Electromechanical Simulation of a Direct-Drive Generator Considering Parasitic Magnetic Forces and External Loads

This paper introduces a multiphysical simulation approach for direct - drive generators, which combines electromagnetic field calculations and mechanical multibody simulation. This simulation method aims to calculate the change of the airgap width of the generator during operation with external loads. First the electromagnetic field calculation will be discussed, including the calculation of eccentricities caused by external loads. Subsequently the mechanical modelling approach is presented including the application of Maxwell stresses on the airgap surface. The paper presents calculation results of the airgap widths distribution under different external loads.