There's still plenty of room for improvements in belt-driven alternators for motor vehicles. A combination of longtime experience, modern development methods and innovative production processes has enabled development engineers at Bosch to achieve dramatic gains in alternator performance compared to conventional models: a 35% increase in power density to 1.43 watt per cubic centimeter, a rise in maximum operating temperature from 105º C to 120º C, and an increase in the maximum degree of efficiency to 76% (VDA average 72%). The developers also succeeded in lowering operating noise by a clearly perceptible 5 dB(A). The result is the new Bosch LI-X range of alternators, which will go into series production at the beginning of 2004.

The improved performance parameters offer automobile manufacturers a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 0.2 liter per hundred kilometers, a saving in space of up to 400 cubic centimeters, and finally an increase in power output of as much as 1 kilowatt. The improvements are largely due to the so-called "Flat Pack" technique, which achieves a very high density of the copper wires in the stator windings.

Bosch will supply its 14V LI-X alternators in three different sizes: "Compact", "Medium" and "High Line", with outputs ranging from 1.9 to 3.8 kilowatts. The model range is designed to be extremely flexible and the power outputs can easily be adjusted for use in both diesel and gasoline engines. Bosch is also planning a 42 volt version with a peak power output of 4 kilowatts.

The alternator regulator is multifunctional and can be operated through a variety of interfaces such as BSS, LIN or RVC in line with the manufacturer's preference.

Bosch is one of the world's biggest manufacturers of alternators, supplying nearly every automobile manufacturer in the world. Development and production of these products is truly international, with facilities in Germany, Great Britain, Spain, the USA, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, India, Iran, China and Japan being involved. Series production of the LI-X alternators will commence in Great Britain.