Martin's roll gen

A global leader in bulk handling equipment has introduced an innovative technology that uses the kinetic energy from a moving conveyor belt to generate enough power to run a variety of electronic systems. 

636 Martin Engineering designed the Martin Roll Gen System to create a self-contained mini power station that allows operators to run electrical monitoring systems and safety mechanisms. Able to be retrofitted on existing idler support structures, operators are not required to maintain a special stock of conveyor rollers, as the generator can be employed on virtually any steel roller. The device is considered a first step toward eliminating power production obstacles, as conveyors move into the next generation of ‘smart systems’ that are predicted to be more sustainable and autonomous.

“We found that we could draw energy from a moving belt by attaching an independent generator directly to one of the rollers,” said Paul Harrison, Martin Engineering’s global engineering manager. “This way, the conveyor could produce power without altering the structure of the system or affecting its physical configuration.”

In the new, patent-pending design, a ‘drive dog’ is attached to the end face of the roll that is resting on the generator, using magnets.  The drive dog engages the generator through the outer housing’s machined drive tabs. The magnetic attachment ensures that electrical or mechanical overload does not force the roll to stop; instead the magnets will slip on the roll face.