Electrical Generator Design for the Mocean Wave Energy Converter

Details of Project Plan including key milestones:

* Initial research into Wave energy converters and their power take off systems, direct drive electrical generators, magnetic coupling systems (magnetic gearing and magnetic clutch), slow speed electrical machine typologies (Vernier hybrid, flux switching, flux reversal, transverse flux machines).
* Appraisal and selection of a direct drive power take off options for a case study Mocean device.
* Develop model of integrated generator and wave energy converter
* Optimise the power take off for a range of sea states
* Perform detailed mechanical design, and assess

This project involves working with a company developing a floating wave energy converter. It centers on the design of the electrical generator in this new and challenging marine environment. Compared to electrical machines found in most industrial sectors, wave energy converters oscillate slowly. Converting this motion into electricity requires development of novel generators, very few of which have been demonstrated in the marine environment. This project will develop and test electrical generators for use in wave energy converters, including electromagnetic design, protection against corrosion and integration into real devices.

This CDT will produce power electronics specialists with industrial experience, and will equip them with key skills that are essential to meet the future power electronics challenges. They will be highly employable due to their training being embedded in industrial challenges with the potential to become future leaders through parallel entrepreneurial and business acumen training. As such, they will drive the UK forward in electric propulsion development and manufacturing. They will become ambassadors for cross-disciplinary thinking in electric propulsion and mentors to their colleagues. With its strong industrial partnership, this CDT is ideally placed to produce high impact research papers, patents and spin-outs, with support from the University's dedicated business development teams. All of this will contribute to the 10% year upon year growth of the power electronics sector in the UK, creating more jobs and added value to the UK economy.

Alongside the clear benefits to the economy this CDT will sustain and enhance the UK as a hub of expertise in this rapidly increasing area. UK R&D is set to shift dramatically to electrical technologies due to, amongst other reasons, the target to ban petrol/ diesel propulsion by 2040. Whilst the increase in R&D is welcome this target will be unsustainable without the right people to support the development of alternative technologies. This CDT will directly answer this skills shortage enabling the UK to not only meet these targets but lead the way internationally in the propulsion revolution.

Industry and policy stakeholders will benefit through-
a) Providing challenges for the students to work through

b) Knowledge exchange with the students and the academics

c) New lines of investigation/ revenue/ process improvement

d) Two way access to skills/ equipment and training

e) A skilled, challenge focused workforce


Society will benefit through-
a) Propulsion systems that are more efficient and require therefore less energy reducing cost of travel

b) Engineers with new skillsets working more cost-effective and more productive

c) Skilled workforce who are mindful considering the environmental and ethical impact

d) Graduates that understand equality, diversity and inclusion


Environment will benefit through-
a) Emission free cars powered by clean renewable energy increasing air quality and reducing global warming

b) Highly efficient planes reducing the amount of oil and therefore oil explorations in ecological sensitive areas such as the arctic can be slowed down, allowing sufficient time for the development of new alternative environmental friendly fuels.

c) Significant noise reduction leading to quiet cities and airports