Comprehensive Parametric Study for Design Improvement of a Low-Speed AFPMSG for Small Scale Wind-Turbines

In this paper, a comprehensive parametric analysis for an axial-flux permanent magnet synchronous generator (AFPMSG), designed to operate in a small-scale wind-power applications, is presented, and the condition for maximum efficiency, minimum weight and minimum cost is deduced. Then a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) procedure based on the results of parametric study is proposed. Matching between the generator side and turbine characteristics as well as the mechanical constraints is taken into account in design algorithm. A 2.5 kW AFPMSG with two parallel connected stators and surface mounted permanent magnets on its rotor disk is designed using the developed program, and then three dimensional finite-element analyses are carried out to validate the design procedure.