Electrical, mechanical and thermal design by multiphysics simulations of a permanent magnet linear actuator for ship rudder direct drive

This paper deals with the electromagnetic, mechanical, and cooling solutions for an innovative direct-drive suited for steering gears on board ships. The work is comprised in a research project funded by the Italian Navy. The research aims to realize a full-electric and oil-free drive for actuation of hydraulic loads in the perspective of “more green ships”. The electrical drive proposed is based on a fractional slot permanent magnet linear motor sized and optimized for high force and low speed operation, as required by hydraulic loads on board ships. The capabilities and efficiencies of the electric drive in servo-assistance to the hydraulic motor were evaluated in previous works of the same authors. In this paper the electrical, mechanical and thermal design and the feasibility of the installation are shown.