A Metal Selection and Structural Optimisation Methodology for Large-Scale Direct-Drive Wind Turbine Electrical Generators

Bichan, Magnus; Jaen-Sola, Pablo; Jack, Andrew

Abstract

With an ever-growing market share for offshore wind, direct-drive generators are touted as a low maintenance alternative to conventional drivetrains. However, to contend with higher torque requirements essential for low-speed operation, direct-drive machines are vastly heavier than conventional geared systems. As material use and sustainable engineering remains a key theme in the current climate, establishing methods for best practice in design stages is critical. This report therefore details a proposed methodology for the efficient, sustainable design of large-scale, direct-drive wind turbine electrical generator structures, considering mechanical, and thermal performances, whilst meeting sustainability metrics. This investigation finds that Coefficient of Thermal Expansion has a considerable influence on the maximum Equivalent Von-Mises' stress, for an optimised rotor structure under the expected loading scenario. Material choice was also found to have a significant impact on the rotor's carbon footprint and the energy use during manufacture and transport.

Citation

Bichan, M., Jaen-Sola, P., & Jack, A. (2023, October). A Metal Selection and Structural Optimisation Methodology for Large-Scale Direct-Drive Wind Turbine Electrical Generators. Presented at 12th International Conference on Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD 2023), Brussels, Belgium

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: 12th International Conference on Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD 2023)
• Start Date: Oct 23, 2023
• End Date: Oct 24, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 21, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Feb 10, 2025
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 80-87
• Book Title: 12th International Conference on Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD 2023)
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1049/icp.2023.1982
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/4112093
• Publisher URL: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10324823