LKR: On the way to climate-friendly utility vehicles
13. March 2023
The transport sector accounts for 30 per cent of CO2 emissions, making it one of the biggest pollution sources. Action is needed not just in private transport, but for municipal and commercial vehicles too. The recently concluded eCVT project led to the development of an electrified drive concept that not only successfully prevents emissions but also increases efficiency at the same time.
The innovative transmission unit was developed by LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology in collaboration with six partners: Linz Center of Mechatronics GmbH (a member of the UAR Innovation Network), Miba Battery Systems, VDS Getriebe, Bitter, Reform-Werke and Miba Sinter Austria.
eCVT: Increased efficiency through electrification in hybrid transmission construction
The project aimed to replace the hydraulic variator in an existing transmission unit with two electric devices. Two highly compact, innovative and cost-effective electric drives were installed for generator and motor operation. All components of the eCVT (continuously variable transmission unit) were developed, manufactured and assembled specifically for this purpose. Adding the electric machines and a battery storage device to the drive concept considerably increases overall efficiency while reducing pollutant emission. The eCVT offers greater flexibility, enables temporary overload and allows recuperation of kinetic energy when braking.
© AIT / Zinner