Modeling Fuel Economy Improvements from Variable Speed Accessory Drives Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-165 Topic Title: Modeling Fuel Economy Improvements from Variable Speed Accessory Drives Proposal No.: N112-165-0064 Firm: Orbital Traction LTD 8760 Westpark Dr Houston, Texas 77063-5814 Contact: Mark Koeroghlian Phone: (713) 357-7191 Web Site: www.orbitaltraction.com Abstract: In current military and civilian ground vehicles, accessory components are designed to work across a large range of rotational speeds. This typically results in accessories that are over-sized. Consequently, efficiencies suffer over a significant portion of the accessory operational range. A variable speed drive would enable accessory components to operate at optimal speeds across the full range of engine speeds. The objective of the proposed research effort is to demonstrate through modeling and simulation that cost-effective fuel efficiency gains are achievable through optimization of engine accessory speeds using a variable speed drive in an MTVR (or equivalent) vehicle. The proposed research will explore through analysis the tradeoffs of accessory optimization and identify accessories that can be optimized within the cost constraints and customer requirements. Orbital Traction believes that its continuously variable transmission technology, applied to accessory drive systems, will provide the following benefits:  Significant fuel economy improvements (above electrification).  Integration within the existing engine compartment of most vehicle platforms.  Low cost and low complexity implementation.  Appropriate ratio coverage with a high level of transmission efficiency. Benefits: Anticipated Benefits: 1) Improved engine accessory performance, resulting in lower parasitic load and increased output 2) Improved overall vehicle fuel economy 3) Ability to be retrofit into existing vehicle platforms for widespread and cost effective implementation 4) Direct applicability to commercial vehicles, leading to more extensive adoption and lower overall costs brought about by economies of scale Potential commercial applications include: 1) Accessory drive systems for large trucks and buses 2) Accessory drive systems for passenger automobiles 3) Accessory drive systems for aircraft 4) Accessory drive systems on off-road heavy equipment 5) Gear boxes on electricity generating wind turbines 6) Drive systems for AC power generators connected to internal combustion engines 7) Drive systems for superchargers and / or turbochargers 8) Primary transmissions in light electric vehicles Return