CE Niehoff - Dual-Voltage Alternators and Inverters, Load and Battery Control Devices, and Generator Sets

CE Niehoff & Co (CEN) has been a pioneer in the sale and service of dual-voltage alternators for the past 17 years. CEN’s engineering department designs, develops and tests our products to unparalleled standards. We have developed computer software to simulate alternator performance and to optimize output to meet specific requirements.

Efficient dual-voltage alternators

CEN alternator designs are unique in the industry. Unlike the conventional Lundell / claw pole configuration employed by most alternator manufacturers, our alternators use a non-reversing magnetic field and laminated rotors. Both of these factors result in our alternators being extremely energy efficient and reliable.

Dual-voltage systems

CEN’s dual-voltage alternator has a single system that inherently monitors its operating state for defective operating conditions of over-voltage and temperature, or loss of drive input. This makes our dual voltage system simpler, safer and less costly.

Our dual-voltage alternators are a better option than DC-to-DC converters when significant electric power is needed at a voltage other than the normal vehicle system voltage. They generate independently regulated output power at each of the respective outputs, typically at 14V for one output and 28V at the other.

Brushless dual-voltage alternators

The CEN dual-voltage alternator design favors a stationary field coil, which eliminates the need for brushes and slip rings to convey power to a rotating field.

Brushes wear and need periodic replacement. The elimination of brushes with their inherent arcing greatly reduces the amount of electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated. As such, the bearings are the only components of our design to experience mechanical wear.

Auxiliary battery controller and isolation

CEN’s auxiliary battery controller (ABC) is an intelligent, programmable, battery isolator. The device isolates the main battery and auxiliary battery from the alternator and starter, making them independent power sources for starting and auxiliary loads.

Deeply discharged batteries in a conventional, diode-type battery isolator system may keep a generator from coming fully online due to overload. The ABC device can selectively isolate a deeply discharged battery from the circuit so the alternator can maintain its regulated voltage and still recharge each battery as needed. This permits the mix of different type batteries in a vehicle electrical system.

High-voltage alternators and inverters

High-voltage batteries between 150V and 400V are commonly used in any hybrid vehicle design for standby energy for the electric drive. CEN makes special high-voltage alternators to recharge such batteries. The output voltage is specified by the user, and the power rating is from 3kW for smaller units to 20kW for large alternators.

3kW and 5kW generator sets

CEN has designed 3kW and 5kW generator sets that produce 28VDC, 120VAC, 240VAC, and two-phase 120VAC / 240VAC. The output may be any one or any combination of the given voltages. When dual-mode power is available from a single system, the logistics burden is greatly reduced.

Electrical power manager system

CEN’s electrical power manager (EPM) multi-function device consists of high-current, bidirectional switches with programmable electric power source to respond to vehicle operating conditions, electric load status and various fault conditions. Its features include:

• Solid-state automatic battery connect and disconnect
• Protected 28V and 14V auxiliary output power
• Automatic reverse-polarity protection for vehicle loads
• LED diagnostics
• Automatic battery-less operation when used with a compatible voltage regulator
• Battery information such as voltage and charge current
• Capable of communication with other vehicle digital systems via J1939 data bus

Load and battery control system

CEN’s load and battery control device (LBCD) enables an energized operating alternator to generate power for vehicle electrical loads without requiring a battery in the circuit (battery-less operation). The device has the capability to recharge a designated number of batteries or energy storage capacitors at a different voltage to that of the vehicle electrical system voltage.

Vehicle automatic throttle control device

CEN’s automatic throttle control (ATC) device was developed in response to the need to maintain high generator output power in a stationary vehicle with the engine idling. The throttle linkage is in parallel to the vehicle throttle and the control system monitors the alternator duty cycle.

When high electrical power is needed, the ATC device increases the engine speed as needed to meet the electrical load demand. When the electrical load decreases, the throttle setting is reduced as needed. Shifting the transmission out of park or neutral, or releasing the brake, disables the ATC circuit.