Edinburgh Napier University

  Direct-driven generators are low speed machines requiring robust and heavy supporting structures capable of withstanding a demanding set of loads. It has been reported that at least 2/3 of the total machine mass corresponds to the supporting structure. Several academic investigations have been conducted with the aim of optimizing the overall mass and performance of these structures at an early design stage using different techniques. However, an outstanding knowledge gap remains in understanding the manufacturing process of large scake wind turbine electrical machines.

The main of this investigation is to characterize the available electrical generator manufacturing techniques considering factors such as total cost and materials' functionality and recyclability.