High‐Speed Generators for Power‐Dense, Medium‐Power, Gas Turbine Generator Sets

Concepts to improve turbine generator (TG) set power density (PD) are identified, developed, and evaluated. The evaluation focuses on the TG set as a part of overall system optimization, with weight and volume penalties for special auxiliaries. PD is given priority, while other attributes such as efficiency, acoustics, and total system cost are also assessed. The strengths and weaknesses of each concept are assessed based on technical viability, potential for PD improvement, and risk. Sixty‐one generator concepts over four generator types—air‐cooled wound field, water‐cooled wound field, permanent magnet (PM), and high‐temperature superconducting (HTS)—are evaluated with three ship‐level electrical distribution architectures—high‐frequency AC and active‐ and passive‐rectified DC. A prime mover of 14 MW at 7,000 r.p.m. is assumed. The study assesses generator size enabled by directly coupling the generator to the prime mover, eliminating the typical gear required in TG sets with engine speeds greater than 3,600 r.p.m. Technology approaches are described and trends in the design data are identified. Advanced PM and superconducting rotor technologies are evaluated. For the power, speed, and system requirements studied, these technologies do not differ significantly from water‐cooled designs in size and weight. A water‐cooled generator would be compatible with a range of future power distribution systems such as high‐frequency AC, rectified DC, or 60 Hz AC (using a rectifier and an inverter).