Multi-objective optimisation of hydroelectric PMSG considering water-level variation

• Main Authors: Jian Gao, Litao Dai, Wenjuan Zhang, Shoudao Huang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2019-07-01
• Series: The Journal of Engineering
• Subjects: genetic algorithms; synchronous generators; optimisation; permanent magnet generators; rivers; hydroelectric power stations; multiobjective optimisation; hydroelectric pmsg; water-level variation; variable hydrological conditions; run-of-the river projects; optimisation strategy; permanent magnet synchronous generator; hydroelectric plant; simplified subdomain analytical model; surface-mounted pm generator; improved genetic algorithm; optimal generator parameters; different water-level conditions; optimised generator
• Online Access: https://digital-library.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/joe.2019.0100

The variable hydrological conditions that are found in run-of-the river projects require operations over a wide range of water-level variations. This article develops a novel optimisation strategy for permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) used in hydroelectric plant. The basis of this strategy is a simplified subdomain (SD) analytical model of the surface-mounted PM generator combined with an improved genetic algorithm, which searches the optimal generator parameters that maximise the operating efficiency of generators at different water-level conditions and minimise the material cost. The electromagnetic performances of the optimised generator are investigated and compared with conventional optimal design. It is found that the proposed method allows the emergence of higher performances in variable hydrological conditions.