| Power Transmission Engineering Magazine

Total System Efficiency

February 1, 2010

Much of the industrial energy being consumed by systems is wasted through inefficiency. For this article, a system will be defined as the following components working together: electrical input power, variable frequency drives, induction motors, gearboxes and transmission elements (chains, belts, etc.).

AGMA in Full Support of Energy Initiative

February 1, 2010

Our politicians in Washington continue dithering over the Obama administration energy bill aimed at developing alternative, green sources of energy production. As a result, when this country will have a viable energy program in place is anyone’s guess, given the usual D.C. gridlock. And yet, Americans can take more than cold comfort in the fact that at least some government agencies—U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)—and the private sector—some major manufacturers—are doing more than their share of work in trying to harness our existing, fossil-based energy sources in such a way that they are used to their best efficiencies.

Data Loggers Gauge Wastewater Plants Motor Efficiency

February 1, 2010

In keeping with a national push to bring greater energy efficiency to wastewater treatment plants, a Pennsylvania facility used data loggers to analyze motor utilization, a first step toward cutting energy costs and meeting environmental rules.

Selecting the Right Precision Ball Material for Aggressive Environments

February 1, 2010

This article will examine the major materials used to enhance balls to resist aggressive environments and help in selecting the right one.

Designing for Static and Dynamic Loading of a Gear Reducer Housing with FEA

February 1, 2010

A recent trend has been a movement to more user-friendly products in the mechanical power transmission industry. A good example of such a product is a high-horsepower, right angle, shaft-mounted drive designed to minimize installation efforts. Commonly referred to as an alignment-free type, it allows the drive package mounting to be quicker, more cost effective and require less expertise during installation. This facilitates the use of the drive in applications such as underground mining, where there is little room to maneuver parts. The most common application for the alignment-free style drive is for powering bulk material handling belt conveyors.

Reducing Electricity Cost through Use of Premium Efficiency Motors

February 1, 2010

motors with premium efficiency counterparts presents businesses with a significant opportunity to reduce operating costs. A comparison between premium and standard efficiency motors from 0.25 to 10 horsepower is conducted; comparisons of full-load efficiencies are shown, and estimated payback periods are calculated. Methods for calculating the yearly kilowatt-hour consumption and yearly cost savings of premium efficiency motors for this horsepower range are also given. The cost advantages of premium efficiency motors are summarized, and relevant examples of real world cost savings are shown.

Frictionless, Magnetic Gears and Couplings Gain Traction

February 1, 2010

The Magnetic Gearing and Turbine Corp. (MGT), founded by Australian inventor Andrew French in 2000, manufactures injection molded gears and couplings based entirely on magnetic technology. The repulsive magnetic forces are used to transmit power without losing any energy, and drive shafts rotate completely independently of each other.

Product News

February 1, 2010

The complete Product News section from the February 2010 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

Industry News

February 1, 2010

The complete Industry News section from the February 2010 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

PTRA Looks to the Future

February 1, 2010

Southern hospitality may not be the focus, but the Power-Motion Technology Representatives Association (PTRA) will experience just that and more at its 38th annual conference in Charleston, SC. Members will explore the theme of “Impacting the Future” through educational presentations and amidst networking opportunities, intimate social events and the annual golf tournament.

Calendar

February 1, 2010

Calendar of upcoming events from the February 2010 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

Power Generating Play

February 1, 2010

Never has generating alternative sources of energy been so fun. All that excess energy children have bottled up now helps power lighting for remote African villages.