Investigation on the possible use of magnetic bearings in large direct drive wind turbines

Conference paper (2009)

Authors

G Shrestha Electrical Power Processing
H. Polinder Electrical Power Processing
DJ Bang Electrical Power Processing
A.K. Jassal Electrical Power Processing
Jan Abraham Ferreira Electrical Power Processing
Research Group
Electrical Power Processing
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Published Date

2009

Language

Undefined/Unknown

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Research Group

Electrical Power Processing

Abstract

A direct drive generator used in wind turbine has high energy yield compared to other drivetrain topologies and low maintenance is expected as the technology matures. On the other hand direct drive generator weight and size increases rapidly when scaled up to larger units. This paper will investigate the possibility of weight reduction of large direct drive generator using magnetic bearings without compromising maintenance. Three different configurations using magnetic bearings i.e. single magnetic bearing concept, flexible rotor and hybrid concept have been analyzed. The results show that a combination of magnetic bearings and mechanical bearing with stiff radial structure and axial flexibility i.e. hybrid concept has the possibility to reduce weight of direct drive machine significantly compared to conventional design.