Lucas CAV plans
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LUCAS CAV electrical component development projects are now nearing completion and the result will be new products over the next four years. This was revealed last week by Russell Bruce, Lucas CAV's chief electrical engineer.
In response to increasing demand for higher rated alternators, particularly for psv which need high output at idle speed, Lucas CAV is refining its alternator design to reduce losses and improve cooling. The latest model is a 210 amp rated AC20324. Hitherto, the highest rating for this alternator was 180 amps.
Lucas CAV's development of a brushless alternator for lorry and psv applications is now "in an advanced stage". The AB172 R is likely to be in production next year. It is capable of outputs up to 100 amps at 24 volts and has the same integral regulator which is fitted to the conventional design AC5R, AC172R and AC293R.
The AB172R will give Lucas CAV a model with which to com pete with the existing brushless alternators offered by Delco Remy and Bosch.
The major advantage of this design is that the wear and maintenance problems associated with brushes are obviated. Though the number of components or the materials used do not warrant a higher price, the brushless alternator will be more expensive than a brushed equivalent. Lucas CAV has not yet fixed the price but says it will be "volume sensitive".
The company's longer term development projects include microprocessor control of mechanical commercial vehicle gearboxes, both constant mesh and synchromesh.