Suitable Configuration of Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Generator for Wave Power Generation

Wave power generation as an alternative energy source should be considered in Japan. Wave power generation has been studied in Japan, but has not been widely applied. The current method of wave power generation has disadvantages, in that the equipment is huge and expensive, because the generator is driven with an air turbine. Recently, research has looked into using a linear generator. In this paper, the characteristics of two typical linear generators are compared by analysis using a finite element method (FEM), and the relationship between pole pitch and losses in the linear synchronous generators is investigated for wave power generation. Furthermore, the arrangement structure of permanent magnets is examined.