Design and optimization of tubular linear permanent-magnet generator with performance improvement using response surface methodology and multi-objective genetic algorithm

Abstract

Linear generators are electric machines which generate electrical energy from linear movement. Since these machines can lift gear wheel or power train, they are nowadays widely used. Considering the fact that the working areas of these machines differ with speed and power characteristics, this study deals with the design and optimization of tubular linear generator for free piston practices. The design considered response surface optimization through variables that were acquired by sizing via the interface. The correlation between the determined design variables and the magnitude of the generator output was examined. In addition, the obtained amounts were used for objective functions of increasing efficiency, decreasing overall volume, and improving general performance and the optimum values were found by using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA). Initial and optimum design data were compared by ANSYS Maxwell 2D. With overall performance improvement, 22.78% decrease in total mass and 11.7% decrease in cost were observed. In addition, a prototype for the linear generator was created in line with the initial geometry data and applied by the crank slider mechanism. (C) 2020 Sharif University of Technology. All rights reserved.