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The combined heat and power technology (CHP), in particular co-generation units, have long been a part of the industrial energy transition. However, the large potential of combined heat and power units is still underutilized. The reason for this, among others, is because of the properties of the installed drive technology: for instance, the non-uniform torque of reciprocating engines. New components promise more power with consistently good energy efficiency.

Stiffness describes the ability of a body to resist elastic deformation. The transmission of power would not be possible without stiffness. However, there are events which should not be transmitted, such as torque peaks and shock loads. In order for a system to withstand such loads, it is damped. Engineers are confronted with the challenge to tune stiffness and damping in a vibratory system in such a way that reliable operation, essentially free of load peaks, is ensured.