Performance comparison of saturated tubular linear permanent magnet generators by simplified FEAs

The paper presents a design procedure based on simplified finite element analyses (FEAs) to compare the performances of different magnetization schemes for short-stroke tubular linear permanent magnet generators (TLPMGs) to be integrated in “free-piston” drives. The TPLMG performance is defined by the elaboration of the main electromagnetic quantities, evaluated as functions of the permanent magnet (PM) magnetization patterns, taking into account the local saturation of the mover yoke and different supply strategies. A parametric analysis is then implemented to improve various features of the TPMLG output. The results related to a 3-poles PM configuration evidence the effectiveness of the proposed method for the optimization of the TPMLG design, obtained with a remarkable time saving with respect to direct FEAs.