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UK-based Antonov has been increasing its commercial engineering activities in parallel with becoming a high volume transmission manufacturer. The company recently secured a 2-speed heavy-duty alternator project, and is in the design phase of work on a high-efficiency 3-speed transmission for electric vehicles. Both engineering projects have the potential for series production, Antonov says.
Antonov"s most recent engineering contract, awarded by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), is for the development of a 2-speed alternator for military vehicle application, though it can also be applied in vehicles like coaches. Antonov has undertaken the project in partnership with Prestolite Electric, a major manufacturer of alternators and electrical motors. With the design concept already signed off, the work has moved into the area of detailed engineering design.
The 2-speed alternator will provide full electronic control of the speed change through an active clutch mechanism. A more controllable alternator provides better speed matching with the engine, ensuring an optimal battery charge at engine idle without incurring losses at higher engine speeds. With two speeds available, the alternator can match the output of a larger and more expensive single-speed alternator, and it also has the potential of replacing, again at much lower cost, two or more alternators that are often required for heavy-duty vehicle applications.
Further, Antonov, in partnership with Jaguar and MIRA, was awarded a project by the UK’s Technology Strategy Board to design and develop a high efficiency transmission suitable for use with an electric motor in hybrid vehicles.
Detailed design work on this project is underway, following approval of the fundamental concept. Designed to improve the efficiency of electrical motors and generators generally as well as internal combustion engines, Antonov says its automatic transmission technology is finding more applications, particularly given the trend towards an increased electrification of vehicles and the quest for increased mechanical efficiency.