Reversibility of Power-Split Transmissions

Recent applications of continuously variable transmissions with large ratio spread, such as mechanical Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems or recent hybrid architectures, need the transmission to be perfectly reversible. This short paper deals with the mechanical efficiency of power-split continuously variable transmissions with particular emphasis on the switching from forward to reverse power flow. Forward and reverse transmission efficiency are calculated and compared, and the conditions which make it impossible to switch to reverse mode are studied. In particular, it is suggested that, although less efficient at high transmission ratios, a forward power circulation should be preferred because it has almost the same efficiency in forward and reverse operation.