Analysis of the CVT Efficiency by Simulation

All vehicle manufacturers desire an ideal vehicle that has the highest powertrain efficiency, best safety factor and ease of maintenance while being environmentally friendly. These highly valued vehicle development characteristics are only reachable after countless research hours. One major powertrain component to be studied in relation to these demands is the Continuous Variable Transmission that a Hybrid Electric Vehicle is equipped with. The CVT can increase the overall powertrain efficiency, offering a continuum variable gear ratios between established minimum and maximum limits. This paper aims to determine the losses of a CVT, operating on a HEV. Using simulation, the losses were computed and the fuel economy was analyzed. During various modes of operation, such as electric, regenerative braking, engine charge for maintaining the battery state of charge, the losses and their dependence with the control properties were analyzed. A relevant determination of precise losses is able to reduce them by using appropriate materials for their components and fluids, more efficient technical manufacturing and usage solutions and innovative control strategy