Potentials of locally manufactured wound-field flux switching wind generator in South Africa

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2019/v30i2a6315

Keywords:

Finite element analyses (FEA), technology localisation, prototype, South Africa, rare earth-free, wind power industry, wound-field flux switching machine (WF-FSM)

Abstract

The China-based monopoly of high-energy permanent magnet materials used in modern wind generators impact the economic viability and local content value of most wind turbines installed in South Africa, especially large installations. It is possible to design with less expensive excitation technologies using locally-sourced wound-field electromagnets, which might promote local content. This study involves the optimum design performance comparison of the wound-field flux switching machine (WF-FSM) technology based on two variants – Design I and II (D-I and D-II) – the difference being in the arrangement of their DC wound-field coils. The machines are evaluated using finite element analyses (FEA) with optimum performance emphasised on design parameters such as torque density, efficiency and power factor. The selected design targets are meant to improve the performance to cost fidelity of the proposed wind generator variants. In 2D FEA, D-II can produce up to 18.8% higher torque density (kNm/m3) and 17.1% lesser loss per active volume (kW/m3) than D-I. In 3D FEA, the torque density of D-II remains higher at 10.6%, but its loss per active volume increases by 15% compared to D-I. The discrepancy observed in 2D and 3D FEA is due to an underestimation of the end-winding effects in D-II. The power factor of D-II is higher than D-I, both in 2D and 3D FEA, which may translate to lower kVA ratings and inverter costs. A higher total active mass ensues for the studied WF-FSMs than a conventional direct-drive PMSG, but avoiding rare earth PMs translate to significantly lower costs.

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Author Biographies

Udochukwu B. Akuru, Stellenbosch University

Udochukwu B. Akuru received the B.Eng. and M.Eng. degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, in June 2013 and August 2008, respectively, and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa, in December 2017. He is a Lecturer at the University of Nigeria, but is currently on leave to Stellenbosch University, South Africa, as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. He has a number of peer-reviewed journal and conference papers. His main research interests include electrical drives and renewable energy technologies with competency in finite element analyses of electrical machines. Dr. Akuru is a registered member of the Council for the regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), volunteer to IEEE associated societies, committees, and groups such as IEEE IAS EMC and IEEE IES EMTC. He acts as a Reviewer to major IEEE conferences and transactions.

Maarten J. Kamper, Stellenbosch University

Maarten J. Kamper received the M.Sc. (Eng.) and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, in 1987 and 1996, respectively. Since 1989, he has been with the academic staff of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, where he is currently a Professor of electrical machines and drives. His research interests include computer-aided design and control of reluctance, permanent magnet, and inductance machine drives. Prof. Kamper is a South African National Research Foundation Supported Scientist and a Registered Professional Engineer in South Africa.

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It is cheaper to use mainly copper to manufacture wind generators in South Africa

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Published

2019-06-22

How to Cite

Akuru, U. B., & Kamper, M. J. (2019). Potentials of locally manufactured wound-field flux switching wind generator in South Africa. Journal of Energy in Southern Africa, 30(2), 110–117. https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2019/v30i2a6315