End Effects and Geometric Compensation in a Linear Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator with Buried Topology

Electricity production from ocean waves with different design topologies is a topic of big research interest. Many of such topologies are based on submerged linear generators which inherently introduce end forces. In this paper, the detent force is investigated for two different winding patterns using Maxwell stress tensor in a finite element software. Induced voltage is also investigated for active stator area and the unequal contributions due to stator ends. Two ways of overcoming the end forces are further investigated: The first method reduces the magnetic flux difference when the translator is surrounded by stator and air, respectively. The second aims at countering the end forces at both ends for full active stator area. The first investigated end effect compensation decreased the end effects but increased the attraction forces. The second end effect compensation decreased the end forces during full active stator area with little effect on the attraction forces.