First a 'How it works':
Then ye; the engineer there saw the possibilities of using this to keep the rpms of the alternator and aircon etc constant, regardless of engine rpm.
(Well; more constant I would guess as I doubt this thing has the range to keep ancillary rpms completely constant..?)
Here's the link:
https://www.oemoffhighway.com/drivet...y-transmission
So where is this tech? Why isn't it in every new car since 2011?
(Patent price? That means we'll see it in 2031 when the patent expires)
It's available for bicycles and comes with an auto mode (electronic), so could be modded to work in a car by someone with a lathe etc and the skill.
Or one might try contacting NuVinci / Fallbrook Technologies.
Edit: A link showing alternator efficiency at various rpm and other pertinent efficiency info:
https://www.delcoremy.com/documents/...ite-paper.aspx
(I NB that a cooling air duct made out of a piece of vacuum cleaner pipe and some paper clips and Prestik or whatever is low hanging fruit)