Influence of the elastic modulus of a conveyor belt on the power allocation of multi-drive conveyors

The implementation of multiple drives for belt conveyors can solve the problems associated with motor overpower and the excessive tension of conveyor belts powered by a single drive. However, multiple drives can suffer from uneven driving power allocation. Among various factors, the selection of the type of conveyor belt particularly affects the power allocation. The current study aims to investigate the influence of the elastic modulus of a conveyor belt on the power allocation of multi-drive conveyors. Based on the Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic model, a discrete model of an entire machine is established. Kelvin-Voigt software is used to simulate the working conditions of conveyor belts with different elastic moduli under full loads. The driving forces of individual rollers are obtained and then compared. Compared to other types of belts, a steel wire core conveyor belt, whose elastic modulus is relatively high, effectively improves the stability of the conveyor belt under a full load after start-up to achieve a reasonable power allocation. The results of this study provide a foundation for conveyor belt selection for multi-drive conveyors.