Structural integrity of a direct-drive generator for a floating wind turbine

Preliminary results suggest that, if the nacelle accelerations are limited to 0.3 times the acceleration due to gravity (g) and the motion response cycles are below the fatigue limit, the air-gap stability of the generator is more sensitive to magnetic forces. Contributions to air-gap eccentricity from shaft displacements can be limited if the bearing supports can be designed for high stiffness. This also confirmed the adequacy of the platform design. The results also emphasise the need for air-gap management when designing direct-drive generators for floating wind turbines. Two methods are investigated as potential solutions to limit the maximum air-gap deflection to 10% level. The method of increasing structural stiffness led to a structurally unfavourable design that could potentially affect the stability and resonance properties of the system. The method of increasing the design air-gap led to a structurally more favourable design, although this meant an increase in magnetic material and hence the costs. Thus, implementing direct-drive radial flux permanent magnet generators for floating wind turbines is challenged by the difficulty in achieving optimal weight and costs at acceptable performance without compromising the air-gap tolerances. There is a need for an amendment to design standards to recognise the design challenges of Floating wind turbines.