Date of Award

9-22-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Engineering, MSE

First Advisor

Robert Fleming

Committee Members

Ilwoo Seok; Niamat Ibne Hossain

Abstract

Conveyor systems are widely used in industrial applications for material handling, but their high energy consumption remains a significant challenge. This study investigated the influence of different belt-slider pan configurations on conveyor power consumption, aiming to optimize efficiency while minimizing energy losses. Three types of slider pans; mild steel, galvanized steel, and powder-coated steel, were analyzed under controlled experimental conditions to determine the motor torque and power consumption of a test conveyor system under various loading conditions. Torque and power values were derived, plotted, and comparatively analyzed across all configurations to determine performance differences. Static friction coefficients of each type of the slider pan were measured through the angle of repose method. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and power spectral density (PSD) analyses were also used to assess frequency-domain characteristics of power consumption and identify energy loss patterns associated with frictional resistance. Data of the exerted force by the motor was acquired using a load cell, DAQ system, and LabVIEW. These results determined the most energy-efficient slider pan configuration, providing insights into reducing friction-induced losses in conveyor systems. The findings aim to contribute to the development of more sustainable and cost-effective material handling solutions by improving conveyor design.

Rights Management

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

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