Ernest Christley wrote 7/6/07, Message #38256, Re: Ford EDIS:

4.7lbs isn't a great weight saver compared to some of the lightweight alternators out there, but I don't think they're usually weighed with the mounting brackets and pulleys from the engine side of the belt. We can get more weight savings if we let the flywheel that we already have double as a rotor.

I agree, the thought of the rear counter weight whirling around just stirring air while doing it's balancing function really bugs me. A non-magnetic replacement carrying permanent magnets and surrounded by a set of coils would just cost the added weight of the coils. How much power and reliability do you want? Those coils together with a set of power switching electronics and a position sensor could become a starter/generator.

I'm not all that excited by the use of permanent magnets for various reasons. They do have the big advantage of simplicity. Eventually, the goal should be the use of an Integrated Starter/Generators (IGS) such as those being introduced in automotive applications. The power switching devices required are now state-of-the-art and in volume production for a wide variety of switched reluctance motor applications.

I have given serious consideration to working this area myself but the recent installation of 3 more stents added to my previous 3 have caused some equally serious consideration to "slowing down".

Fred O.