A two-dimensional direct-drive generator for wave energy conversion

For direct wave energy conversion in a two dimensional (2D) way, this paper proposes a planar, direct-drive generator based on switched reluctance principle. It has the merits of simple and robust structure, and it is very suitable for the operation under hostile environment in the ocean. This paper first presents the design and construction of the generator. Then, performance prediction of the generator based on three dimensional (3D) time-stepping finite element methods (FEM) and power generation investigation from co-simulation are carried out. Generation current waveforms are inspected by regulation of turn-on and turn-off positions and verified by the experimental results.