Abstract: An arrangement for generating electric energy comprises an alternator having a rotor with a winding for being magnetized by an electric current fed therethrough and a stator with at least three stator windings for generation of three phase voltages therein upon rotation of the magnetized rotor in the stator. A rectifier has an input connected to the stator windings. Means is configured to measure the development over time of the difference of two of said phase voltages and an evaluation unit is configured to evaluate the result of this measurement to determine the functionality of the alternator. A control unit located remote to the alternator controls the rotor current.