Theoretical and experimental analysis of a three-phase permanent magnet claw-pole synchronous generator

The present study deals with the theoretical and experimental analysis of a permanent magnet claw-pole synchronous generator (PMCPSG) suited for small rating, direct-driven applications, such as small-scale wind power plants. After the computation of the machine main dimensions using an analytical algorithm, a Hooke-Jeeves optimisation procedure was implemented in order to obtain the optimal geometry of the PMCPSG. The electromagnetic field and static performances are studied, based on three-dimensional finite element analysis. A prototype of the PMCPSG is tested on a test bench for resistive and inductive loads.