conventional turbines. Moreover, employing a high-power modern electric generator is another contributing factor in improving the performance of wind power generation systems. In this regard, double-sided flux switching permanent magnet generators, with ferrite magnet, are getting firm attention. In this regard, the concept and multiobjective design optimization procedure of this generator, connected with counter-rotating wind turbines, is proposed in this article. In order to achieve the optimum performance of the proposed generator, the design of experiments with Taguchi optimization is employed. In this method, although the effect of each design variable on the objective functions can be considered, selecting the best combination of control factors is not easy in the multiobjective optimization. Thus, a decision-making algorithm with the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution is employed in order to select the best combination. Finally, the performance of the optimized counter-rotating double-sided flux switching permanent magnet generator will be evaluated by finite element modeling and experimental tests.

Automated summary

This article introduces the concept and design optimization procedure of a counter-rotating wind turbine, which utilizes double-sided flux switching permanent magnet generators and high-power electric generators to enhance wind power generation systems. Taguchi optimization is employed for design experiments, and a decision-making algorithm is used to select the best combination of control factors for multiobjective optimization. The performance of the optimized generator will be evaluated through finite element modeling and experimental tests.