Alternator technology: powered by change

Alternators play an essential part in keeping the various functions of a vehicle running simultaneously, and are under constant pressure to accommodate new features. Ruslan Leontiev, Product Manager at DENSO Europe, explains how manufacturers have kept alternators ahead of the increasing technology and intelligence within cars.

The alternator delivers a critical function; converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, and supplying power to the various electrical loads. When power supplied by the alternator doesn’t match the required electrical load, the battery temporarily supplies extra power to the electrical equipment. However, with the evolution of more ‘intelligent’ vehicles featuring equipment such as navigation systems and complex electronic control panels, the demands placed on the alternator have increased dramatically.

Of course, powering the engine management system (EMS) mechanisms such as engine ignition and fuel injection involves continuous and heavy loads. New EMS systems cause an even greater drain due to the increased number of sensors and actuators in modern vehicles.

However, the biggest drain on battery at a component level will most likely come from advanced headlights, heated windscreens, wiper motors, blower motors; all standard features of modern vehicles.

The abundance of in-car technology has made alternators essential to running the engine, but have also become responsible for providing all of the comforts of technology commonplace in modern vehicles. With the continual need for higher power outputs without compromising weight limitations and improved environmental standards, Alternators have needed to develop in parallel; meeting this demand for additional electrical output.

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