An Appraisal of a Continuously Variable Transmission System for Possible Application to Vehicle and Industrial Drives

Abstract

There is strong interest in continuously variable transmission systems of vehicle and industrial drives. They offer the potential for improved matching between the prime mover and load, together with possibilities for increased performance and more energy efficient operation. Many continuously variable transmissions have been proposed over the years, but few have received the serious consideration necessary to bring them to market prominence. This paper is concerned with the evaluation of a device that has reached a prototype stage, but would need significant investment of resources to advance its development.