Design and experimental analysis of a 3 kW single-phase linear permanent magnet generator for stirling engines

A design method and load evaluation system for a single-phase linear permanent magnet generator (SPLPMG) for Stirling engines are proposed. The generator was designed considering the short stroke of the system and the characteristics of high-speed reciprocating motion. The accuracy of the 2-D finite-element method (FEM) was improved by considering the outer core and inner core split lamination characteristics. A test rig for evaluating the SPLPMG was fabricated. The evaluation system consisted of a crankshaft that converted the rotational motion into reciprocating motion, so that the linear generator could be evaluated as a rotational power source. The load test was carried out according to the operational frequency of the generator. An SPLPMG output of 3 kW was obtained, and the FEM analysis results and evaluation results were similar.