OPTIMIZATION

Multi-objective Optimization of an Axial Flux

Wind Generator
J. A. Vasconcelos1, S. R. Silva1, L. M. Araújo1, C. L. Sabioni1, J. A. A. Pereira1, M. F. V. Lessa and B.
M. Lopes2
1
Electrical Engineering Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais
2
Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais
Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 31270-010, Brazil
jvasconcelos@[Link], selenios@[Link]

Abstract — This paper presents the multi-objective Based on the conventional sizing equation and design
optimization of an axial flux wind generator of 10kW using procedures from former works [1]-[2], this paper presents the
NdFeB permanent magnets. The four objectives considered in multi-objective optimization of a 10kW axial flux Torus
this work were weight, efficiency, active material cost and generator using NdFeB permanent magnets, considering the
volume. The optimization problem was modeled considering variables and bounds shown in Table I. The variables used
seven continuous variables and three discrete ones. The
optimization problem was solved using a multi-objective
were the current density on the stator conductor (Ja), linear
evolutionary algorithm with on-line and off-line populations, with current density (Am), peak value of the magnetic flux density
elitism. In each generation, the non-dominated solutions are on the air gap (Bmg), peak value of the magnetic flux density
saved in the off-line population. This generator was designed to on the stator core (Bcs), peak value of the magnetic flux
match with a three-blade horizontal axis wind turbine density on the rotor core (Bcr), magnetic remanence of the
characteristics that was planned to operate in the complex permanent magnet (Br), inner and outer diameters ratio (Kd),
terrain wind regime for the countryside of Brazilian land. After the nominal stator voltage (V), poles number (P) and the
founding the non-dominated solutions, the choice of the number of parallel coils per phase (Ap).
appropriated one by a decision maker can be made using a
decision procedure. TABLE I
BOUNDS OF THE OPTIMIZATION VARIABLES
I. INTRODUCTION Variables Ja Am Bmg Bcs Bcr Br Kd V P Ap
Units MA/m2 KA/m T Wb Wb Wb -- V -- --
The development of renewable energy resources has taken Lower 3 42 0.3 1.7 1.4 1.1 0.4 100 14 1
an accelerated pace with the ever increasing concerns on Upper 9 98 0.9 1.9 1.6 1.4 0.7 280 20 20
global warming and environmental protection. In the last ten
years, the wind power became a reality in terms of its First, different alternatives of generator design were
commercial competitiveness, technological maturity and analyzed, since its rotational speed and power accordance with
aggressive expanding in power installations all over the world. the wind rotor that defines its gearless nature, up to the
For wind power systems, the core element is the electrical electrical compatibility with the power electronics converter
generator and in this issue several developments has been that rectify its energy and supply the low short-circuit power
completed. As in a conventional electric machine design, the rural electric power grid.
efficiency, the weight, the volume and the cost of the electric The chosen design configuration for this axial flux PM
generator particularly for wind power generation are the major generator was as follows:
important design figures of merit. 1) axial-gap type with two external rotors and an internal
Some works deal with the complicated task of comparison stator;
among different topologies of permanent magnet machines, 2) NdFeB permanent magnets with maximum thickness
mainly for wind power application. In these studies, the equal to 6mm;
double external rotor and central stator axial flux permanent 3) The outer diameter of the nacelle must not exceed
magnet machines have been appeared as a competitive 10% of the diameter of the turbine;
solution. 4) Maximum stator nominal voltage limited to 400V DC
The availability of modern high energy density magnet bus of the converter.
materials, such as sintered NdFeB, has made possible to Fig. 1 shows the design configuration used.
design special topologies such as toothless stators with air gap
windings. They aggregate several unique features such as high
efficiency, high power and torque densities, low rotor losses
and small magnetic thickness.
The technology of small-sized wind power generators,
mainly for isolated applications and grid connected rural
systems, represents an adequate challenge, balancing a few
number of commercial equipment in the Brazilian market for
the expected large latent demand. Fig. 1 Double external rotor and central stator axial flux generator.
OPTIMIZATION

Considering four objective functions (weight, efficiency, TABLE III

active material cost and volume), this problem was optimized OBJECTIVE VALUE FOR THE DECISION MAKING OF TABLE II
using a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm [3]. In this Weights
Total Weight Efficiency Cost Volume
optimization, 1001 efficient solutions were generated. The Kg % US$ dm3
Figs. 2 - 4 show the non-dominated solutions plotted in the 1,0,0,0 72.51 77.48 775.87 26.90
0,1,0,0 250.97 91.28 4000.09 89.70
objectives spaces. 0,0,1,0 73.21 76.30 765.82 27.30
0,0,0,1 89.51 79.18 973.02 25.00

TABLE IV
DECISION MAKING BASED ON COMBINATION OF OBJECTIVES
Ja Am Bmg Bcs Bcr Br Kd V P Ap
Weights
MA/m2 KA/m T Wb Wb Wb -- V -- --
0.25,0.25,0.25,0.25 8.81 54.87 0.6981.7061.5961.3990.699 272 20 20
0.33,0.34,0.33,0.00 8.81 54.87 0.6981.7061.5961.3990.699 272 20 20
0.00,0.33,0.34,0.33 6.79 50.88 0.5971.7031.5821.4000.674 154 20 20
0.00,0.50,0.50,0.00 6.01 51.56 0.5191.7031.5721.3780.697 110 20 20
0.50,0.50,0.00,0.00 8.89 5.703 0.8071.8671.5981.3940.700 274 20 20
TABLE V

Fig. 2 Efficient solutions in the space of total weight x efficiency x active OBJECTIVE VALUE FOR THE DECISION MAKING OF TABLE III
material cost (left) and total volume x efficiency x active material cost (right). Total Weight Efficiency Cost Volume
Weights
Kg % US$ dm3
0.25,0.25,0.25,0.25 101.13 88.11 1270.09 32.00
0.33,0.34,0.33,0.00 101.13 88.11 1270.09 32.00
0.00,0.33,0.34,0.33 114.13 88.31 1354.30 35.20
0.00,0.50,0.50,0.00 116.51 88.51 1318.60 38.20
0.50,0.50,0.00,0.00 100.21 88.31 1466.70 32.30

To choose the better solution according to the decision

maker preferences, a fuzzy algorithm [4] was used. The
objectives were weighted in different ways to permit a better
comprehension of this problem. Tables II - V show these
results.
These results show that 20 poles, 272V, with 20 parallel
Fig. 3 Efficient solutions in the space of total efficiency x total weight (left) ways per phase is an interesting solution that aggregated good
and total weight x active material cost (right). efficiency, light weight, small volume and an acceptable price.
This solution shows that the efficiency is about 88.11 %, the
weight is only 101.13 Kg and the active material cost is
US$1.270.09 and the volume is lower as 32 dm3. This solution
seems to be a good solution if compared with the results
published in the literature [5].

II. REFERENCES
[1] J. Azzouzi, N.A. Karim, G. Barakat, B. Dakyo, “Axial flux PM
synchronous generator design optimization: robustness test of the
genetic algorithm approach”, EPE 2005 – Dresden, ISBN:90-75815-08-
5.
[2] J. F. Gieras, Rong-Jie Wang, M.J. Kamper, Axial Flux Permanent
Fig. 4 Efficient solutions in the space of efficiency x active material cost (left) Magnet Brushless Machines, 2nd edition, Springer, 2008.
and efficiency x total volume (right). [3] A.H.F. Dias, J.A. Vasconcelos, “Multiobjective genetic algorithms
applied to solve optimization problems”, IEEE Trans. on Magnetics,
38(2), 1133-1136, 2002.
TABLE II [4] R.O. Parreiras, J.H.R.D. Maciel, J.A. Vasconcelos, “The A Posteriori
decision in multiobjective optimization problems with Smarts,
DECISION MAKING BASED ON EACH OBJECTIVE AS PRIORITY Promethee II, and a fuzzy algorithm”, IEEE Trans. on Magnetics, 42(4):
Ja Am Bmg Bcs Bcr Br Kd V P Ap 1139-1142, 2006.
Weights
MA/m2 KA/m T Wb Wb Wb -- V -- -- [5] E. Muljadi, C. P. Butterfield, Yih-huie Wan, “Axial-Flux Modular
1,0,0,0 9,00 92.37 0.366 1.867 1.597 1.399 0.700 151 20 20 Permanent-Magnet Generator with a Toroidal Winding for Wind-
0,1,0,0 3,00 48.66 0.863 1.700 1.454 1.249 0.679 272 20 20 Turbine Applications”, IEEE Trans. on Industry Applications, 35(4),
0,0,1,0 8.99 97.95 0.304 1.744 1.592 1.394 0.700 251 20 20 831-836, 1999.
0,0,0,1 8.97 73.41 0.347 1.854 1.598 1.330 0.548 272 20 20