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Orbital Traction Highlight
 Member Highlight
Winds of Change
Powering the future
The idea of using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in a wind turbine is not a new one, however to date there have been few attempts to capitalize on the added value a CVT can deliver. Orbital Traction, an innovative Houston based technology company, is now poised to introduce a new approach for the Wind Industry with its patented technology, The Milner CVT.
Orbital Traction’s president and CEO, Stuart Schaaf, illustrates the company’s primary proposition for small to mid-size wind with a simple formula “Increase in usable wind speed + lower capital costs= Reduction in cost per kW (COE)”. In the MegaWatt class, Orbital Traction’s technology offers a unique approach to the challenges faced by existing gearbox designs, including the major issue of large gearbox failures.
The obvious question is ‘What makes Orbital Traction different?’, and the answer lies in its pedigree. Orbital Traction’s technology is a platform technology with a proven track record of success. The Milner CVT has established itself as the leading traction drive technology, as demonstrated by its first commercial application as a power train for a rugged downhole drilling tool for TerraVici Drilling Solutions - proving itself in the demanding environment of oil and gas drilling. Beyond that, it has fewer components, higher power density and a flexibility of package design that is unrivalled in the traction drive space. This adaptability allows it to add value to all wind submarkets, from small and distributed wind, through to mid and large wind turbines alike.
As well as the core technology, the current focus includes perfecting a simple grid tie-in control system which removes the need for the costly inverters required by more traditional on-grid systems.
Orbital Traction is a recent Wind Alliance member and looks forward to engaging with the various committees and other members to continue to build towards the stated goals of both the industry and the Alliance.
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