The Impact of Vibrating Screen Startup Time on Vibration Amplitude and Energy Consumption in Transient State

Abstract

The article presents the results of research on the trajectory and amplitude values during the startup of a vibrating screen, depending on the set startup time. The research was conducted using a suspended vibrating screen with a segmental vibration trajectory, where vibration excitation was achieved through two vibratory motors directly attached to the screen frame. The vibratory motors were powered with three-phase voltage and connected to the grid through frequency converters, allowing for current control in steady-state and startup conditions. The analysis focused on the vibration trajectory and the resulting amplitude values for nine selected startup times (ranging from 0 s to 8 s). Two measurement methods were employed: using piezoelectric acceleration sensors and optical recording. Additionally, the momentary power consumption by the screen drive was recorded, and the maximum current flowing in the power supply circuit was determined. These studies enabled the determination of the most favourable startup parameters that reduce the power demand of the drive without significantly affecting the kinematic parameters of the screen during its startup. The results of experimental research presented in the article regarding the startup time of the screening machine and its influence on vibration parameters have shown that the startup time significantly impacts the amplitude values that occur during startup. In the analysed case, the most favourable startup time was 3 s. Power consumption studies during startup revealed that startup time has a notable influence on momentary power consumption. The conducted research demonstrated that for startup times below 0.2 s, the maximum momentary power was the highest (reaching 5 kW, with a current consumption of 4.5 times the rated current). Regarding energy efficiency, the most favourable startup times exceed 2.0 s. Extending these startup times can significantly reduce the power demand of the drive, even up to threefold, thereby enabling the selection of motors with much lower power ratings.