Lightweight direct drive electrical generator

Partnership opportunity

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have been awarded funding under the Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept programme to work on the development of a lightweight direct-drive electrical generator for renewable energy devices.

Prototype devices are being demonstrated, but the focus in this project is to prove the actual device concept and not the method of electrical power take-off.

With wind, wave and tidal current, a mechanical interface is required to interface the low velocity of the prime mover with conventional rotary electrical generators.

Direct-drive linear generators have been proposed as an alternative to hydraulic power take-off systems in wave energy converters. In this project two new generator topologies will be demonstrated, a linear prototype for wave energy and reciprocating tidal current devices and a rotary prototype for wind and tidal energy devices, in which the undesirable attraction force is eliminated by a unique arrangement of the coils and permanent magnets.

This will have the advantage of having a reduced number of moving parts, leading to improved reliability. It will also be lighter than present technology, so that less material is required to build the machine. As the devices uses conventional equipment installation costs will be reduced. The design also features a high degree of modularity, making it easier to manufacture and assemble, and providing a robust and fault tolerant system

A UK Patent entitled “Generator and Magnetic Flux Conducting Unit” was applied for in March 2006 and the University of Edinburgh is now seeking commercial partners to exploit this technology once the Proof of Concept project is completed.

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