Electromagnetic Field Modeling of Appropriate Technology Generators for Rural Electrification Applications

Electrification of rural areas is a serious and continuing challenge in many regions of the world. A potential solution to this problem is to generate electricity within the rural community, using inexpensive, technologically simple, and socially and environmentally appropriate generators. If designs of these generators are open source-that is, made freely available-then they can enable micro-enterprises within the rural communities. The design of these generators is challenging due to the constraints that the generators must be manufacturable with common construction materials, tools and skill sets. Further insight is needed to simplify and reduce the costs of existing designs and to spur innovation in alternative designs. This paper contributes in this area by applying state-of-the-art electromagnetic field modeling software to evaluate generator designs for rural electrification applications. Models of two direct drive axial flux permanent magnet synchronous generators are examined. The models are verified by comparing predicted performance with actual performance of prototype generators. From the subsequent analysis, insights are gained for the improvement and simplification of the generator designs.