Small Alternators for Racing Cars

This paper describes the development of a new generation of permanent magnet alternators (PMA), intended for use in Formula One motorsport. The challenging problem of how to regulate the output from a PMA has been solved by the creation of a voltage regulator that draws power from the alternator as and when necessary, rather than dumping excess energy as heat. As a result, a compact, lightweight system has been created, which is capable of delivering 30A to the load at 14V. The system can achieve a cut-in speed of less than 1800rpm and can deliver 25A at 4500rpm.