Why the V belt works.

This one explains why the V belt works as well as it does and the loose tensioning necessary for them to work properly in the fractional horsepower application.

[@averyalexander2303]

Great tip, thanks for sharing! Even in automotive applications, I'm always amazed by how much of a load such a narrow V belt will take with minimal tension without slipping. Makes me wonder why we don't use them anymore, it seems like the bearings in things like alternators would last much longer than with a ribbed belt under way more tension. I'd think a cog belt like what's used for timing belts would be even better, but more expensive.

[@grayfurnaceman]

I once used a B belt to move the carriage of a small sawmill. Yeah, they work. GFM

[@xelaju8]

Thank you.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@MrChipBryant]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@l.crossjr]

Nice. Thank you sr

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@volvo09]

Very good example. The load is so low that it doesn't need to be guitar string tight, nor as tight as an automotive alternator would need to be. If it were my equipment I'd take bearing and bushing longevity over keeping all possible slip to 0.

[@danielthechskid]

I thought that this video was going to explain how due to the tensile cords being near the outer circumference of the belt that as it starts to go from straight to bent as it enters the pulley groove it actually compresses and bulges out and wedges itself into the pulley groove even harder than if it didn't bulge.

[@throttlebottle5906]

you should do load, rpm and back-pressure testing next, since squirrel cage designs have the highest load and lowest rpm when output static pressure is low! :) block the outlet off and listen to the RPM's soar higher and it over-speed with lack of cooling flow...

[@throttlebottle5906]

uh-oh, did I just smash everyone's theory of high static pressure killing the ECM's? garbage is garbage.. engineers need fired by the dozens! as well as component suppliers that lied (mostly china, go figure)

[@danielthechskid]

@@throttlebottle5906 No, because with a forward curve blower wheel airflow ~= torque, and static pressure = RPM. ECMs are usually constant torque, so restrict airflow and it drops, so torque drops, and the motor speeds up until the correct torque is again reached at the new higher static pressure. Higher pressure at the same flow = more power = motor working harder and burns itself out. The difference between a constant torque and constant airflow ECM is that the constant airflow actually increases torque with speed slightly to compensate for the air leakage and recirculation through the gaps between the blower wheel and housing.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Been there, done that in earlier videos. GFM

[@Spector_NS5_RD]

I wonder if the "panty hose trick" would work with a motor/squirrel cage setup that chewed up it's OEM belt........ In a tight pinch scenario - 1am, Autozone isn't open and it's 0F outside.

[@grayfurnaceman]

It might for a while. GFM

[@throttlebottle5906]

pantyhose trick LOL. about 1 to 10 seconds... better off trying bungee cords (minus the metal ends) stitched together with metal baling wire/etc....

[@sargetester99]

When the DRIVE pulley is small than the DRIVEN pulley this works as you stated, but you should investigate what happens when the size of the pulleys are switched, I think it will surprise you

[@l.crossjr]

Any videos on VFDs?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Not yet. GFM

[@coollasice4175]

C'mon, GFM. Put a 1/2 inch breaker bar on that thing and tighten that belt down.

[@capitolrefrigerationheatin7501]

interesting gfm

[@SynKronos]

One of the worst demos ever. Current will be drawn under load. Belt slip will burn it out. No, same as auto

[@grayfurnaceman]

The unit shown was under higher load than when installed on an air handler and ductwork. An open discharge increases load. The unit as shown was drawing in excess of rated load on the motor with no slip. Set it up as you would in automotive and you will lose the blower bushing. Will also increase noise. This is fractional HP. GFM