Xerox Energy Study

Oregon State University Energy Study Findings: 24 VDC Powered Rollers Save Xerox Energy, Money

Technology Pays Off

The Oregon State University Industrial Assessment Center recently completed an energy assessment of Xerox Corporation’s printer manufacturing facility in Wilsonville, OR. Among the findings was a determination that upgrading their current Belt-Driven Live Roller conveyor to a 24VDC powered roller conveyor system, similar to their system in the boxing area, would offer exceptional energy and maintenance savings.

In a comprehensive study of energy use in the facility, the OSU team discovered several opportunities to decrease energy use and increase productivity. Among the items featuring the best return on investment was retrofitting the existing Belt-Driven Live Roller conveyor with Holjeron 24 VDC Microroller powered rollers. Citing an estimated 1.4 year payback period, the assessment makes a strong case for the project. Originally set at a 2.1 year payback, several energy subsidy programs would help fund the project, resulting in 1/3 less payback time. In addition, the project would effectively renew a ten year old system to new active components and controls with a very small investment.

Less Maintenance = More Savings

Additionally, maintenance savings were estimated to be reduced by 59% versus the AC driven system. Belt-Driven Live Roller systems require maintenance on the AC motor gearboxes, the pneumatic control delivery system, air bladders and compressors. 24 VDC powered rollers utilize permanently sealed, lubricated motor and gearboxes and require no maintenance throughout their life. Since accumulation is controlled electrically, the number of pneumatic controls can be dramatically reduced, resulting in fewer system components and far less periodic maintenance.

Additional Benefits

The 24 VDC retrofit solution offers two other significant benefits as well. Belt-Driven Live Roller conveyors can be dangerous and require Emergency Stop controls in case a workers clothing or fingers get caught in the drive line. 24 VDC powered rollers can easily be stopped by hand and therefore offer far less chance of injury. In addition, 24 VDC powered roller systems are much quieter for two reasons. First, only sections actually transporting material are on, so a smaller percentage of the whole system is running, thereby reducing noise. Secondly, 24 VDC powered rollers themselves are very quiet when running and the connection to the idler rollers through O-ring drive belts eliminates rattling and noise throughout the system.

Summary

The results of this independent study suggest that by retrofitting the existing AC driven system with 24 VDC powered rollers, Xerox could enjoy a completely new and state-of-the-art conveyor system that would consume far less energy and require far less maintenance with a payback period of less than a year and a half. Savings would continue to accrue in the years beyond while improving productivity in a green, quiet and safe manufacturing environment.