Design methodology of permanent magnet generators for fixed-pitch tidal turbines with overspeed power limitation strategy

This paper deals with a design methodology of permanent magnets(PM)generators used for fixed-pitch tidal turbines in a marine renewable energy context.In the case of underwater turbines,fixed-pitch tidal turbines could be very attractive and interesting to reduce maintenance operation by avoiding using such a complex electromechanical system for blade-pitching.In this technological case,one of the main control challenges is to ensure power limitation at high tidal current velocities.This control mode can be achieved using the generator flux-weakening.In this context,this paper proposes an original and systemic design methodology to optimize the generator design taking into account the tidal turbine power limitation for high tidal currents velocities.