Abstract
A direct-drive generator based on linear switched reluctance principle is investigated for wave energy utilization. Integrated with the sensorless technique, the direct-drive generator has the characteristics of low cost and robustness, and the power generation control system is especially suitable for the operation under hostile working environments since restrictions of physical sensors are eliminated. Simulation analysis based on the finite element methods (FEM) and joint simulation are carried out for performance analysis of the power generation control system, including position estimation, open loop turn-on and turn-off position optimization and closed loop current regulation. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the position estimation scheme for the sensorless, linear switched reluctance generator based power generation control system.