Many air handling drives have structures that are not particularly rigid, which can create belt tension and drive alignment problems resulting in unusual and premature belt wear. Synchronous belts are sensitive to fluctuations in center distance that can be caused by inadequate bracketry. Under start up conditions, an AC motor can be required to provide 150% to 200% of its rated capacity. Synchronous belts cannot slip, and must transmit the higher start-up torque. Under these conditions, the drive center distance may collapse if the
structure is not sufficiently rigid. With the drive shut off and safely locked out, a simple method to use when
inspecting potential drive conversions is to grab the two belt spans and push them together while observing the motor. If any significant relative change in center distance or motor position is noticed, the drive’s structural strength is most likely insufficient for a simple conversion. The structure would need to be
reinforced to obtain optimum performance from a synchronous belt drive. The best conversion candidates have motors that are mounted solidly on support bracketry that is part of the fan’s structural system. When possible, select synchronous drives with diameters similar to existing V-belt sheave diameters. This will maintain similar belt pulls and loads on the shafts and structure.
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