Split power hydro-mechanical transmission with power circulation

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a novel hydrodynamic-mechanical split power transmission (US patent application No. 15695671, and PL patent application No. P.422664) with an exceptionally large torque ratio and torque ratio growth rate, and a potentially wide range of (continuous and naturally automatic) torque ratio variation. The transmission features a strong positive feedback between rotors of the impeller and turbine, and makes a systematic use of power circulation (which is present in all transmissions using a hydrodynamic torque converter). The transmission is particularly suitable for vehicles and working machines operating in a start–stop mode and those subjected to heavy, fast-changing external loads, like city buses, wheel and track loaders, dozers, farm tractors, and small earth-moving machines, and most of all for emergency, military, and sports vehicles, where good acceleration is of the highest priority.