Design of Belt Conveyor System for Variable Demand Supply

Design of Belt Conveyor System for Variable Demand Supply

Santosh Konappanavar1, Dr. T. A. Jadhav2, Dr. B. M. Shinde3

1PG Scholar, Department of Mechanial Engineering, Sinhagad College of Engineering, Pune, India

2Guide, Department of Mechanial Engineering, Sinhagad College of Engineering, Pune, India

3Bharat College of Engineering Badlapur, Mumbai.

Abstract - Warehouse automation increasingly relies on advanced conveyor systems to streamline material handling, reduce labor costs, and enhance operational safety. This study focuses on the design and development of conveyor systems with an emphasis on induct and merge functionalities. Various types of conveyors—including belt, roller, chain, screw, and overhead—are examined in terms of their structure, applications, and operational roles. A major challenge identified is the excessive energy consumption resulting from conveyors operating at peak speeds during low-demand periods. To address this, the study integrates Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to dynamically adjust motor speeds based on real-time demand. A detailed case study of an Induct-Merge system is presented, incorporating CAD modeling, parametric calculations, and motor selection tailored to varying operational scenarios. The results demonstrate that appropriate motor sizing and VFD implementation effectively accommodate fluctuating loads while minimizing power consumption. The research concludes that adaptive control through VFDs significantly enhances energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness in warehouse operations.

Key Words:  Conveyor system, Induct and merge, Throughput optimization, Warehouse automation.