Exactly how efficient are these generators? Could they be used in other applications, oh say a wind generator?
Sort of like how people use Subaru "boxer" engines for homemade airplanes? This kind of thing brings new meaning to recycling of cars. (Sorry I don't know the answer for you.)
They are pretty efficient, but you can do better if your horsepower needs are a bit more modest. The MGs on the Prius are hybrid permanent magnet motors, meaning that they work as permanent magnet motors up to a point, and then start acting as induction motors. Tom
You'll find some numbers from the following study. Information Bridge: DOE Scientific and Technical Information - Sponsored by OSTI Ken@Japan
The motor/generators are three phase AC units and require the electronics to create DC. They produce about 500 V. Efficiency ranges from about 80% to about 94%, depending on load and RPM (max efficiency was around 2400 RPM -of the HSD-). The study did not separate the MGs and run them up. The efficiency is about what you would expect for units of this power output (which was not specified in watts in the study but rather in N-metres). Usually the higher the power capability of a generator, the higher the efficiency. Note that the Prius units are not thermally designed for continuous high output, as they are "supplemental torque producers" used for acceleration etc. During the study they "exceeded the rated temperature". If you want to use them for power generation you would have to do a lot of engineering.
