Maglev Power Generation - A Review

The paper project purpose dwells on the implementation of an alternate configuration of a wind turbine for power generation purposes.. A vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is introduced by magnetic levitation technology to optimize the performance. The system utilize nature of permanent magnet as a replacement for ball bearings to levitate the turbine component and thus minimize energy losses while rotating, which is the major problem that faced by conventional wind turbine. The Maglev Wind Turbine is expected to bring wind power technology to the next level. Furthermore, the system can be suited in use for rural and urban areas of low wind speed regions. The selection of magnet materials in the design of wind turbine system will be discussed. A model of wind turbine is built to perform several tests such as starting wind speed, rotational speed at constant wind speed, and time taken to stop rotation completely. The results obtained will be compared with the model of conventional wind turbine. Power will then be generated with an axial flux generator, which incorporates the use of permanent magnets and a set of coils.