Automotive alternator electromagnetic calculations using three dimensional finite elements

The electrical performance of an automotive alternator is calculated using three dimensional and two dimensional magnetic finite elements. A three dimensional finite element model is made of one pole pitch of the twelve pole Lundell type alternator, which has an extruded steel rotor of intricate shape. The flux densities throughout the alternator are calculated, as well as the leakage and mutual fluxes. The calculated vector potentials are integrated along a stator coil, obtaining no load and full load voltages that compare well with measurements.