Conveyor design optimization as the provision of sustainability

Abstract

Conveyors are machines which typically operate continuously during long periods of time. Even a small increase in energy efficiency leads toward considerable energy savings and therefore improved sustainability. The energy is consumed to overcome dissipative effects and for possible lifting of transported goods. It can be saved only by reducing the dissipative effects. In the paper an example is introduced of two designs of the production machine chain conveyor. The effect of the changes of the design on the energy consumption is established. The dissipative effects are defined using analytical approach which is verified by means of measurements. Improved sustainability in the case of the second design is proven and discussed.