Abstract:
With the increasing effort to identify alternative methods of energy generation, extraction of ocean energy has gathered a large interest. Research and industry have begun considering wave energy as the next new alternative energy. The unique challenges of ocean energy requires a wave energy converter to be both robust and efficient. When looking further into energy extraction via the point absorber technology, a direct drive linear generator efficiently converts the vertical wave motion into electrical energy. With considerations of long term reliability in an ocean environment as well as design to product cost, a longitudinal flux variable reluctance permanent magnet generator is a promising generator topology. This thesis identifies the reasons behind the selection of this particular generator topology for a point absorber. It provides a description of the generator topology and operation before continuing with the details as to the development of a variable reluctance permanent magnet generator with specifically known design constraints. The thesis further describes the implementation, testing, and results of such a device, while touching on considerations to take into account throughout the design process.
