Case study: Fan systems
Converting from V-belts to timing belts elicits enormous long-term cost savings
Typical fan systems are implemented using a V-belt drive. Top priority for the OEM is ensuring the fan is inexpensive to manufacture. Although the V-belt drive is cheaper in the initial set-up, once the running costs for energy and maintenance (regular re-tensioning) are taken into account, the timing belt quickly emerges as the preferable option for the plant operator from these perspectives.<br/> <br/> V-belts work on the principle of frictional power connection. However, even when run for a short time, the V-belt stretches, resulting in slippage and higher energy costs. The principle just mentioned means a regularly serviced V-belt operates at around 98% efficiency. Moreover, given relatively irregular servicing of the belt drive in practice, efficiencies swiftly decline to 90 – 92% or even lower, as this depends on the re-tensioning.<br/> <br/> Timing belt drives operate with 99% efficiency, which means that a V-belt drive closely approaches the efficiency of a timing belt, although regular maintenance incurs considerable costs for the plant operator.
A timing belt has the potential for energy cost savings of 5% or so due to the positive power transmission. The timing belt is more energy-efficient and costs less to maintain, because it is maintenance-free. Its considerably narrower design, meanwhile, reduces the axle load, extending the service life of bearings by 30%.<br/> <br/> We have already converted V-belts to timing belts for customers from many different industries.<br/> <br/> We analyse and evaluate your existing drive and calculate the economic efficiency free of charge when converting V-belts to timing belts.<br/> <br/> As well as high-quality products, our company also places qualified specialists at your disposal to have the drive converted.
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