The ultimate alternator

[rlaxton]

Hi all,

For those hard core electric winchers amongst us, there is an interesting article on Autospeed at the moment here:

http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_2724/article.html

Basically, to paraphrase the article:

Visteon's SpeedStart12 is a belt-driven integrated starter generator that operates within a 12-volt electrical architecture. The system, which includes liquid-cooled power electronics and motor controls, offers improvements in fuel economy and power generation capability compared to a conventional alternator.

So what you say? Well, this next bit will explain everything:

Delivers up to 3 kilowatts continuous generation (2 kilowatts during low engine RPM), opening the door for other technologies that require power

So, we are talking about a 250 amp alternator that is water cooled so could be completely sealed against mud and almost certainly produce its rated power all day without melting into a heap. Also, since this is designed as a starter for petrol engines up to 3L and diesels up to 1.8L, there would have to be a larger, more heavy duty version in the works.

The future looks good!

Richard.