Patent ID: 7119467
Filing Date: 2006-10-10
Classification: H02K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An electric machine operable as an alternator, the machine comprising: a moveable magnetic rotor assembly; and a stationary stator assembly mounted adjacent the rotor assembly, the stator assembly including at least one electrical winding disposed in at least one slot defined in the stator assembly, the at least one electrical winding being electrically connected to a machine output adapted to deliver generated output electricity from the machine, the slot having an upper end, the slot upper end having a shape and construction, the slot upper end being disposed between the at least one winding and the rotor, wherein, in use, movement of the rotor assembly induces a first alternating voltage and current in the at least one winding, and wherein, said slot upper end shape and construction have an associated inductance which is sufficiently high relative to said induced alternating current such that, in use, a magnetic flux flows through said slot upper end and around the at least one winding in response to said induced alternating current in said winding, thereby inducing a second alternating voltage and current in the at least one winding opposite in polarity to said first alternating voltage and current, thereby limiting an output current in the at least one winding to a pre-selected value.