Replace V- Belts with Cogged Belts

In addition to internal inefficiencies in electric motors, which cause energy loss, the power available at the drive shaft of the motor cannot be transmitted to a machine through a belt without some additional energy losses. Eliminating energy losses in power transmission systems should be a high priority for energy savings. These losses come in the form of slippage, energy used to flex the belt as it goes around pulleys, and stretching and compression of the belt. Cogged belts can bend with less loss of energy and need not be stretched as tightly as the standard V-belt which in turn prolongs belt life. These belts also slip less and can bend more easily than standard V-belts.

To improve energy efficiency and reduce slippage losses, consider replacing V-belts with notched belts. Many studies in the literature have shown that a typical well maintained industrial V-belt is about 92% efficient. Field tests of cog belts for both large and small drives show gains in efficiency from 2.0% to 8.0%. Though Cog belts cost about 30% more than standard V-belts, they last about 50% longer. Thus, the increased first cost is more than compensated for by the increased lifetime. Hence there will be no implementation cost associated with this recommendation, and it will have immediate payback.