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

In this paper, comprehensive parametric analyses are performed to improve the design parameters of an axial-flux permanent magnet synchronous generator (AFPMSG) used in a small-scale wind-power applications. The sensitivity analysis provides the condition for maximum efficiency, minimum weight and minimum cost. Based on the results of parametric study, a computer-aided design (CAD) procedure is proposed to design of an AFPM machine. Matching between the generator side and turbine characteristics as well as the mechanical constraints is taken into account in the design algorithm. A 2.5 kW AFPMSG with two parallel connected stators and surface mounted permanent magnets on its rotor back-iron is designed using the developed program, and then three dimensional finite-element analyses are carried out to validate the design procedure