Alternator hybrid magnet rotor design

A rotor assembly for an alternator comprising:

• an electrical wire defining an excitation winding;
• a first pole piece and a second pole piece, each having a generally circular body defining a center, an axis of rotation and an outer radial periphery;
• a plurality of pole fingers spaced radially about and extending axially from said outer radial periphery of said first and second pole pieces parallel to said axis of rotation;
• a plurality of mounting surfaces spaced radially about said outer radial periphery of said first and second pole pieces in between said pole fingers;
• a plurality of permanent magnets positioned on said mounting surfaces of each of said first and second pole pieces;
• a plurality of covers, each of said covers having tabs extending circumferentially from two sides thereof and being configured as a box shape and defining a cavity to substantially encase one of said permanent magnets therein, said mounting surfaces of said first and second pole pieces engaging said tabs to secure said covers, with said permanent magnets substantially encased therein, to said mounting surfaces.