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Tech Note March 1998

Technical Notes from Dr. Mel Giberson, P.E. – TRI President

Significantly Increase Power Efficiency

Variable speed transmissions offer substantial power savings over constant speed and compressors with flow control devices.

Examine the chart to the right. The difference between the power consumption curves represents the power saved using a TRI fluid drive transmission. Additional savings are possible as a result of needing a smaller driving motor.

Fluid Drives versus Solid State VFDs

Once the decision to control flow by variable speed has been made, one more question remains. Should the speed be controlled by a fluid drive or a solid state VFD? Maybe you are using a solid state VFD. If you are, then ask yourself these questions:

  • Does your VFD trip out during power fluctuations?
  • Does your VFD cog at low speed?
  • Does your VFD or motor overheat?
  • Do you require a specialized technician?
  • Do you have difficulty locating spare parts?
  • DO you want higher efficiency?

TRI Builds Four new Fluid Drives Transmissions for natural gas handling platform. The TRI Model RAH fluid drives transmit power from gas turbines to generators. The turbines operate from 1900 rpm to 3000 rpm. The 4-pole synchronous generators are driven at a constant 1800 rpm and provide electrical power for other equipment on the platform

New Literature on the advantages of variable speed fluid drive transmissions is available. TRI offers two lines. Model RAH fluid drives operate from 50 to 4,000 hp and up to 3,600 rpm. Model FH fluid drives operate up to 40,000 hp and 15,000 rpm.


TRI designs and manufactures variable speed fluid drives transmissions
emphasizing small size, few parts, high reliability and low capital costs


Tel: 610-363-8570 or 800-363-8571 Fax: 610-524-6326 EMail: sales@turboresearch.com www.turboresearch.com

TRI Answers phone calls, returns e-mails and responds to fax inquiries

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