Optimal use of the 14 V alternator in 42 V automotive supply systems

This paper is aimed at the study of conventional 14 V automotive electrical supply systems as a basis for the development of a novel 42 V supply system capable to provide maximum power to both the vehiclepsilas battery and the on-board consumers. By analyzing the operating characteristics of the 14 V Lundell alternator system, the conditions for maximum output power at various alternator driving speeds are determined. The modification of the conventional system by introducing a boost converter is proposed. The operating characteristics of the new system are analyzed by performing simulations using the MATLAB SIMULINK programming environment.