Journal Article

Structural Optimization and Electromagnetic Performance Research of Axial Magnetic Field Tidal Current Generators

Zhang, Baowen, Rafiei, Mohammad, Pei, Lixin, Yang, Yilong, Cui, Jiacheng, Liu, Wenzhou, Yang, Jinghuan, Wang, Yuliang, Guo, Yun

2025

Overview

Tidal energy, as a stable and predictable renewable energy source, is garnering increasing attention. However, tidal energy generation faces challenges such as low energy conversion efficiency and high mechanical losses in low-velocity environments. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel design for a tidal energy generator based on an axial field coreless structure. This design significantly reduces mechanical losses and enhances energy conversion efficiency by employing a direct-drive structure and a coreless stator. Additionally, the introduction of a Halbach array permanent magnet and soft magnetic composite further optimizes the generator’s electromagnetic performance, thereby increasing power output. Simulation results demonstrate that the designed generator can achieve a power output of 300 W at a tidal velocity of 1.8 m/s, with an average generation efficiency of 90.6%. This design exhibits excellent performance in low-velocity tidal environments and provides valuable technical support for the design of tidal energy generators.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: Alternative energy / axial field coreless generator / Carbon / Clean technology / Design optimization / direct-drive structure / Efficiency / electromagnetic performance optimization / Energy consumption / Energy conversion / Finite element analysis / Fossil fuels / Halbach array permanent magnet / low-velocity tidal energy generation / Magnetic fields / Magnets, Permanent / Ocean currents / Ocean energy resources / soft magnetic composite / Tidal power / Velocity