Improved performance alternator with fully integrated Switched-Mode Rectifier

The use of Power Electronic circuits has helped to advance the technology of automotive alternators. The use of a Switched-Mode Rectifier (SMR) allows the alternator to run at a load-matched condition, optimizing power and efficiency over all operating speeds. However, the use of SMR's has largely been focused on designs for 42 V alternators. This thesis presents the design, build, and characterization of an SMR-based alternator that provides improved power and efficiency at the present automotive standard of 14 V. The SMR-based machine was built from commercial electronic devices and packaged such that it could be fully integrated into the alternator housing without impacting the physical structure or reliability. The SMR-based alternator was characterized in a laboratory environment (25°C ambient temperature) over the standard operating range of 1500 rpm (idle speed) to 6000 rpm (cruising speed). The alternator operated in a load-matched condition, achieving maximum power output up to 2400 rpm and achieved cruising speed output power of 2178 W at full field current of 4.3 A.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Mesa, Armando

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• David J. Perreault.

• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/46018

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/46018