Efficiency and Power Loss Calculations for an Infinitely Variable Transmission for Tidal Current Energy Converters

Abstract

A methodology to derive efficiency and power loss calculations for an infinitely variable transmission for tidal current energy converters was developed. The methods were developed based on existing coefficient of friction models for spur gear pairs. Three different coefficient of friction models were used and compared: the Benedict and Kelley model, the Elastohydrodynamic model, and the Misharin model. Due to how the equations were developed and the data presented, the elastohydrodynamic model was deemed to be the most realistic of what to expect in the real world. Strengths and weaknesses of each of the models are discussed. A transmission analysis software, KISSsoft and its sibling software KISSsys were used to validate the numerical results. Additionally, finite element analyses were run in Solidworks to validate the loading used for the numerical methods. It was determined from the KISSsoft and Solidworks results that the numerical models were validated.