Research Details

Featuring modular design that promotes system flexibility, LS-4000E tilt-tray and LS-4000CB cross-belt sorters respectively consume 2.4 and 2.7 kW/hr (typ). This can be accomplished because integrated linear synchronous motor (LSM) drive generates propulsive force via electromagnetic energy, minimizing energy consumption and noise levels while increasing speed and positioning accuracy.

LS-4000's high-speed linear synchronous motor operates more efficiently than alternative linear drive technology

FKI Logistex® a leader in integrated material handling solutions, announces that its new LS-4000E tilt-tray and LS-4000CB cross-belt sorters, which feature linear synchronous motor (LSM) technology, consume approximately 75 percent less energy than comparable sorter systems using linear induction motor (LIM) technology.

The LS-4000's LSM generates propulsive force via electromagnetic energy, as opposed to mechanical friction between moving parts. This operation reduces energy consumption and noise levels, while increasing speed, reliability and positioning accuracy. In addition to the LSM drive, the LS-4000E and LS-4000CB feature a modular design that enhances system flexibility and offers fast and easy installation and commissioning.

"The linear synchronous motor technology makes our LS-4000 series tilt-tray and cross-belt sorters greener, cleaner and more efficient," said Steve Ackerman, president, FKI Logistex North America. "It not only saves energy, it increases manufacturing and distribution productivity and decreases product life cycle cost without expensive facility expansion or greenfield construction."

Electrical consumption tests conducted under typical warehouse conditions demonstrate that, on average, the LS-4000E tilt-tray sorter consumes 2.4 kilowatts per hour of operation. In contrast, energy consumption of a comparable sorter using LIM technology is 10.3 kilowatts per hour. Tests of cross-belt sortation technology demonstrate that the LS-4000CB cross-belt sorter consumes an average of 2.7 kilowatts per hour of operation while energy consumption of a comparable sorter using LIM technology is 11.0 kilowatts per hour. As the chart below illustrates, the LS-4000E and the LS-4000CB can provide energy savings of 19.8 megawatt hours (19,800 kilowatt hours) per year and over 20 megawatt hours (20,000 kilowatt hours) respectively.

Energy consumption comparison based on sorter layout with 200-meter length and no level change, operating at 2.0 m/s with 700 mm carts and an average load per tray of 3 kg.

The LS-4000E and LS-4000CB will be on display at the FKI Logistex ProMat 2009 booth (#1003), January 12-15 at McCormick Place South in Chicago, Ill.