Coordinateurs du projet
Context
In the context of marine energy exploitation, the sizing of the electric generator that converts electromechanical energy is a real challenge that must simultaneously take into account operating constraints (highly fluctuating production), power supply constraints (interaction with the power converter and the grid), mass and volume constraints, and technical and economic constraints of implementation (choice and cost of materials).
Scientific breakthroughs and innovation
The aim of the project is therefore to establish a method for dimensioning the entire energy conversion chain, combining the generator with its power converter, with or without a speed multiplier, and integrating all of these constraints.
Although the approach and tools developed are generic and can be applied to any type of marine application, they will be applied to the specific case of offshore wind power.
The architecture of the machine, its materials, and its control system will be determined with the following main objectives in mind:
- maximizing energy efficiency
- minimizing costs (over the entire lifetime of the system).
To be relevant, such a study requires the use of real dimensioning models that accurately describe the behavior of physical quantities, whereas existing studies are limited to power flows alone, taking into account conversion efficiencies that are considered constant regardless of operating conditions.
The result will therefore be based on multi-physical modeling combining electromagnetism, electricity, power electronics, mechanics, and thermodynamics.
Expected technical and economic impact
Ultimately, the proposed tool should make it possible to exceed the current 10 MW limit for generators without increasing their size and weight. Particular attention will therefore be paid to thermal modeling which, given the power levels envisaged, will involve fluid circulation.
Demonstrator
Based on the proposed design, a small-scale demonstrator will be designed for validation as part of a follow-up to the OCEOS project.