Input may be provided by any rotary prime mover such as an electric motor, internal combustion engine, gas or steam turbine, wind machine etc. Input may be applied axially on the drive line or through the means of sheaves or gears. Output may be coupled in the same manner.
Although the SM-15 IVT is a reduction transmission, output speeds much higher than the input are easily obtained. This is achieved by simple gearing downstream of the IVT to utilize the high torque capability to multiply the output speed to the receiving machine. For example, tests have demonstrated a power train with motor rotation of 1750 rpm, stepped down by ½ into the IVT, followed by the output of the IVT stepped up to 9500 rpm into a generator. In these trials, the output speed was varied from 0 rpm to 9500 rpm at any demanded torque up to the motor power limits.
Speed change of the IVT is accomplished by means of a 12 volt-2 amp motor operating a worm gear that adjusts the internal components of the IVT. None of the internal control components of the IVT rotate with the input or output shafts, thus minimizing parts count and maintenance.
