Design of an Axial Flux Alternator with PCB-Embedded Stator Coils Using Algorithmic Coil Generation and Optimization
Conference Year
January 2020
Abstract
This paper presents the design of an axial flux permanent magnet machine for applications in low power, low RPM energy harvesting. The design and optimization are executed using 2D finite element analysis (FEA) and script generated coil layouts. Using a feedback system between the coil generating script and the FEA software, machine design parameters and coil layouts for KiCAD were generated for target voltages and RPM. A prototype machine was built to test the effectiveness of the proposed method. The prototype machine is shown to be phase balanced, and produce 1.4 watts of power at 3000 RPM. The machine is shown to have 70% efficiency compared to the simulated results. After initial verification of simulation and algorithm validity a new alternator is being designed which will produce 10 watts at 3000 RPM.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Eva Cosoroaba
Secondary Mentor Name
Dr. James Kay
Faculty/Staff Collaborators
Dr. Eva Cosoroaba (Faculty Advisor), Dr. James Kay (Faculty Advisor)
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Second Student College
College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Program/Major
Electrical Engineering
Second Program/Major
Computer Science
Primary Research Category
Engineering & Physical Sciences
Design of an Axial Flux Alternator with PCB-Embedded Stator Coils Using Algorithmic Coil Generation and Optimization
This paper presents the design of an axial flux permanent magnet machine for applications in low power, low RPM energy harvesting. The design and optimization are executed using 2D finite element analysis (FEA) and script generated coil layouts. Using a feedback system between the coil generating script and the FEA software, machine design parameters and coil layouts for KiCAD were generated for target voltages and RPM. A prototype machine was built to test the effectiveness of the proposed method. The prototype machine is shown to be phase balanced, and produce 1.4 watts of power at 3000 RPM. The machine is shown to have 70% efficiency compared to the simulated results. After initial verification of simulation and algorithm validity a new alternator is being designed which will produce 10 watts at 3000 RPM.