4671 - Ge4FOW - Ferrite based power generator system for scaling of floating offshore wind turbines

World Wide Wind (a Norwegian SME) and Uppsala University (UU) from Sweden will work together to develop a breakthrough generator for floating offshore wind power. The Ge4FOW is a direct-drive generator with the unique property of using ferrite Permanent Magnets, eliminating the dependency of an unpredictable supply of Rare Earth Elements. The GeFOW generator will be particularly adapted for the Counter-Rotating Vertical Turbine (CRVT), a novel concept being validated for floating offshore wind. The CRVT has two turbine blade sets rotating in opposite directions, transmitting the counter-rotating movement vertically to stator and rotor respectively and thereby achieving a higher conversion efficiency from mechanical to electrical energy. The generator will be located in a sealed compartment at the bottom of the floating structure. This design principle eliminates the heavy loads at the top on a high tower in today’s horizontal wind turbines, enabling the upscaling that is required to achieve acceptably low LCOE. In this project, we will simulate the generator efficiency using mathematical models and finite-element analysis to validate electromagnetic and mechanical efficiency and then design and build a small-scale prototype for mechanical and components integrity tests. A key element of the program is to develop the electrical control algorithms required for operation and safety. During this 30-month project, we will design, develop and validate a breakthrough direct drive generator reaching a technology readiness level 5. We expect the tangible results to include higher potential efficiency (97%) with less environmental impact, long-life, high reliability, efficient use of marine space due to less wake. Key activities in the project include electromagnetic design of the generator (lead: UU), mechanical design (lead: WWW), electrical power control system (lead: UU) and prototype testing to TRL 5 (joint lead).

Ge4FOW project consists of a consortium of 1 SME (WWW) and 1 University (Uppsala University), that will design, develop and validate an innovative approach for FOWT components in the shape of a REE-free direct drive generator suitable for underwater placement leveraging current FOW energy production and reducing LCOE. During this 30-month project, we will design, develop and validate a breakthrough direct drive generator reaching a technology readiness level 5. Ge4FOW generator will achieve a higher conversion efficiency from mechanical input to electricity (rotor and stator will drive separately) with a more compact design and electrical control of the turbine rotational speed. Ferrite will be used as PM, eliminating the requirement for REE and its associated hurdles. On top its design will allow its placement in tilting FOWT taking full advantage of marine space and will be able to convert double rotor power in any FOWT concept. Ge4FOW will develop the first compact generator for FOW energy production.