US 6,982,545 B2
Alternator system with temperature protected voltage regulator
Reginald L. Browning, Orlando, Fla. (US); and Juan Aguila, Miami, Fla. (US)
Assigned to Wetherill Associates, Inc., Royersford, Pa. (US)
Filed on Jan. 26, 2004, as Appl. No. 10/764,836.
Prior Publication US 2005/0162135 A1, Jul. 28, 2005
Int. Cl. H02P 9/18 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 322—33 34 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An alternator system comprising:
a permanent magnet alternator for producing an alternating current;
a battery operatively connected to said permanent magnet alternator to be charged therefrom; and
a voltage regulator operatively connected to said permanent magnet alternator and battery for regulating the charging of said battery, said voltage regulator including a rectifying circuit for rectifying the alternating current, and a semiconductor switching element operative for turning the regulator on and off based on a predetermined temperature threshold to prevent overheating of any voltage regulator electronic components.