Extracting more power from the Lundell car alternator

Abstract

Due to the increasing power demands in automotive applications, the conventional power generator (Lundell alternator) is rapidly reaching its limits. This paper examines an approach that allows substantial increases in the output power and efficiency of automotive alternators by allowing the alternator to operate at its optimum output point. Theoretical predictions are compared with experimental results using a commercial car alternator; increases of up to 200% in output power and significant improvements in efficiency are demonstrated at high speeds.