Experimental and 3D Finite Element Analysis of a Slotless Air-Cored Axial Flux PMSG for Wind Turbine Application

In this research paper, the performance of an air-cored axial flux permanent magnet synchronous generator is evaluated for low speed, direct drive applications using 3D finite element modeling and experimental tests. The structure of the considered machine consists of double rotor and coreless stator, which results in the absence of core losses, reduction of stator weight and elimination of cogging torque. In addition, the generator output voltage is sinusoidal in low speed operation and has a linear relationship with rotor speed, which makes it a suitable option for wind turbine applications. The simulation results of the proposed generator coincide very well with the experimental results on a system realized in the laboratory.