Dynamic load sharing in multi-machine conveyor belt systems

Conventional conveyor belts are driven by multiple induction machines having megawatt power ratings and their operation ranges are mostly limited to light loads. The control scheme for such operation is normally open loop V/F control without speed sensors. Under specific load conditions, the energy savings can be obtained by implementing the optimal load sharing among the electrical machines. In this paper, a new algorithm is proposed for optimal load sharing. The proposed algorithm is tested on a 5.5 MW conveyor belt system driven by 3.5 MW and 2 MW induction machines under various loading conditions. The simulation results show a favorable potential of the proposed algorithm for dynamic load sharing in conveyor belt systems.