What is an integrated start generator?
Some car companies, especially Mercedes-Benz, are using integrated starter generators in their engine designs. What is an integrated starter generator or ISG? We have some answers. An integrated starter generator is actually a really cool piece of tech. As its name would imply, it is your starter, but it is also your generator too, taking the place of a traditional alternator, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Keep reading to find out or check out the new Mercedes-Benz inventory in Peoria, AZ currently at Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead by clicking the link below.
How can the starter be a generator too?
One of the very cool things about electric motors is that they work both ways. If you run electricity into a motor, you get movement, but if you instead spin the motor, it works the other way too and creates electricity.
Read More: Does the 2022 CLS have an ISG?
In your car, an ISG would convert electricity from an onboard battery into movement to start the engine, and then, once it’s running, it will start turning the engine’s movement into power. Basically, an integrated starter generator is always attached to the movement of your crankshaft, and this means something else very cool.
Are there any changes to the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Why does an engine with an ISG not need a flywheel?
In case you haven’t guessed from the heading up there, an engine with an integrated starter generator can forgo a flywheel. A flywheel is just a piece of balanced metal that smooths out engine vibrations. It sounds simple, but without it your engine could literally rattle your car apart. This is possible because an ISG is truly directly connected to the crankshaft unlike an alternator. If you ignore the electric aspect of this whole operation, an ISG is just a metal disc that is highly balanced, just like a flywheel.
Is a car with an ISG a hybrid?
We keep talking about how amazing integrated starter generators are around here, but that’s not even the best part yet. These ISGs can act as a mild-hybrid system meaning that they can save on gas and add performance by giving the engine a little electric boost when it needs help. It can even function as an auto-start and stop system.
Could a car ever read your mind?
