A Mesh-based Reluctance Network Model of Magnetic Lead Screw for Wave Energy Conversion

Magnetic lead screw (MLS) is a magnetic coupling and non-contact device which can convert linear motion at low-speed into rotating motion at high-speed. Due to low friction, high efficiency of energy conversion, high reliability of operation and low cost of maintenance, the application of MLS in wave energy has attracted wide attention. In order to improve the efficiency of predicting MLS performance, a mesh-based reluctance network (MBRN) model is proposed for MLS. The MBRN model divides the internal magnetic field of the MLS into several uniform mesh elements. The MBRN model can be used to predict the performance of the MLS, including the flux density and thrust force. At last, the calculation results of the MBRN model and finite element analysis are given to verify the reliability of the MBRN model.