CX-100956 A Hermetically Sealed Magnetically Geared Marine Hydrokinetic Generator

A Hermetically Sealed Magnetically Geared Marine Hydrokinetic Generator
Award Number: DE-EE0008100
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6
Water Power Technologies Office
Location(s): OR
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide funding to Portland State University (PSU) to design, fabricate, and conduct laboratory testing on a magnetic gearbox and magnetically geared generators.

The proposed project is divided into 6 Tasks. In Task 1, PSU would design, fabricate, and test a magnetic gearbox. In Tasks 2-4, PSU would design, fabricate, and test 3 magnetic geared generators (MGGs) (a subscale generator, a 5kW generator, and a 50 kW generator).

Parts used to fabricate the devices in Tasks 1-4 would be purchased by PSU from a reputable machine shop that produces such parts in their ordinary course of business. Assembly of the parts to fabricate the magnetic gearbox and all MGGs would occur at PSU in a laboratory designed for this type of work. Materials used in the devices would include steel, aluminum, copper wire, and magnets. The largest device, the 50 kW MGG, would be approximately 24 inches in diameter and 8 inches in length. All other devices would be considerably smaller. Laboratory testing of the devices would be conducted on PSU’s existing dynamometer test stand. Analysis of results would be conducted at PSU, the University of North Carolina, and at the National Renewable Energy Lab, in Golden Colorado, at existing office facilities. Results of the analysis of testing on the smaller scale devices would be utilized in redesigning and constructing the larger scale devices.