Alternator Drive
Lack of power at idle. It has been an ongoing issue for government vehicles, transit buses and commercial vehicles whose belt-driven alternators fail to produce the maximum power guideline for electric power during idling.
The problem: At idle, the alternator speed falls below its rated speed (the speed at which the alternator’s maximum output occurs). Sizing the pulley ratio to spin the alternator faster at idle will hurt fuel consumption by over-speeding the alternator for most driving conditions and may even cause the alternator to over-speed and fail when engine speeds are higher.
The solution: An alternator drive incorporating NuVinci® CVP technology, which can deliver the ideal alternator speed all the time – providing needed power regardless of engine speed, reducing speed when power is not needed and ultimately improving fuel economy. And it will do all this with minimal complexity, easy installation and low cost.
Benefits
- Alternator produces rated current regardless of engine RPM
- Optimally size the alternator for desired application
- Reduce failure rate of conventional alternator
- Reduce engine start-up requirements
- Reduce belt hop
- Improve system efficiency and fuel economy
- Improve battery life by dramatically increasing the total energy from the alternator (testing shows approximately 750% additional energy generated during a typical workday)
How it Works
A NuVinci alternator drive improves alternator performance by separating engine speed from alternator speed, enabling the alternator to produce maximum current regardless of engine RPM.
The NuVinci CVP enables control of output speed, independent of the engine speed. At engine idle, output speeds may be increased, resulting in more power from the alternator.
A typical high performance alternator does not provide full power at low engine speeds (less than 1200 RPM). A NuVinci-equipped alternator enables optimal alternator operation, even at low engine speeds. During idle, this can result in a 50-100% increase in delivered power, depending on the alternator.
At higher engine speeds (such as accelerating from a stop or cruising), accessory speeds may be reduced, also resulting in an energy and ultimately, fuel savings.
