New Technology Saves Energy, Reduces Noise

“We furnished a variant of our B-Track K2 electric actuator that, when activated, pivots the motor drive carriage into position under the carousel center chain, allowing the friction wheels to engage and drive the chain.” When the controller shuts down a motor, the actuator disengages the friction wheels of the motor away from the center chain so that the de-energized motor doesn’t become a source of drag.

The Warner Linear B-Track K2 actuator uses a patented straight-line load transfer offering high load capability in a small package size. Units feature 3,000 lb. static load and 1,200 lb. dynamic load capacities. The K2 utilizes an Acme screw with a 20:1 gear ratio and 102 mm stroke length. Other features include heavy-wall construction, double ball bearing motors, heat-treated gears, and rugged extension rod bearing support.

The Warner Linear actuator-driven retractable drives are the heart of the system that makes the Siemens 300C Flat Plate Carousel such an innovative new concept in airport baggage carousels.

Reduced Energy And Noise

The Siemens team finished development of its new carousel in time to submit a technical proposal to the GOAA. The selection committee evaluated each contractor’s proposal, considering many factors including price and technical specifications.

Any energy savings offered by proposed replacement carousels would help the GOAA achieve its goals of reducing energy consumption. “As electricity costs have risen, lower energy consumption has become very important,” relates Michael Patterson, director of construction at MCO. Siemens was awarded the contract, and replaced the dinosaur units with new 300C Flat Plate carousels.

The energy consumption of baggage carousels at MCO isn’t metered separately from other terminal operations, but after several months of operation, Patterson states, “Based on what we have seen so far, we expect to achieve Siemens’ projected energy savings of approximately 20 to 40 percent depending on use.”

Another benefit of the Siemens carousels is the reduced noise levels compared to the old units. One MCO representative dubbed the Siemens carousels ‘whisper units.’

“The new units are significantly quieter than the units they replaced,” says Patterson, “The older units used a sprocket-driven steel chain drive while the Siemens units use friction wheels to drive the carousel chain.”

Editor’s Note: This article was developed by a team of professionals from Warner Linear, Siemens, and the Orlando International Airport.