New machine design for easy insertion of excitation coils in synchronous generators

This paper proposes a new asymmetrical rotor design for synchronous generators to mitigate the coil winding issue and reduce the capital costs associated with the coil winding process. Synchronous machines are widely used for electrical power generation including diesel-generating sets and steam turbines. This paper investigates the electromagnetic performance of a 27.5 kVA generator with various rotor designs by the 2D finite element method (FEM). The rotor poles are optimized in shape so that excitation coils can be pre-manufactured and directly installed on the rotor poles. The machine is then prototyped and experimentally tested to validate the design.