This paper investigates the issues associated with converting the energy produced by marine renewable energy converters, namely wave and tidal stream devices, into electricity using direct drive electrical power take-off, without use of complex pneumatic, hydraulic or other mechanical linkages. In order to demonstrate the issues, two alternative topologies of linear electrical machines are investigated: the linear vernier hybrid permanent magnet machine and the air-cored tubular permanent magnet machine. The electrical characteristics of these machines are described and compared in the context of mechanical integration. Potential solutions to the issues of sealing, corrosion and lubrication are discussed taking into account the electrical properties of the two topologies.
This paper received the annual IMechE Donald Jullien Groen Award in 2006 for an outstanding contribution to the field of sustainability. It contains a wide range of predicted and experimental results in relation to real world implementation of this technology. RAE_import_type : Journal article RAE_uoa_type : General Engineering