Hybrid excited claw pole alternators: Attempt to satisfy the increasing power need on board

This paper is devoted to the topological and functional descriptions as well as a 3D FEA-based optimization of a hybrid-excited claw pole alternator, with a focus on its back-EMF production capability. The proposed claw pole concept is equipped by PM excitations in both stator and rotor and a field one in the stator. A special attention is paid to the cancelation of the homopolar flux which represents a specific leakage one associated to the field excitation. To do so, the effects of two (complete and partial) Aluminium-made magnetic barriers, inserted in between the stator yoke and lamination along the active length, on the back-EMF production capability are investigated. It has been found that the partial magnetic barrier is a compromise regarding the homopolar flux cancelation and the 3D-flux enhancement. Compared to the complete magnetic barrier, the partial one allowed an increase of the amplitude of the fundamental back-EMF; those of its harmonics remain almost unchangeable.