Conveyor drive power calculator
Motor shaft power needed from effective tension, belt speed and drive efficiency.
Result
How it works
Once you know the effective tension Te (the total resistance the drive must overcome), the power at the drive pulley is Te × v. Dividing by the drive-train efficiency gives the power the motor must deliver.
Te itself comes from a full conveyor resistance calculation (main, secondary, slope and special resistances). This tool does the final step and makes the efficiency explicit.
Formula
P = Te × v / η Te in kN, v in m/s → P in kW
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| P | Required motor shaft power | kW |
| Te | Effective tension at the drive pulley | kN |
| v | Belt speed | m/s |
| η | Drive-train efficiency (gearbox, couplings), 0–1 | — |
Worked example
Inputs: Effective tension Te = 12 kN; Belt speed v = 2 m/s; Drive efficiency η = 0.9 0–1.
- Power at pulley = 12 × 2 = 24 kW
- P = 24 / 0.9 = 26.67 kW
Assumptions and limits
- Te must come from a validated conveyor resistance calculation.
- Drive efficiency is applied once. Use the value for your gearbox type and stages.
- Start-up, braking, regenerative (downhill) operation and motor selection margins are not calculated. Select the motor from a full design check.
Screening estimate, not a design approval. Verify measured inputs, current standards, manufacturer limits and site procedures before purchasing, cutting or installation. Isolate and lock out equipment before any hands-on measurement.
Questions
Is this the motor size I should buy?
No. Add start-up, ambient, altitude and service margins and choose from standard motor ratings after a full design check.
Where does Te come from?
From the sum of the conveyor’s resistances to motion, calculated with a recognised method such as ISO 5048, DIN 22101 or CEMA.
Source notes
- Mechanical power P = F × v with drive-train efficiency. Resistance methods for Te: e.g. ISO 5048, DIN 22101 or CEMA.
Related calculators
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The full app adds saved conveyor profiles, material and temperature assessment, result reports, offline use and English/Hindi field guidance.