An experimental study of alternator performance using two-drive ratios and a novel method of speed boundary operation

The steady increase in electrical power on passenger cars and on public service vehicles requires not only a corresponding improvement in the design of the vehicle alternator but an optimization of its method of operation as well. Ideas for an efficient operation of a car alternator are presented. It is shown that by using two drive ratios, an alternator can be operated more efficiently, and this would result in minimization of rotational losses and fuel savings. A novel method of speed boundary operation (SBO) is suggested. The author also describes how this method can be applied to a passenger car, and the results are presented for a typical application