An improved optimal model for energy-saving of belt conveyors based on genetic algorithm

The paper presents optimal control modeling study for energy-saving of belt conveyor system. Given the transport operations process of bulk terminals, belt conveyor is studied. Firstly, based on the simplified energy calculation model of the belt conveyor, an objective optimization model with the aim to improve transport efficiency and reduce transportation energy consumption is established. In the model, constrains of the belt with the bulk transport capacity, velocity and time limits and the storage capacities are considered. Among them, velocity limits is achieved by dynamic analysis based on establishing finite element model. And then according to the proposed improved optimal model, the genetic algorithm is designed to solve this model. At last, the genetic algorithm is designed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model, and experiments on MATLAB is conducted. The simulation results reveal that this method can effectively reduce energy consuming in belt transport system and improve delivery devices efficiency.