Belt Drive Monthly
Volume 26 • September 2010
How Should I Incorporate V-Belt Drives Into My Facility
Energy Audits And Efficiency Upgrade Projects?
V-belt drives are often areas that are overlooked or not fully explored in energy audits.
However, significant efficiency improvements may exists depending on condition of
the drive components, maintenance practices, and even the type of v-belt being used.
A simple Three step process will ensure optimal efficiency and performance.
STEP 1 - Upgrade From Wrapped To Notched Style V-Belts
Many technicians, maintenance personnel, facility managers, and building owners are
simply unaware how easily and quickly they can improve v-belt efficiency. For example,
the average big box store can upgrade from a wrapped style v-belt to a notched v-belt
and instantly gain about 3% efficiency. At an electricity rate of 12.8 cents a kWh, that’s
a payback of about 13 days!
Special Note: The U.S. Department Of Energy (DOE) recommends replacing wrapped style v-belts
with Notched/cogged v-belts to improve efficiency. (DOE/GO-102005-2060)
Notched v-belts are
an energy responsible
substitute for wrapped
style v-belts
UP TO
NOTCHED
BELTS
98% Efficient
WRAPPED
BELTS
95% Efficient
®
Check out our Save The Green video
at www.regalpts.com or visit us on YouTube*
at Channel “Thepowertransmission”
UP TO
Based on independent test results
Belt Drive Monthly
Volume 26 • September 2010
STEP 2 - Replace Worh Sheaves
Worn sheaves (sometimes called pulleys) are a frequent source for efficiency loss. Over
time friction between the sheave and the belt erodes sheave material no differently than
water would erode a rock in a stream. When sheaves become worn the sides of the sheave
angle start to cup and have a concave appearance and the belt has less area of contact with
the sheave and slips (see figure 1). Energy efficiency is then quickly eroded. A 6% loss in
efficiency due to belt slippage for a single 20HP drive operating 7 days a week 24/7 at 12.8
cents a kilowatt hour translates to approximately $511.92 in added electricity charges.
Heavily worn sheaves are quite visible to the eye and even to the touch as you run a finger
in the groove wall. However, many sheaves can appear acceptable, but actually are worn.
When a straight edge or groove gauge is placed in them it becomes more apparent. In
order to maintain efficiency sheaves should be replaced once 1/32” or more of wear is
visible. (Typically after every 5-7 annual belt changes).
1/32” Wear
Figure 1
Worn Sheave
Browning Sheave Gauge
Part #2695179
Figure 2
Acceptable Sheave
A 10-minute installation and website maintenance video is
available to view on our web site www.RegalPTS.com
Video location path:
• Go to www.RegalpPTS.com
• Click Search/Download from the Product Literature
tab on our homepage
• Click the dropdown arrow and select Video’s
• Click Submit
• Double Click on V-belt installation and tensioning video
Belt Drive Monthly
Volume 26 • September 2010
STEP 2 - Properly Tension Your V-Belt Drive
V-belt drives function as a result of friction, which occurs as the belt sidewall is wedged into
the sheave groove. As tension is placed on the belt, it wedges itself down into the sheave
groove and creates friction. Insufficient tension on a v-belt will cause it to slip. This slip can
often be heard at motor start-up as a chirp or squeal. Slipping belts erode efficiency, generate added heat, alter the driven shaft speed, and can prematurely fail.
More Information...
The following paths will lead you to additional
information helpful in facility energy audits
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
U.S. Department Of Energy – DOE/GO-102005-2060
www.eere.energy.gov
Save The Green energy responsibility flyer. (form #’s
MCF08073 and MCF08024) – offers energy responsibility
in three easy steps.
Save The Green energy video. www.youtube.com The
powertransmission channel or Browning Save The Green
Belt Efficiency Calculator - IPhone* App downloadable at
the App Store* for IPhone, IPod Touch*, and IPAD*.
On Line - Belt Efficiency Calculator. Available at
www.RegalPTS.com – allows user to quickly calculate the
savings benefit of converting from wrapped style v-belts to
cogged or “notched” style v-belts.
Belt drive maintenance and installation video. Available at
www.RegalPTS.com or on CD by request.
Sheave Wear Technical Bulletin (#1007) – offers explanation
of groove gauge usage and sheave wear dynamics.
Available from Application Engineering.
Belt Drive & Bearing Reference Guide (Form #8932E) –
offers basic product information, installation information,
preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting tips in a
pocket size format
Regal Power Transmission Solutions
7120 New Buffington Rd
Florence, KY 41042
Customer Service: 800-626-2120
Fax: 800-262-3292
Technical Service: 800-626-2093
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