On the design, laboratory model and performance of the controlled magnetic journal bearing for the deep wind project

DeepWind has attracted scientific attention. This is due to its design simplicity, which will reduce costs for installation, operation and maintenance of a deep sea offshore wind generator system. Using this design offers advantages of alternative ways to manufacture the turbine rotor parts, introduce new materials, a novel way to implement a direct drive, Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG) and bearing technology, and a design that offers a reduced cost of energy. DeepWind uses a generator and bearings module, supported by controlled magnetic bearings technology. However, many technologies implemented in DeepWind are well known from other applications (e.g. Wind Energy, Sub-sea installations, Offshore installations). This paper presents the controlled magnetic bearings proposed for DeepWind.