Proposed design models of axial-flux permanent magnet synchronous generator for small-scale hydro power generation unit

This paper presents modelling of small-scale axial flux permanent magnet synchronous generators that could be utilized for extracting the hydropower from wastewater treatment plants. Cored and coreless axial flux synchronous generators are analytically designed based on sizing equations. For validation, finite element-based models of different topologies are established and a comparison is held between the analytical design and finite element model results. To overcome the drawbacks of cored and coreless models, a new hybrid half cored half core less model is suggested by decreasing the stacking factor ratio, which saves more than 50% of steel in yokes but at the cost of lowering the output phase voltages. Therefore, a sensitivity analysis tool based in the finite element software is used to enhance the electrical performance and fulfill the required generator specifications. Lastly, a comparison is held between the different models; highlighting the promising outcomes of the proposed hybrid half cored half coreless generator relating to the enhanced performance at reduced active material requirements.