Design of a new linear generator for wave energy conversion based on analytical and numerical analyses

This paper addresses the problem of the sea wave energy conversion. The power delivery at low speeds is one of the barriers imposed by the irregular movement of sea waves, requiring the use of electric machines that can produce large amounts of force to compensate the low speeds of that motion. The main concern is the proposal of a new linear switched reluctance generator. The proposed generator has high power density, robustness, and easy modeling and construction. Its analytical design and optimization based on finite element method are presented. Results and design challenges are discussed. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics, [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4729569]