Design and performance evaluation of halbach array linear generator for wave energy converters

Linear generators have been proposed as a proper power take-off system for direct-drive wave energy conversion. Coupled directly to a reciprocating wave energy device, it was proposed that linear generators could replace hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Here we established the design and performance evaluation of a permanent magnet linear generator that implements Halbach array arrangement. The designed generator is suitable for direct energy extraction from sea waves at small wave amplitude. The electromagnetic design is performed using a finite element method and space harmonic analysis. A comparative study is performed between Halbach array and conventional air-cored linear generators to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design. The equivalent circuit based model is utilized to investigate the dynamic performance of the Halbach array generator. The simulated dynamic performance of the designed generator clarifies that the implementation of Halbach array arrangement would improve energy extraction and voltage waveform.