I'm writing a discussion paper on the potential energy efficiency benefits of integrating different manufacturing processes by co-location on the same site. One possible field for integration is in the coupling of motors to loads. Motors are not my field, but I know that motor efficiency (within a range of speeds) increases up to about 150 kW. Would it be more efficient for some processes (loads) to be driven by one powerful motor, operating at low torque but differentially connected to loads via efficient transmissions, than using multiple lower rated (and therefore less efficient) motors? Obviously the efficiency gains would need to be greater than total transmission losses!
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$\begingroup$ How many transmission joints, how far apart etc What losses due to running one big motor when only one part of the driven equipment is required? What about if one part needs to change speed while the other does not? What would be the cost of extra variable gearing? $\endgroup$– Solar MikeMar 19, 2019 at 17:55
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$\begingroup$ Thanks Mike. Of course, all these are relevant questions for any design of an integrated system, but I was really asking for an 'in principle' view. Your point about variations in process are good, but I suppose I am assuming that the processes would be continuous and unchanging. $\endgroup$– PhilSheppardMar 20, 2019 at 8:49
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$\begingroup$ It is difficult to know what you have assumed if you don't make it clear.... $\endgroup$– Solar MikeMar 20, 2019 at 9:13
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$\begingroup$ It's a non-issue. Other factors always determine the eventual choice. $\endgroup$– Phil SweetMar 20, 2019 at 11:09
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$\begingroup$ With all those assumptions (more powerful motor is more efficient, transmission losses don't matter, all processes are continuous (constant load?) ), isn't the answer automatically yes without needing any extra knowledge? How could it be no? $\endgroup$– user1318499Mar 21, 2019 at 3:06
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That was common over 100 years ago. A single steam engine, or water wheel , or electric motor was connected by flat leather belts to a series of drive shafts on the ceiling of the factory. Each machine was connected by belt to a pulley on the ceiling ; pulley diameters were selected so that each machine ran at an appropriate speed. Speeds could be changed by slipping a belt to a different size pulley with out stopping . Belts were 6 to 12 in. wide .Some belts had guards some had only a railing . There must be books available but maybe not on the internet. I saw one in operation about 1960 ; my impression was that it was a dangerous pain in the butt system.
answered Aug 16, 2019 at 21:46
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Some pros and cons of distributing power mechanically:
"Firms switching to electric power showed significantly less employee sick time, and, using the same equipment, showed significant increases in production."
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1$\begingroup$ This looks like a link-only answer. Please put the information that you think answers the question in your actual answer. $\endgroup$– hazzey ♦Mar 19, 2019 at 20:37