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In order to improve the power density of the wave power generation system, a magnetic lead screw (MLS) is introduced in this paper as a speed-increasing device in a wave energy converter (WEC), which converts low-speed linear wave motion to high-speed rotational motion. Then, several types of MLSs with different topologies, which were optimized, are described. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to investigate and evaluate their electromagnetic performances, such as the thrust force, torque, air gap magnetic density, etc. The optimized MLS prototype was manufactured, and the measurements verify the FEA results. Finally, a magnetic lead screw hybrid generator (MLSHG) for application to the WEC is proposed. This MLS significantly improved the power density under different wave conditions. When the moving speed v = 0.15 m/s, the output power of the MLSHG and outer-PM linear tubular generator were 923 W and 87 W, respectively, when the load resistance was 5 Ω. The output power of the MLSHG was more than 10 times compared to that of the outer-PM linear tubular generator in a fair comparison. Here, it is shown that the power density and output power of were MLSHG increased greatly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a new structure of the magnetic lead screw (MLS) intended for wave energy conversion (WEC) applications. One of the key challenges in the application of MLS technology for wave energy lies in the manufacturing of its complicated ideal helix. Structural simplification and processing technology are quite essential in promoting the development of the magnet screw. This study proposes a new method for shaping the desired ideal helix in a simple way with parallelly magnetised magnets. This simple structure reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining good force density. The magnets with parallel magnetisation are also easier and cheaper to manufacture than the magnets with radial magnetisation. A prototype is manufactured and tested in the laboratory. In addition, the electromagnetic performance of the new structure is evaluated as compared with the magnet screw with ideal helix using the three‐dimensional finite element analysis, verifying the advantages of the proposed structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]