Introduction
to
GyroTorque™ Technology
GyroTorque is a new type of infinitely variable transmission system 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 and wave sources 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:
• Significant torque can be applied to a stationery output shaft with insignificant loss of energy.
• 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 two or more GyroTorque units in parallel if required to achieve high transmission capacity.
• The transmission and generator can be at ground level if desired.
• Spontaneous storage of excess energy by the inertia of the turbine, if desired.
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, 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 costs and efficiency losses due to the use of gears to achieve high speed ratio and to withstand stresses 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 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.
| Evolution
of the GyroTorque™ Technology
The development work on GyroTorque has resulted in confirmation of features, which make it so unique and advantageous for wind and wave power applications.
Original
Hand Operated Direct Configuration Model |
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| For example when the output shaft was held stationary, the input shaft was freewheeling whilst at the same time generating significant output torque. As the output is allowed to move the input experiences resistance in proportion to output power. |  |
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Differential Configuration Model |
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The stage two model was based on a differential configuration. It consisted of a single rotor driven by the input rotation and using a pair of right-angled bevel gears. Neither reciprocating mechanisms nor rotor drive electric motors were involved and the units are compact. However these units are not preferred for wind and wave power generation as they are not capable of large speed ratios. Three units were built and arranged firstly in a large 3 unit test rig and later in a single unit test rig. Large Test Rig The large Test Rig configuration demonstrated: • That GyroTorque can be used for split power arrangement. • GyroTorque units can be used in parallel. As a rule variable transmissions cannot be used in parallel. • The GyroTorque units do not experience any significant losses over the full speed range.
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