Research on the Field-Modulated Tubular Linear Generator With Quasi-Halbach Magnetization for Ocean Wave Energy Conversion

A field-modulated tubular linear generator (FMTLG) with quasi-Halbach magnetization is proposed for ocean wave energy conversion. The FMTLG, which is equipped with field-modulated technology and quasi-Halbach arrays, can overcome the disadvantages of heavy weight and inefficiency caused by low-speed ocean waves to some extent. To design and optimize the FMTLG in a short time, the open-circuit magnetic field distribution is established with an analytical method. Results of a finite-element method show that the back EMF of the FMTLG is 43% higher than that of a tubular linear permanent magnet generator (TLPMG) with quasi-Halbach magnetization. A novel assistant tooth of the FMTLG makes the cogging force eight times smaller than that generated by the TLPMG. Finally, a prototype is manufactured to verify the simulation results by experiments.