Two-dimensional finite element magnetostatic model of a permanent magnet synchronous generator for predicting its steady-state performance under different loading conditions

A new two-dimensional magnetostatic finite element (FE) model for predicting the steady-state performance of a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is proposed. A PMSG can be found in wind farms and emergency electrical power plants. A FE model to predict the PMSG steady-state operation is valuable for initialisation of transient studies and for PMSG design evaluation. In the proposed FE model, the unknowns to be determined are the magnetic vector potential, load angle, stator phase currents and terminal voltage. The model formulation allows the simultaneous computation of the magnetic field, load angle and terminal current of the PMSG. Frequency and load are considered as the model input data. The FE model is validated against experimental tests and a good agreement is obtained.