AeroDrive Announces completion of Design for Continuously Variable Transmission for Utility-level Wind Turbines

AeroDrive declared that it has finished the work related to the designing of a 2 MW capability continuously variable transmission (CVT) for use in utility-scale wind turbines, which employs the patented technology of the company.

The 2 MW CVT is a full-fledged proof-of-technology test rig, which is being developed for the planned prerequisite bench test attempt to be held at the facility of the U.S. National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden, Colorado. The dependable and efficient CVT design permits the usage of synchronous AC generators in the drive-trains of utility-level wind turbines with 10 MW of more capability. The special features of CVT such as high frequency control response and broad range of drive ratios, broadens the operating limits of the wind turbines, offers effective relief to rotor and drive-train from wind loads, improves the quality of power supply to the grid and considerably lessens the turbine’s lifetime Cost of Energy (COE).

The mechanical CVT from AeroDrive also offers more efficient and cost effectual substitute to the costly license fees needed for employing a less competent DFIG-type variable speed design.