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Explore 4 Different Types of Power Transmission Systems

August 22, 2023 / By Shane / 14 minutes of reading

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Power transmission is an essential part of any machine or equipment that requires motion and force. It
involves aligning the power machine and the working part of the machine to ensure energy
configuration, movement speed, and motion form are in sync.

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There are four types of power transmission methods: mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic.
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, making it crucial to understand which method is
ideal for a particular application.

In this article, we will delve into the different types of power transmission methods, including gear
transmission, turbo vortex drive, belt drive, chain drive, and gear train. We will explore the pros and
cons of each method, highlighting their unique features and applications.
Whether you are an engineer, technician, or machine operator, this article will provide you with
valuable insights into the world of power transmission.

So, buckle up and get ready to learn about the different types of power transmission methods and how
they can help you optimize your machines’ performance.

What Is Power Transmission?

The transmission method is a method of engineering that aligns the power machine and the working
part of the machine with respect to energy configuration, movement speed, and motion form.

There are four types of power transmission methods, including mechanical power transmission,
electrical power transmission, hydraulic power transmission, and pneumatic power transmission.

None of these methods are perfect, and today I would like to share the advantages and disadvantages of
each of the four transmission methods.

Fundamental Concepts of Power Transmission

Transmission System

A power transmission system is a mechanism used to transfer energy from one component to another
within a machine or system. The primary purpose of a transmission system is to transmit rotary or linear
motion, force, and load to perform the intended functions by mechanically converting input energy into
output energy.

Components and Motion

The main components of a power transmission system include gears, belts, chains, and couplings. These
components work together in various configurations to transfer energy between components, creating
either rotary or linear motion. Some common types of transmission systems are gear drives, belt drives,
chain drives, and direct drives.
Type Motion Example Components

Gear Drives Rotary Gears, Shafts, Bearings

Belt Drives Rotary, Linear Belts, Pulleys, Tensioners

Chain Drives Rotary, Linear Chains, Sprockets, Guides

Direct Drives Rotary, Linear Motors, Actuators, Shafts

Force and Load

Force is the mechanical energy exerted on an object to initiate motion or maintain a particular state, like
pushing, pulling, lifting, or holding. Load, on the other hand, refers to the amount of resistance or
opposition faced by the force during the process.

The transmission system must be able to handle the required force, and load to effectively operate the
machine or system it is integrated with. The capacity of a transmission system to handle force and load
depends on the components’ material, design, and configuration.

Efficiency and Maintenance

Efficiency is a critical factor in power transmission systems, as it determines the system’s ability to
optimally convert input energy into the desired output energy. Low-efficiency transmission systems
result in energy losses due to factors such as friction, heat, and wear.

Proper maintenance of power transmission components is essential to ensure optimal performance and
maximize their service life. Regular inspections, lubrication, alignment checks, and timely replacement of
worn parts are crucial maintenance tasks that contribute to increased efficiency and reliable operation.

Type 1: Mechanical Transmission

What is mechanical power transmission?

Mechanical power transmission refers to products used for the movement of mechanical parts, not for
electrical power supply. These products include couplings, chains and sprockets, belts and pulleys, and
drive components.
The mechanical transmission system is a crucial part of the machine tool. It is mainly driven by a ball
screw, which is integrated with the moving shaft during the transmission process.

The machine tool is powered by a motor. The purpose of the mechanical transmission is to transmit
motion and force.

Commonly used mechanical transmission types include gear transmission, worm gear transmission, belt
transmission, chain transmission, and gear train.

The role of mechanical transmission is to transmit both motion and force.

Types of mechanical power transmission

The most common mechanical power transmission mainly includes: gear drive, turbo vortex drive, belt
drive, chain drive, gear train etc.

01 Gear Drive

Mechanical Transmission Gear Drive

Gear transmission is the most commonly used type of transmission in mechanical transmission.

It offers accurate, efficient, compact, reliable, and long-lasting transmission.

There are several different types of gear drives that are classified based on various standards.

Advantages:
Compact structure, ideal for short-distance transmission.

Compatible with a wide range of peripheral speeds and powers.

Transmission ratio is accurate, stable, and efficient.

High reliability and long service life.

Capable of transmitting motion and force between parallel axes, intersecting axes at any angle, and
staggered axes at any angle.

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Disadvantages:

High manufacturing and installation accuracy and high cost;

Not suitable for transmission between two axes at a long distance;

No overload protection.

02 Turbo Vortex Drive

Turbo Vortex Drive

Suitable for motion and power between two axes with vertical and non-intersecting spaces.

Advantages:

Large transmission ratio;

The structure is compact.

Disadvantages:

Large axial force

Easy to heat
Low efficiency

Only one-way transmission.

The main parameters of the turbine drive are:

Modulus

Pressure angle

Worm gear indexing circle

Worm indexing circle

Lead stroke

Worm gear number

Number of worm heads

Transmission ratio

03 Belt Drive

Belt Drive

A belt drive is a mechanical transmission system that uses a flexible belt, tensioned on pulleys, to
transmit motion or power.

The belt drive typically consists of a driving wheel, a driven wheel, and an endless belt that is tensioned
between the two wheels.

1) When the direction of rotation of two axes is parallel, it is referred to as the open motion, center
distance, and wrap angle concept.

2) Belts can be divided into three categories based on their cross-sectional shape: flat belt, V-belt, and
special belt.

3) The focus of its applications includes:

the calculation of the transmission ratio;

the stress analysis calculation of the belt;

the allowable power of the single V-belt.

Pros and cons of belt driving：

Advantages:

Applicable to the transmission with a large center distance between the two shafts, the belt has good
flexibility, can mitigate the impact and absorb vibration;

Slip during overload to prevent damage to other parts;

Simple structure and low cost.

Disadvantages:

The outer dimensions of the transmission are large;

The tensioning device is required;

Due to slippage, a fixed gear ratio cannot be guaranteed;

The belt has a short life span;

The transmission efficiency is low.

04 Chain Drive

Chain Drive

The chain drive is a mechanical transmission system that transmits motion and power from a drive
sprocket with a specialized tooth shape to a driven sprocket with a similar tooth shape via a chain.

Including:
active chain

driven chain

circular chain

Advantages:

Chain drives have many advantages, compared to belt drives,

Inelastic sliding and slipping resulting in accurate average transmission ratio

Reliable operation and high efficiency

Large transmission power with strong overload capability and small transmission size under the same
working conditions

Low tension requirement and small pressure acting on the shaft

Ability to work in harsh environments, such as high temperatures, humidity, dust, and pollution.

Compared with gear transmission, chain drive featured:

Low manufacturing and installation requirements;

When the center distance is large, the transmission structure is simple;

The instantaneous chain speed and instantaneous gear ratio are not constant, and the transmission is
less stable.

Disadvantages:

The main disadvantages of the chain drive are:

Can only be used for transmission between two parallel shafts

High cost

Easy to wear, easy to stretch, poor transmission stability

Additional dynamic loads, vibration, shock and noise are generated during operation

It should not be used in a fast reverse drive.

05 Gear Train

Wheel Train

A transmission system that comprises more than two gears is referred to as a gear train. The gear
transmission can be classified into two types: ordinary gear transmission and planetary gear
transmission.

A planetary gear is a gear that undergoes both rotational and axial movement within the gear train.

The gear train can be divided into two categories: fixed axle train and epicyclic train.

The gear ratio of the train, which is the ratio of the angular velocity (or rotational speed) of the input
shaft to the output shaft, is calculated by dividing the product of the number of teeth of all the follower
gears in each pair of meshing gears by the number of teeth of all the driving gears.

In an epicyclic gear train, the planetary gear, which undergoes both rotational and axial motion, is
contrasted with the center gear or sun gear, which has a fixed axial position.

The gear ratio of the epicyclic gear train cannot be calculated directly and requires the use of the
relative motion method (or inversion method) to convert the epicyclic gear train into a hypothetical
fixed axle train.

Features of the gear train include:

Suitable for transmission between two axes that are far apart;

Can be used as a transmission to achieve variable speed transmission;

A larger gear ratio can be obtained;

Achieve the synthesis and decomposition of motion.

Type 2: Electric Drive

Electric Drive

Electric drive refers to the use of electric motors to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to
drive various types of production machinery, transportation vehicles, and other items that require
movement in daily life.

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Advantages:

High precision: Servo motors are used as power sources, and the simple and efficient transmission
mechanism consisting of ball screws and timing belts results in a repeatability error of 0.01%. This
transmission method is utilized in press brake machines.

Energy-saving: Energy released during the deceleration phase of the work cycle can be converted back
into electrical energy, reducing operating costs, and requiring only 25% of the power equipment
required for hydraulic drives.

Precise control: With the support of high-precision sensors, measuring devices, and computer
technology, accurate control can be achieved according to set parameters, greatly exceeding the control
accuracy of other control methods.

Environmental protection: Lower energy consumption and optimized performance result in reduced
pollution and noise, providing better environmental protection for the factory.

Reduced noise: Operating noise is less than 70 decibels, about 2/3 of the noise produced by a
hydraulically driven injection molding machine.

Cost-saving: The cost of hydraulic oil and associated maintenance is eliminated, and there is no need for
hard or soft pipes, cooling the hydraulic oil, or reducing cooling water costs.
Type 3: Pneumatic Transmission

Pneumatic Transmission

The pneumatic transmission utilizes compressed gas as the working medium and transmits power or
information through the pressure of the gas.

Advantages:

Air being the working medium in pneumatic transmission, it is relatively easy to obtain. Used air can be
conveniently discharged into the atmosphere, eliminating the need for a recovered fuel tank and
pipeline as in hydraulic transmission.

Moreover, the viscosity of air being very low (about one ten-thousandth of hydraulic oil), it results in
minimal loss and enables easy concentration of gas supply and long-distance transportation. Leaks in
pneumatic systems also do not cause as much environmental pollution as hydraulic drives.

Compared to hydraulic transmission, pneumatic transmission offers quick action, fast response, low
maintenance, a clean working medium, and no deterioration of the medium.

Additionally, it has good adaptability to harsh working environments such as flammable, explosive,
dusty, strong magnetic, radiation, and vibration conditions, making it superior to hydraulic, electronic
and electrical control systems.

Lastly, pneumatic transmission is cost-effective and has the capability of automatic overload protection.

Disadvantages:

The stability of the working speed is affected by the compressibility of air. However, the use of a gas-
liquid linkage device provides satisfactory results.
Due to a low working pressure of generally 0.31 MPa and the need to keep the structure size small, the
total output force should not exceed 10 to 40 kN.

High-speed exhaust generates significant noise, so a muffler is added to mitigate this.

The transmission speed of gas signals in pneumatic devices is slower than the speed of electrons and
light within the sound velocity.

As a result, pneumatic control systems should not be used in complex circuits with numerous stages.

Type 4: Hydraulic Transmission

Hydraulic Transmission

Hydraulic transmission is a method of transmitting energy and control through the use of liquid as a
working medium.

Advantages:

From a structural perspective, the four transmission modes have a force-compressed output power per
unit weight and size, and a large moment inertia ratio.

However, hydraulic transmission has a smaller volume when transmitting the same power, is lightweight
with low inertia, and has a compact structure and flexible layout.

Performance-wise, hydraulic transmission allows for stepless adjustments in speed, torque, and power
with a fast response time and a wide speed range of up to 100:1 to 2000:1.

The control and adjustment are relatively simple, making it convenient to operate and labor-saving.
Additionally, it is easy to integrate with electrical control and computer systems for automation.

In terms of use and maintenance, hydraulic components have good self-lubricating properties, are easy
to overload-protect and maintain pressure, and are safe and reliable. Components are also easily
standardized and generalized.

Hydraulic technology is known for its safety and reliability, and its plasticity and variability provide great
flexibility in production, allowing for easy changes and adjustments to the production process.

Furthermore, hydraulic components are relatively inexpensive and widely adaptable.

The combination of hydraulic technology with new technologies such as microcomputer control is
becoming the trend in the world, and it constitutes the “machine-electric-hydraulic-light” integration,
making digitalization easy to achieve.

Everything has two sides, there are advantages and disadvantages. Hydraulic drives are no exception:

Disadvantages:

The relative movement of surfaces in hydraulic transmission leads to inevitable oil leaks, and the oil is
not completely incompressible.

This can result in a lack of strict transmission ratio and make it unsuitable for use in transmission chains
for machine tools like threaded gears.

There are losses such as along loss, local loss, and leakage during the flow of oil, leading to low
transmission efficiency, making it unsuitable for long-distance transmission.
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Hydraulic transmission experiences difficulties under high and low temperature conditions.

To prevent oil leakage and meet performance requirements, hydraulic components need to be
manufactured with high precision, which can create difficulties in use and maintenance.

Diagnosing faults in hydraulic systems can be challenging, especially in areas where hydraulic technology
is not widely used. This often hinders the wider promotion and application of hydraulic technology.

Maintenance of hydraulic equipment requires a certain level of experience, and the training for
hydraulic technicians takes a longer period of time.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Power transmission systems are crucial in distributing energy from power generating sources to
consumers. Different types of power transmission systems have their unique advantages and
disadvantages. This section will briefly discuss those factors without exaggerating or making false claims.

One of the significant advantages of some power transmission systems is their reliability. For instance,
overhead power lines are usually built with redundant paths, which ensures that electricity will be
continuously available, even if one path fails. Moreover, they require less material and are easier to
maintain, making them a preferred choice for long-distance power transmission.

However, overhead power lines can also have some disadvantages, such as noise and temperature
concerns. For example, they generate a humming noise caused by the corona effect, which can create
an unpleasant environment for residents living nearby. The lines can also sag due to high temperatures,
leading to potential hazards and increased maintenance costs.

On the other hand, underground power transmission systems provide a more reliable and visually
appealing alternative. Since they are buried, the impact of natural disasters and human-related
accidents are minimized. Additionally, they pose fewer temperature and noise issues compared to
overhead power lines.
The underground power transmission systems come with their disadvantages too. For example, they are
less resistant to the skin effect—an increased AC resistance in conductors due to the non-uniform
current distribution which leads to heat generation.

To summarize, various power transmission systems offer different advantages and disadvantages. While
overhead power lines are cost-effective and easier to maintain, they generate noise and are susceptible
to temperature issues. On the contrary, underground power transmission systems ensure better
reliability and minimal noise and temperature concerns; however, they face challenges such as skin
effect and higher installation costs. It’s essential to carefully evaluate these factors before implementing
a specific power transmission system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main components of mechanical power transmission?

Mechanical power transmission systems include components such as gears, shafts, clutches, belts, and
chains. These components work together to transmit power from a driving force, such as an engine or
motor, to a driven load, like a machine or vehicle.

How does a gear train function in power transmission?

A gear train is a series of interconnected gears that transmit power by engaging and meshing their teeth.
When a driving gear rotates, it causes the driven gear to rotate as well. Gear trains can alter the speed,
torque, and direction of power transmission, making them essential in many applications.

What role do couplings play in transmitting power?

Couplings are mechanical devices that connect two shafts in a power transmission system. They allow
for the transfer of power, while also compensating for any misalignment or variations in position that
may occur between the connected shafts. Couplings can be rigid or flexible, depending on the
requirements of the system.

How do transformers aid in the transmission of electrical power?

Transformers are electrical devices that change the voltage and current levels in a power transmission
system. By increasing the voltage and decreasing the current, electrical power can be transmitted over
long distances with reduced losses. Transformers are key components in the efficient distribution of
electrical power.

What is the purpose of clutches in power transmission systems?

Clutches are mechanical devices that control the connection between a driving source and a driven load
in a power transmission system. They allow the ability to engage and disengage the system as needed.
Clutches can be found in various applications, such as automotive transmissions, industrial machinery,
and power tools.

How do pulleys and chains contribute to power transmission?

Pulleys and chains are used in power transmission systems for transferring power over a distance.
Pulleys can change the speed, torque, and direction of the transmitted power, while chains provide a
durable and secure means of connection. Pulley and chain systems are commonly employed in various
applications, from bicycles to conveyor belts.

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About The Author

Shane

As the founder of MachineMfg, I have dedicated over a decade of my career to the metalworking
industry. My extensive experience has allowed me to become an expert in the fields of sheet metal
fabrication, machining, mechanical engineering, and machine tools for metals. I am constantly thinking,
reading, and writing about these subjects, constantly striving to stay at the forefront of my field. Let my
knowledge and expertise be an asset to your business. Follow me at Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin

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7 thoughts on “Explore 4 Different Types of Power Transmission Systems”

DEEPA

JANUARY 28, 2020 AT 10:22 PM

Please send a short definition for all topics please

Reply

RNBANDYOPADHYAYA

FEBRUARY 24, 2020 AT 7:30 PM

Topics are nicely over viewed. Students can easily. However a little elaboration on gear train may be
helpful to the students.

Reply

ADITYA

APRIL 10, 2020 AT 12:50 PM

This is really nice sentences that we found.

Reply

JITENDRA KOSHTI

JULY 14, 2020 AT 1:21 PM

Gear drive can be used for 2 meters diatance?

Please any one suggest me!!!

Reply

JAYAKUMAR

MAY 24, 2021 AT 5:49 AM

Congratulations ?

Very useful article

Reply

SHANE

MAY 24, 2021 AT 8:36 AM

Glad to hear that, tks.

Reply

GENE

NOVEMBER 2, 2021 AT 8:04 AM

Thank You for a well written easy to understand summation of power transmission types.

Which is most efficient for transferring power from said point “A” to Point “B” , electricity or
mechanical?

Specific example- the bicycle.

Chain with drive and driven sprockets, gearing, foot pedal power.

OR

Electric motor, generator, foot pedal power.

Reply

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Shane

Hi, I'm Shane, the founder of MachineMfg. You can find out more about me by visiting the about page.

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