CVT Design for Heavy Equipment with Simscape

Simscape helps you design heavy equipment. In this video, we're going to look at Continuously Variable Transmissions, or CVTs. There are many technologies used in CVTs. Each of them can be modeled using Simscape.

You can start with an abstract model to assess CVT requirements. The variable ratio gear lets you explore the design space before you choose a technology. Simulation lets you estimate required torque levels and the expected efficiency.

With Simscape, you can model hydrostatic CVTs with pumps, motors, and valves. You can model power split hydromechanical CVTs. A hydraulic path is complemented by a mechanical path, which enables more efficient operation.

Using MATLAB, you can optimize the gear ratios in the power split CVT to achieve the target speed ranges. You can easily swap CVT models to use one that captures more detail or one that enables faster simulation. You can download the model we have provided and easily adjust the CVT model to meet your needs.