Design and characterization of 6.2 kW low speed Generator for wave linear reciprocating energy conversion

The paper describes the design and the experimental characterization of a small reciprocating linear permanent magnet generator. It has been built to investigate operation at speed of 0.5 m/s, for 1.2 meter wave energy converter. A comprehensive design methodology, which embraces both the electromagnetic and mechanical design, is described Nonlinear electromagnetic and structural finite-element analysis are employed to aid the design. Results are presented to verify the design, and to investigate the performance of the machine on a test bench.