Variable Speed Alternator Drive

It is proposed to demonstrate through modeling and simulation the feasibility of producing a constant velocity accessory drive (CVAD), using a novel continuously variable transmission. This drive will enable an alternator to produce full rated power while operating at idle and across the full range of engine speeds. Employing an existing commercialized traction drive design known as the Milner CVT (MCVT) as a baseline, the focus of the proposed research will be on (i) improvement of baseline MCVT materials to both reduce the size of the core variator as well as to improve the life of the modeled CVAD; and (ii) mitigation of torsional pulse loads from the engine which will tend to lessen the life of the CVAD. The proposed research is anticipated to result in a bolt-on CVAD design that is extremely compact, highly efficient and will work with both existing and increased power alternators.