Gearbox is key to efficient power generation
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David Brown Engineering product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jan 15, 2003
A school in Zambia has quite literally seen the light thanks to efforts of David Brown gearbox distributor Texam in Lisburn, County Antrim.
A school in Zambia has quite literally seen the light thanks to efforts of David Brown gearbox distributor Texam in Lisburn, County Antrim.
Texam design engineer David Allen was approached by a friend who had heard about power supply problems at the Sakeji School at Mwilunga in North West Province, Zambia.
The school was using an antiquated belt and pulley arrangement incorporating a water wheel to drive a generator, but it produced a poor power output and required extensive and regular maintenance.
Allen was challenged to suggest a better solution, and Texam supplied a David Brown M1020 helical gearbox which was used as a speed increasing solution to raise the water wheel's speed from 15 to 1500rev/min.
It enables a more modern generator to create power which is then stored in battery cells to provide reliable electric lighting in the school.
Allen explains: "Our solution is far more energy efficient and has now been in continuous operation for almost six months, delivering a power output that is, according to the Sakeji School's Gordon McKillop, far better than they had ever anticipated.
Pupils are now able to take lessons and study during the evenings".
Chris Morrell, UK Sales Director for David Brown Engineering adds: "The solution at Sakeji School is unusual because the Series M gearbox is used to increase rpm from a motive power source - in this case the water wheel.
Whilst this solution addresses a Third World problem, similar principles can be applied in many plant installations to eliminate belt and pulley or chain drive systems, providing real benefits in terms of energy efficiency and plant reliability".
David Brown's Series M range of helical inline geared motors and reducers is designed to provide versatile, cost effective and extremely efficient compact drive solutions.
It is typically used by original equipment manufacturers, handling and conveyor manufacturers, and in the packaging, food and drink, pulp and paper and textiles industries Series M geared motors can meet most requirements up to 90kW with maximum output torque capacity of 11,000Nm.
12 unit sizes give a ratio coverage of 1.2:1 to 12,000:1 in single, double, triple and combined reduction formats, and the unique David Brown motor adapter system offers the option of fitting any standard electric motor.
All units are dimensionally interchangeable with major European manufacturers.
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