Matching a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator to a Fixed Pitch Vertical Axis Turbine for Marine Current Energy Conversion

Extracting energy from a free-flow marine current using a vertical axis fixed pitch turbine requires a generator that can handle varying speeds and loads, since such a turbine gives maximum power capture for a fixed tip speed ratio. A prototype of such a generator has been designed and constructed. In this paper, its variable speed and load operation is evaluated, both in terms of how the constructed generator performs in relation to simulations, and in terms of how the generator could perform with three different fixed pitch turbines. Measurements of root mean square (RMS) voltage and current differ 10% from simulations. Performance analysis with example turbines shows that the generator can match fixed tip speed ratio operation of several turbines for current speeds between 0.5 and 2.5 m/s.