Development of Mobile Electric Power Generators Based on New High-Efficiency, High-Frequency Alternator Technology

This proposal describes the development of a new technology for 60 Hz 120 VAC electric power generation in mobile applications. A proprietary design for special high frequency alternators featuring low core losses will be combined with a previouslydemonstrated technique of modulation and commutation to generate 60 hz AC power regardless of shaft speed. A special resonant circuit excitation technique, also demonstrated in a Phase I project, will be used to efficiently control the modulation and waveshaping functions. This technique bypasses the expense and limitation of inverters and allows modular units to be easily synchronized and combined-into a grid system. An initial -3kW bench top prototype will be built and demonstrated. Subsequentinvestigations will be made of increasing th ' e operating frequency and power densities. A second generation of 3-5 ' kW prototypes, designed to be belt driven from the engines of existing vehicles, will be built and field tested. The high powerdensity, due to high frequency operation, and the unique low loss core combined with the independence from shaft speed create a new technology that offers fuel efficiency plus underthe-hood convenience.high frequency alternators promises smaller, lighter,more efficient and less costly sources of AC power ideally suited to vehicles and field operations. The independence of output frequency from shaft speed allows engine operation at the most convenient or most efficient RPM, improving fuel consumption andoperational flexibility.