The prius has two electrical motor/generators: MG1 and MG2. All of the drawings/figures show the planetary gear system, but no one ever shows how the current gets in or out of the electric motors. Do MG1/MG2 have brushes? If not, what is used to current in/out of the motors? If so, how long do the brushes last and are they easy to change? (My very first post on Priuschat...)
Hi Neo..., No the two MG's do not have brushes. They are hybrid permanent magnet, induced magnetic field (induction) AC synchronous 3 phase motors. 3 Phase motors typically do not need any kind of starting arangement (other than a special fuse). In the US, the pure permanent magnet magnetic field motors are actually called "Brushless DC" motors. These are the type of motors typically used on model RC planes. The windings are located on a stator that surrounds the combination permanent magnet, iron core rotor. Kinda like a stepper motor, but without all the teeth. The coils are magnetized alternately around the circumfrence of the motor, pulling the rotor with it. Single Phase induction motors sometimes have a brush contacted starting winding. But as these are 3 phase, its not needed.
There are no brushes - they are permanent magnet synchronous AC motors. The inverters convert the DC power from the battery/generators into AC or AC into DC. kevin
Thanks. 'been a while since I looked at this stuff... Here's a link to a really nice tutorial I found.. Motors 101
