Mechatronical considerations in modern motorcar generators

The generator in use today is the air-cooled claw pole generator. It is highly optimized and has nearly reached its technical limits. However, despite this optimization, the efficiency is not very high. Therefore new kinds of electrical power supplies must be researched. For this, a mechatronic power supply system-consisting of the electric generator with its mechanically accelerated masses and its electronic parts for control-is under development. The various aspects to be considered in the design are discussed, the different kinds of generator losses are summarised and analysed, and the PM excited generator is described. Results for a 3 kW rated generator are discussed.