A continuously variable accessory drive is a device that is designed to optimize the performance of engine-driven accessories.
TRW Automotive and Fallbrook Technologies today announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop applications for Fallbrook’s continuously variable accessory drive (CVAD) technology for commercial vehicles.
The specific applications covered by the MOU were not disclosed, but are designed to improve both performance and efficiency of vehicle accessories, which could directly increase vehicle fuel efficiency.
Fallbrook believes that CVADs have significant potential to improve accessory performance. The Environmental Protection agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are in the process of establishing the first ever fuel economy standards for medium and heavy duty trucks and buses starting in 2014, which will cause more research into fuel economy for commercial applications.
Since accessories, including the air conditioner, power steering pump, water pump, or alternator, draw power from the engine, they can hurt a vehicle’s fuel efficiency when they are running at speeds that are above or below their optimum rpm.
The “NuVinci” technology uses a set of rotating and tilting balls positioned between the input and output components of a transmission. Tilting the balls changes their contact diameters and varies the speed ratio. The NuVinci platform can be used in a wide variety of transmission-based vehicles or devices.
A CVAD, which operates between the engine and these accessories, is designed to allow accessory speed to vary according to performance needs independent of the engine speed.
Both companies expect negotiation of a joint development agreement to conclude in 2011.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, publisher (kzhw@aol.com), is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
Zino is at home on test tracks, knows his way around U.S. Congressional hearing rooms, auto company headquarters, plant floors, as well as industry research and development labs where the real mobility work is done. He can quote from court decisions, refer to instrumented road tests, analyze financial results, and profile executive personalities and corporate cultures.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
