Ready to operate in off-the-grid locations for mining and aggregate industries, GK can now operate its vibratory equipment using the power of the sun.
General Kinematics’ prototype solar-power system has a total of 30 square feet of solar panels, a bank of eight, 6V storage batteries, and additional equipment. This arrangement allows the stored DC power to convert into three-phase AC power in order to drive the 2 hp industrial vibratory motor on the feeder.
The self-contained GK solar-power system, couples a highly reliable GK Feeder with a dependable, low-cost source of energy. This new solar-powered system will not only save GK customers money through reduced energy consumption but provide a reasonable solution to those working in remote locations with a lack of access to power.
The project was born out of the GK internship program. Each year, General Kinematics invites bright minds from surrounding colleges and universities to join the engineering team in its efforts to innovate. This year, the challenge was to harness the sun’s power to run GK’s industry-leading screening equipment. With a fully functional prototype delivered the company’s innovative interns succeeded. As designed, the prototype is able to power a feeder for up to 9 hours after the sun sets.
General Kinematics makes some of the world’s most energy-efficient material handling equipment. The efficiency is made possible using GK’s Two-Mass vibratory technology. Two-Mass technology consists of specially tuned springs that absorb and return mechanical energy to machines hundreds of times per minute. Combining energy-efficient technology and solar power creates a winning solution for running in the world’s most isolated locations.
