Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) are, next to dual-clutch transmissions, the most common transmissions in modern cars. TotalEnergies recalls the basic facts related to their construction, indicates the most important operating recommendations and presents oils that meet their specific requirements.
Continuously variable transmissions (CVT) represent a completely different approach to shifting. The most common CVT solution is a system of two variators connected by a chain (or belt). The first variator called the active one, is driven by the engine's crankshaft. The second variator, called the passive wheel, receives the power transmitted by the active wheel through the chain (or steel belt) and further drives the output shaft from the gearbox. Power is then transmitted to the differential, driveshafts and finally to the wheels of the vehicle.
The genius of the CVT lies in the fact that by changing the distance between the two conical plates of the variator, the working diameter changes, and thus the gear ratio of the output shaft changes. In order to maintain proper chain (or belt) tension, the diameter of the idler pulley must vary inversely with the diameter of the idler pulley. Thanks to this solution, the combustion engine can operate at a fixed operating point (this will of course be the point of highest efficiency!), and only the CVT gear ratio will change. In addition to the chain, the CVT gearbox has multi-plate brakes and clutches, as well as a single planetary gear for setting the reverse gear.
CVT transmissions are characterized by high efficiency, uncomplicated construction and improved economy of the internal combustion engine. These types of gearboxes can also be found in hybrid drives (e-CVT gearboxes). The disadvantages of this solution include strange acoustic sensations for the driver. Since the motor is constantly operating at the same operating point, there will be no audible change in drive unit load during acceleration.
TotalEnergies oils for continuously variable transmissions
The main requirements for CVT oils are excellent friction properties, compatibility with a wide range of materials, good anti-wear protection of variators, chain, belt and other elements of the gearbox, as well as excellent anti-foam and air-release properties.
TotalEnergies FLUIDMATIC CVT MV
Oils for CVT gearboxes are the reconciliation of fire with water. On the one hand, the oil must guarantee low friction resistance on all toothed gears, on the other, a properly selected - high coefficient of dynamic friction on the friction belt and - additionally - a high coefficient of static friction on the friction plates. The use of the wrong oil can not only significantly accelerate the wear of elements in the gearbox, but also cause disturbances in its operation.
Andrzej Husiatyński, TotalEnergies
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The business segment TotalEnergies Marketing & Services offers to its professional and private customers a wide range of energy products and services - petroleum products, bio-fuels, charging electric vehicles and related services, gas for transport by road and sea - to support mobility thereof and to help them reduce the carbon footprint. Every day more than 8 million customers visit our 16 000 fuel stations all over the world. As number four in the world in the field of lubricants, we design and sell high-efficiency products for motorisation, industrial and maritime sectors. So as to respond to the needs of our B2B customers best, we implement our sales forces, our international logistics network and our diverse offer. We operate in 107 countries where 31 000 employees of ours are close to all our clients.
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TotalEnergies is a multi-energy company that manufactures and sells energy in the global scale: crude oil and bio-fuels, natural gas and green gas, renewable energy sources and electric energy. 105 000 our staff members are involved in generation of the increasingly cheap, pure, reliable and available to the greatest possible number of people energy. Being active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies focuses its activities on sustainable development in all dimensions thereof, in particular in the area of its business projects and operations that shall contribute to increased quality of life of people all over the world.
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