Characteristic analysis and trial manufacture of permanent‐magnetic type linear generator

This paper describes the design and trial manufacture of a linear generator which can convert any mechanical vibration of an automobile to electrical energy. A mover, which includes permanent magnets, is linearly driven through a stator by vibrations. The Nd‐Fe‐B magnets in the mover are placed facing the same magnetic poles in order to produce a change of magnetic flux in the coils of the stator. The coils are placed in the stator with the same intervals as the magnets. Successive coils are wound in opposite directions and are connected in series. A magnetic iron core covering the stator makes the magnetic flux extend through the case and reduces flux canceling in the coils of the stator. The distribution of the magnetic field, the electromotive force, and the driven power of the mover were calculated by numerical simulations in order to determine the size of the linear generator. A linear generator and experimental apparatus were built on the basis of the simulation. The performance characteristics were tested in experiments, and the produced linear generator was confirmed to be useful as an onboard auxiliary power supply. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 166(3): 94– 100, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20751