Turbine Technology Development

Based on a permanent magnet, direct drive design, BWP’s generator uses a unique axial flux, air-core architecture that increases efficiency and reliability, and will ultimately reduce the cost of wind generated electricity to compete at parity with fossil fuels.

In support of the initial engineering studies, BWP chose to use the three-dimensional (3D) version of the Opera electromagnetic simulator from the Vector Fields Software range of Cobham Technical Services. BWP cites the software’s accuracy, the ease with which its analytical capabilities can be adapted to suit specific requirements, and Cobham’s willingness to collaborate in further developing key areas such as dynamic modelling as the primary factors behind its choice.

Opera’s advanced solvers allow high periodicity to be leveraged, so that the analytical model can be a fraction of the size of the complete generator – significantly reducing simulation times.