Linear wave energy converter : Study of electromagnetic design

Abstract: The thesis presents results from synchronous linear wave energy converters developed at Uppsala University. A study is done on closed stator slots and a study presenting offshore data focusing on the power absorption from a wave energy converter (WEC). The first step in studying the closed slots has been done during no-load, to study the magnetic flux path from the permanent magnets and to study the forces in the linear generator. The initial studies show a reduction in cogging force and a reduction in harmonics in the magnetic flux density in the air-gap. It also shows an increase of the total flux entering the stator and an increase in flux leakage. The study has been done with FEM simulations and compared with analytical calculations.The second study was done to investigate the power absorption of a WEC in upward and downward motion in relation to the volume of the buoy and mass of the system. The experimental results were compared with a static model focusing on the limit in the absorption. As expected from the model, the WEC absorbs more energy in the upward direction. Also indications of snatch load were observed. Within this thesis, results from a comparison study between two WECs with almost identical electrical properties and the same volume of the buoy, but with different height and diameter have been presented. Moreover, experimental studies including the conversion step between AC to DC have been done.The work done in this thesis is a part of a larger wave power project at Uppsala University. Where everything between the energy absorption from the waves to the connection to the electrical grid is studied. The project has a test-site at the west coast of Sweden near the town Lysekil, where wave energy research has been carried out since 2004.