The NewGen is a new type of direct-drive generator for wind turbines, based on the idea of putting the generator bearings adjacent to the air-gap of a large diameter generator. In this way the stiffness requirements of the rotor and the stator are drastically reduced, which leads to large mass savings in the mechanical structure.  These savings then enable a further diameter increase, which leads to further mass reductions in electrically active parts. The design is based on excitation by use of permanent magnets. So far a 140kW pilot-scale generator has been tested with encouraging results. The next step is a full-scale demonstration in a wind turbine. The development is taking place in cooperation with VG Power AB, Vasteras, Sweden.

By Staffan Engström, Independent Consultant, Agir Konsult AB, Sweden