Integrated starter-generators for automotive applications

The integrated starter-generator (ISG) replaces both the conventional starter and alternator (generator) of an automobile in a single electric device. It allows greater electrical generation capacity and the fuel economy and emissions benefits of hybrid electric automotive propulsion. The ISG requires contrary specifications, i.e. a high starting torque and a fieldweakening capability in a wide speed range, therefore its design is a challenging job. In this paper the basic characteristics and some of the ISG variants will be discussed. Also a switched reluctance machine (SRM) based ISG prototype will be presented in detail.