Nord Drivesystems’ Nordac Link drive is shown controlling a 92.1 two-stage helical bevel gearbox with IE4 synchronous motor. This is a low maintenance, high efficiency drive technology solution for the global airport industry. See Nord’s range of drive technologies at booth #332 at the AAAE Conference & Exposition at the Boston Convention & Expo Center June 16-19, 2019.

The challenge of engineering baggage handling systems for international airports is immense. Miles of conveyors. In-line CT-scan screening machines. Multiple in-feed lines. Four-way sorters. High-speed diverters. Spiral power curves. Inclined claim conveyors and more. 

These are some of the equipment designed into the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, all powered by integrated drive electronics from Nord Drivesystems. Nord’s modular gear reducers, motors and VFDs are driving baggage handling systems in airports across North America and around the globe, including Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Cleveland (featuring an Ethernet IP Network), London, Montreal and Istanbul.

Product highlights at the show include: 

Nord’s 92.1 two-stage helical bevel gear reducer, which delivers up to 97 percent gear efficiency. Designed using finite element modeling technology with oversized output bearings and extremely strong one-piece housing construction means extended service life, even under high radial loads. Plus, with flexible mounting and shaft designs, product installation and maintenance is fast and easy. 

Integrated drive solutions: Like the gearmotors and drives used with the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Nord’s premium efficiency IE3 motors and VFDs can be pre-configured and delivered with customer-specified power connectors, and photo eye, sensor, and high-speed Ethernet IP plugs needed for easy daisy-chain installation. Nord motors offers best-in-class power density – with energy efficient operation even at partial loads and reduced speeds – providing extremely low total cost of ownership and predictable load handling. 

The Nordac Link VFD family offers flexible drive capabilities and supports decentralized installations. VFD installation is fast and simple. Integrated brake management assures wear-free actuation. Direct speed feedback via incremental encoder on the motor generates the highest possible acceleration and guarantees full motor torque throughout the entire speed range. Nord customizes airport solutions to provide the specific features and functionality customers need. 

With the new Nordac Access Bluetooth stick (and NordCon app), Nord created a mobile commissioning and service solution for all Nord drives. The app provides mobile dashboard for drive monitoring and diagnosis. For example, a drive system can be optimized while in operation with the aid of the oscilloscope function. Parameterization of drive units is simple and easy due to the integrated Help function and rapid access to parameters. In addition, the app provides further practical functions such as a parameter backup and recovery function.