A BETTER TURBINE TRANSMISSION

Utah inventor says patented transmission can transform wind energy industry
Marjorie Cortez, May 13, 2011 (Deseret News)

"…VMT Technologies' Universal Transmission could improve wind turbine efficiency by 5 to 10 percent, said VMT inventor Gary Lee. Moreover, the Universal Transmission can handle higher torque, which renders it more reliable than transmissions widely used in wind turbines throughout the world, he said…

"…[In an industry] where gear boxes break down after just three to five years of operation…[that] can translate into millions of dollars in repair costs, inoperable turbines and a reduction in captured energy…"

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"…[A] transmission that can eliminate torque spikes, thus enhancing its reliability, would be a boon to energy production and investment in the [wind] industry…If the technology could be refined to the point that wind energy could be utilized on a [larger]-scale throughout the world, the political implications would be profound…"

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"The transmission, which can change through the equivalent of 30 gear ratios, also has applications in diesel engines… VMT officials have met with transmission manufacturers Allison, Dana, Eaton and Magna, as well as Ford, Hyundai, Honda and Toyota…

"…[VMT] was awarded a patent for the Universal Transmission on Feb. 22."