Development of axial flux generator for small wind turbine applications
Student name: Mr S Naveen Kumar
Guide: Dr Jami Hossain
Year of completion: 2017
Host Organisation: National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr T Suthakar
Abstract: Indian Small wind power scenario is studied in detail and the barriers to the growth of small
wind sector are identified. The potential areas where small wind energy systems can be deployed
are identified. The interventions required to boost the growth of small wind sector in India are
elucidated. Different configurations of permanent magnet generators are studied and are
compared based on the cost, weight and performance. The criteria set for selection of the
generator configuration, for further study, are performance, ease of manufacturing, cost and
weight. The inner stator double rotor air core axial flux permanent magnet generator is selected
for the study based on the set criteria. A design procedure is developed based on the output
equation of the generator which relates the power output to the outer diameter of the stator. The
influence of other shape and size parameters on the performance of the generator is discussed.
The fabrication process and the practical constraints are detailed followed by the description of
the experimental test set up. A data logging system consisting of Arduino uno microcontroller
board interfaced with anemometer, voltage sensor, current sensor and speed sensor is developed
to log data on to an SD card. The testing procedure is explained and the results are documented.
The reason for low efficiency is investigated and design improvements are suggested to reduce
losses.
Keywords: Small Wind, Generator, renewable energy, permanent magnet, axial flux
