Design and Operation of a Magnetic Continuously Variable Transmission

This paper describes a magnetic power split device integrated with a brushless permanent-magnet machine, which acts as a magnetic continuously variable transmission. It employs an atypical configuration of magnetic gear which facilitates integration. Nevertheless, 2-D and 3-D finite-element analyses and tests on a prototype have shown that such a device can exhibit a high torque density and a high efficiency. Furthermore, potential applications in hybrid vehicles and wind turbines are also discussed.