Design Analysis of High-Speed Axial-Flux Generator

Problem Statement: Axial flux permanent magnet machines are regarded as compact high efficiency generators for micro-turbines employed in the distributed power generation systems. High-speed rotor of the generator causes some designing and modeling problems. Sensitivity analysis tasks of the machine parameters are difficult and completely different in comparison with the problems associated with conventional machines. Approach: This article presents a modeling procedure with some details for performance predictions of High-Speed Axial Flux Generator (HSAFG). The FEM results are employed to validate the proposed model. Proper values of inner diameter to outer diameter ratio, plus back iron thickness of two rotor discs located in two ends are serious design problem for a HSAFG. Results: Impacts of these two parameters on the performance characteristics of a HSAFG are investigated in this paper. Their optimum values are determined for the machine by somewhat precise considerations of the output voltage and efficiency. Conclusions/Recommendations: It has been found out that the optimum performance of HSAFG regarding the voltage and efficiency is achieved by the value of inner to outer diameter ratio sited between 0.5-0.65. Moreover, the thickness of the rotor back iron can be designed by trial method to produce sufficient air gap flux and resultant terminal voltage. Adding extra back iron would just increase the rotor inertia with no benefit.