Continuously Variable Transmission for Construction Machines to increase efficiency and productivity

Abstract

According to estimates, by 2050 two-thirds of the world’s population will live in large cities. This trend also comes with disadvantages: fuel emissions, fine dust and noise impact the environment and residents. Ideally, the construction site of the future should not only be environmental neutral, but it should also operate safely and efficiently. Mobile machines used in construction, mining, forestry and agriculture are engineered to withstand extreme working environments while allowing operators to control equipment safely, comfortably and efficiently. Power transmissions make it possible to move extremely heavy loads by applying a multiple increase in torque. However, transmissions must also allow vehicles to move with loads at speeds appropriate to the situation. Careful selection of transmissions can provide an optimal solution: towing or pushing loads at low speeds and operating at higher speeds when needed. Very few mobile construction machines made today are equipped with purely manual transmissions; instead, they are more likely to be equipped with variable-speed transmissions or other automated transmission types. Continuous variable transmission is characterized by: an infinite number of ratios improving vehicle performance and engine optimization, and increasing work efficiency; automatic shifting with smooth forward/reverse shuttling, increasing productivity and drive comfort; maximize fuel savings versus current technologies, allowing cost savings. An objective comparative analysis of various design solutions of continuously variable transmission for modern construction machines and assessment of the most likely trend of the future development of this class of heavy machines was carried out in the paper.