Modeling and Simulation of an Alternator Load Dump Transient

To evaluate present load dump transient test methods using a model of the alternator load dump transient test of a typical automotive load dump configuration is the focus of this paper. The development of key automotive charging system components and a voltage suppression device using the Saber™ MAST™ modeling language will be presented. The advantages of using a simulation approach to test fixture evaluation will be presented. Comparisons between simulated and measured alternator load dump transients reveal a strong correlation between simulation data and test data.