Dual-Use Integrated Starter/Generator (ISG) for Tactical Military Vehicles

SatCon proposes to develop a dual-use Integrated Starter/Generator (ISG) for military and commercial vehicles. Our proposed machine type is an interior PM (IPM) machine which is ideally suited to ISG applications because of high power density due to the PM field production, and inherent field weakening capability due to the salient rotor. Using an IPM results in an optimized machine-drive system because the inverter can be a standard six-switch bridge with lower device voltage requirements than if a conventional PM machine is used. SatCon will use our Advanced Automotive Power Module (AIPM) as the basis for a low cost, high power density inverter to drive the ISG. We will work with an industrial partner on developing requirements and design methods for severe environment and duty cycle applications, and for a Phase II commercial demonstration system. We will also work with magnet manufacturers on selecting appropriate materials considering the high vehicle application temperatures, and on developing cost effective manufacturing techniques for assembling and magnetizing the PM rotor.