Operating characteristics and design parameter optimization of permanent magnet linear generator applied to free-piston energy converter

A tubular permanent magnet linear generator (PMLG) with axial magnetized is proposed for the free-piston engine generator (FPEG). The structures and test rigs of the PMLG and FPEG prototypes are introduced. The working characteristics of the PMLG in FPEG system are analyzed under ignition conditions. A 2D finite element model of the PMLG is designed and verified based on initial design parameters and test results. The influences of key operating parameters on the output performance of PMLG are studied. On these basis, when considering the actual motion characteristics of the PMLG in FPEG system, the effects of different structural parameters on the power generation performance and efficiency (h) are investigated. Results show that when the working frequency of the FPEG is relatively small, the displacement profile resembles a sinusoidal curve. As the working frequency and stroke length increase, the power generation increases rapidly. As the air gap length and back iron shaft diameter decrease, and the stator slot number increases, the output voltage (U), current (I), power (P_out), and total loss power (P_loss) show an approximately linear increasing trend. As the pole arc coefficient and stator tooth width increase, the U, I, P_out, and P_loss first increase and then decrease. As the stator yoke thickness increases, the U, I, and P_out increase rapidly and then tend to stabilize. Besides, these structural parameters have little impact on power generation efficiency of this PMLG.