Integrated design of linear alternator/engine system for HEV auxiliary power unit

For a cleaner environment and efficient operation, vehicles rely more and more heavily on electrical power generation for success, and the advent of the hybrid electric vehicle has emphasized the need to re-examine efficient, compact generators for use in vehicle propulsion. Crankless linear engines coupled to linear alternators have gained recent visibility and West Virginia University (WVU) has already enjoyed success in the research of spark-ignited and compression ignition linear engines coupled to permanent magnet alternators. This research will provide an integrated design approach for the alternator which accounts for the characteristics of the engine used as the prime mover and the interactions between the engine and the alternator.