Performance Assessment of a PM Wind Generator with Machined SMC Cores

This paper presents the performance of an axial- flux PM wind generator with a composite SMC/steel stator core. The machine topology has SMC teeth fitted into a laminated silicon steel stator yoke. The SMC teeth were produced by machining cylindrical SMC cores with a cost effective and easily accessible process using an end-mill. A discussion is provided of the detrimental effect of this machining process on the SMC core. However, a chemical processing technique is investigated for treating the smear of the iron particles on the machined surfaces of the SMC core. Detailed experimental results are provided of the performance of two wind generators with untreated and acid treated stator cores.