CASE STUDY:  

LAX American Airlines saves nearly 40% in energy costs

Increasing efficiency and reducing costs

Terminal 4 in the LAX airport needed a thorough upgrade to the baggage handling system (BHS) for both American Airlines and TSA operations. LAX's existing system used typical asynchronous motors that were oversized to handle large starting torque requirements. Unfortunately, that meant they operated well below their ideal efficiency after the load started. 

Challenge

Complying with strict California Title 24 energy standards and reducing the load on the existing power station were both high priorities. Space constraints and flexibility for future expansion were also very important.
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American Airlines LAX Terminal 4 BHS
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American Airlines LAX Terminal 4 BHS
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For the main elevator drive;  125 HP motor with 323,800 lb-in of torque

MOVIGEAR Units on the American Airlines LAX Terminal 4 BHS
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MOVIGEAR Mechatronic Drives

Solution

Upgrading to the SEW-EURODRIVE MOVIGEAR and DRC mechatronic drive system has been highly reliable, efficient, and accurate at screening bags. TSA employees appreciate that the new drives create less noise and radiate less heat due to their advanced electronics and ultra-high operating efficiency. By reducing incoming power, excess heat, and extra cooling, the new system decreased energy consumption by nearly 40%. The system requires fewer unique spares for inventory, and its flexible design can accommodate expansion for future growth.

SEW-EURODRIVE products used:

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450 MOVIGEAR Mechatronic Drive Units

IE4 motor, gear unit, and electronics are combined in a single drive unit

"The baggage handling industry realizes that MOVIGEAR mechatronic drive technology is the future. By increasing efficiency, they can virtually double the size of the baggage system using their existing power station."

Results

LAX's existing system used typical asynchronous motors that were oversized to handle large starting torque requirements.
Unfortunately, that meant they operated well below their ideal efficiency after the load started. Their high starting current and low operating efficiency created excess heat that required extra cooling. Therefore, the goal was to increase efficiency to reduce both operating costs and cooling costs.

Through the combined efforts by CAGE, Inc. consultants and SEW-EURODRIVE, the goal became reality. They were able to
size each application from scratch, allowing them to determine the most efficient selection. Furthermore, by taking advantage of MOVIGEAR's unique breakaway torque characteristic, they were able to optimize inventory by using fewer spares to cover a wide range of speeds. Nearly 450 MOVIGEAR mechatronic drives and DRC motors were used in the new outbound installation. Both drives contain a permanent magnet IE4 motor. Their unique design delivers high starting torque while halving the full-load amps, requiring much less incoming power.

Project Specs

  • MOVIGEAR: IE4 motor, gear unit and electronics are combined in a single drive unit
  • Over 300% breakaway torque for 5 sec - perfect for baggage handling
  • Reduced full-load amps during ongoing operation for energy savings
  • Reduced energy costs due to ultra-high efficiency
  • Reduced CO2 emissions
  • Reduced inventory costs due to universal mounting position and fewer variations
  • Reduced startup and operating costs of the conveyor system
  • Reduced installation costs using SNI (single line network installation) - only one cable used for both energy and data transfer
  • No electronic line losses: controls located at motor
  • Quick amortization - often less than one year
  • IP66 design: hygienic surface with HP200 anti-stick coating
  • Resistance to common cleaning agents
  • Totally enclosed, non-vented (TENV) for quiet operation without air/dirt/germ swirls
  • Simplified system planning and design
  • High reliability

INDUSTRY:

Airport Logistics

APPLICATION:

Baggage Handling System

PREVIOUS TECHNOLOGY:

Oversized asynchronous motors
(Oversized to handle large starting torque requirements)

SOLUTION:

450 Units
SEW-EURODRIVE MOVIGEAR Mechatronic Drives and DRC electric motors 

About SEW-EURODRIVE

Founded in 1931 in Bruchsal, Germany, SEW-EURODRIVE is a global leader in Industrial Automation, with operations in over 50 countries, 17 manufacturing plants, 92 assembly facilities, and more than 21,000 employees. The company holds over 1,000 patents, continuously driving technological advancements in gearmotors, frequency inverters, servo drives, and Industry 4.0 solutions.

SEW-EURODRIVE provides engineered solutions in countless industries, including automotive, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, mining, steel, logistics, energy, and more, providing customized automation solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Despite its global reach, SEW remains family-owned, ensuring long-term vision, strong values, and a commitment to excellence.

SEW-EURODRIVE. Driving the World™

SEW-EURODRIVE, Inc.
220 Finch Road
Wellford, SC 29385
(P): (864) 439-7537
cslyman@seweurodrive.com
www.seweurodrive.com 

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