Trick or treat: Universal transmission to revolutionize hybrid vehicles?
A way to make even a Hummer green?VMT Technologies, with the assistance of BYU, is preparing to announce the development of a universal transmission that promises to revolutionize the auto industry.
According to a press release, the positively engaged, infinitely variable transmission (PE-IVT) should increase fuel economy by 10 - 20 percent in most vehicles, while offering even bigger gains in larger vehicles. Moreover, VMT believes its transmission is a perfect match for hybrid vehicles and other plug-ins.
Unfortunately, after doing some research, there is little evidence to take this claim, or company, very seriously as there is simply too little information available, although VMT promises to change that with a press conference November 4th.
Whether true or not, could the green revolution ripen into the next technology bubble much like the Internet bubble of a decade ago?
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
11:25 AM
8 Comments:
If by bubbling you mean, blowing the market without producing any good, then sure yes. The question is if it can really increase fuel efficiency. Probably, yes, but we shall see.
and just for clarity, i wasn't trying to label this universal transmission as a 'bubbly' product.
it's just that trying to do any verification on their claims is hard.
that reminded me of how so many companies tried rush into the Internet boom, and there wasn't enough time and information to fully vet many investments.
there has been a big push into the green space, but i don't believe we've seen anything yet, which is a bit worrisome for those of us that witnessed the Internet boom and bust first hand.
still, as for this company and a universal transmission, i hope its the real deal. it would be a great thing for those of us concerned about fuel efficiency.
This sounds a lot like the carburator from the 1970's that conspiracy theorists talk so much about.
You know? The one that could help a Cadillac get 50 mpg?
Indigo incarnates
A more efficient transmission is always a good idea. For instance, I never did understand why GM mated BAS to an automatic-4 that had been obsolete for 25 years.
and this is, if real, a more efficient transmission, but not efficient enough to make a cadillac a 50 mpg vehicle, especially not on the epa's city cycle.
Indigo Incarnates
I wonder how this tranny will compare to Honda's CVT?
there press release claims it will make it obsolete.
we should find out more tomorrow.
For the record from one of the founders: CVTs change ratios using dynamic friction. That increases heat and wear and lessens its ability to handle torque.
Regular automatic or manual transmissions must disconnect the engine from the load. You lose momentum (loads don't coast uphill) and it takes extra fuel to recapture the lost inertia or momentum.
The Universal Transmission doesn't use friction to change ratios. It is constantly engaged, metal to metal and never disconnects the engine from the load.
Eliminate friction, loss of momentum and you will improve gas mileage.
In addition, the Universal Transmission, because it infinitely variable with its engaged neutral allows you to come out of neutral with full torque. That allows the Universal Transmission to replace the expensive controller in hybrid and electric cars. That could make hybrids competitive with desirable power.
The principles are sound and the materials are well tested standard parts. The configuration is ingenious but simple. To see a picture of it go to the website at www.moongears.com
Best wishes. On we go.
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