Introduction to GyroTorque™ Technology
GyroTorque is a new type of continuously variable transmission (CTV) based on gyroscopic reaction. GyroTorque is capable of large speed ratios, without the need to utilise gears for generating electricity from wind and wave power resources.
The infinitely variable nature of GyroTorque means that more power from wind, wave and tidal resources can be captured and controlled to generate electricity at reduced costs.
By not transmitting the peaks and troughs of wind gusts GyroTorque avoids severe mechanical and electrical loading from the turbine onto other parts of the system including the generator.
Other unique features of GyroTorque:
- Ability to operate over a full speed range (i.e. zero to full speed) at high efficiency/minimal losses.
- Ability to decouple and control the transmission with minimal effort for maintenance purposes and variable operation.
- Ability to operate multiple GyroTorque units in parallel as required to achieve high transmission capacity.
Understanding GyroTorque™ Technology
Variable transmissions can be classified into two types - Static and Kinetic.
In the static type the input torque is transmitted to the output by a ratio called a speed ratio - gear ratio, meaning that input is directly linked to the output via some form of physical constraint such as gears or belts.
In the kinetic type this does not occur; rather power transmission torque is generated within the transmission. This means that the input and output can move independently of each other with no physical constraint.
GyroTorque belongs to kinetic type. The only other well known kinetic type of transmission is the Torque Converter. Unlike GyroTorque, Torque Converters are inefficient except in a narrow speed range.
Static variable type transmissions are not suitable for wind power generation for a number of reasons that include:
- Additional loads due to gusts.
- Transmission of gust forces
- Narrow speed range
- Limited capacity due to inability of parallel operation
- Poor controllability
GyroTorque overcomes all these disadvantages
- Given that the input shaft is free to rotate at a different speed to that of the output connected to the generator, wind gusts will not be transmitted and hence overload the generating equipment.
- In addition, energy from wind gusts need not be lost but can be stored in the turbine , strenght permitting, before being transferred to the output shaft.
- GyroTorque units can be operated in parallel. This allows for any capacity to be catered for.
- Properly designed GyroTorque transmissions are expected to have a long working life due to the smoothing effects of load shocks inherent in the GyroTorque concept.
- GyroTorque input can be either uni-directional or oscillating.
| GyroTorque | Torque Convertor | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Non zero and limited range | Zero to full speed | Zero to full speed |
| Method of transmission | Transmits input to torque to output by speed ratio including shocks loads | Generates torque from within using speed and hence filters shock loads | Generates torque from within using speed and hence filters shock loads |
| Efficiency | High only within the narrow operating range and under no slip operating conditions |
High under all conditions of operation | Poor except under narrow speed range |
| Parallell operation of two more units | Not feasible | Good | Good |
| De-coupling & control | Requires significant control gear |
Requires mimimal effort.- no clutch is required | Requires clutch in general |
| Application for wind and wave power generation | Most difficult | Very good with possible cost reductions from improved generation efficiency and capital costs |
Inefficient |
| Speed ratio | Very limited | Typically 1:30 is possible without gears etc. |
Yes - typical maximum 1:1 |
Technical Reports
A new report by Gyro Technologies Technical Director, GVT compares GVT with other technologies.
GVT compared with other Technologies.PDF
GyroTorque for use in Electricity-Generating Systems utilizing Wind and/or Wave Energy (PDF File 310k)
http://www.ipenz.org.nz/ipenz/forms/pdfs/trenz7.pdf
Wind Power of the Future and what role GyroTorque (GVT) a Gyroscopic Continuously Variable
Transmission can play [AWEA 2006 WINDPOWER Poster Presentation]
Links available soon.
Wind Power of the Future and the role GyroTorque (GVT) a Gyroscopic Continuously Variable
Transmission can play [AWEA 2006 WINDPOWER Proceedings Publication]
Links available soon.
Evaluation of a GVT System for Wind Turbines Phase - One [Garrad Hassan Report No. 3274/GR/01] (600kb Adobe PDF file)
Evaluation of a GVT System for Wind Turbines - Phase Two [Garrad Hassan Report No. 3652/GR/01] (2.2mb Adobe PDF file)