Design and optimization of a Low-RPM Neodymium permanent magnet synchronous generator for two-stage vertical-axis wind turbines in low-speed applications.

The article focuses on the design and simulation of a low-rpm Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) optimized for a two-stage vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) system combining H-Darrieus and helical Savonius rotors. This novel PMSG, operating efficiently within 50–900 rpm, addresses the inefficiencies of conventional high-speed generators and dynamos in low-wind-speed environments such as highway dividers. Using finite element analysis (FEA) in ANSYS Maxwell, the proposed 4-pole, 24-slot generator with Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) magnets demonstrated a significant increase in induced voltage and current—over 250% and 300% respectively—compared to conventional brushed DC generators, producing approximately 345 W at 250 rpm without requiring external excitation. The study suggests that integrating two such PMSGs with the dual-stage turbine can enhance decentralized wind energy harvesting, with future work planned for fabrication, experimental validation, and system integration including maximum power point tracking and microgrid compatibility.