Calculating the power required to move a load up a gradiant

  • Thread starter Thread starter Aquadust
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Load Power
Click For Summary
To calculate the power required for a cart to move a 40 kg load up a 14-degree incline at speeds between 1-4 MPH, the relevant equation is P = M x G x SIN(Angle) x V. The initial calculation yields approximately 169 watts, which is equivalent to about a quarter horsepower. However, considering motor inefficiencies, it is recommended to use a motor rated at half a horsepower for optimal performance. This ensures adequate power to handle variations in load and incline. Accurate calculations are essential for effective system design.
Aquadust
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
HI

Any help with this problem would be much appreciated.

I am designing a system in which a cart type machine needs to be able to carry a load up a hill with almost no help from the person pushing, My question is how do I calculate how much power is needed by the motor to move the load.

I know:
Total Load = 40KG
Maximum Incline = 14Degrees
The speed it will travel between is 1-4 MPH


I believe the relevant equations are P=MxGxSIN(Angle)xV
Also I am not sure but J=FxD

D=Distance
F=Force
J=Joules
M=Mass
G=Gravity
V=Velocity
P=Power

I believe its 40x9.81xSin14x1.78m/s = 169w

I just want to make sure this equation is right and if not what equation I need to use. it would be handy to have an equation as the variables are constantly changing.

Many thanks in advance for your help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Looks OK to me, at 4 mph max speed. 169 w is about a quarter horsepower. Due to inefficiencies in the motor, I'd opt for a half a horse motor.
 

Similar threads

Calculating Motor Load Capacity for a 4kg Vehicle
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Engineering Intro to Power Systems: Calculating Power
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Transformers Under Load and No Load
  • · Replies 48 ·
2
Replies
48
Views
12K
Engineering Calculate shear force and bending moments with a UDL and a point load
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Effect of Increase in Load Torque on Belt Tension & Power
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
8K
HP Required to move a robot 10meters at 1.5m/sec
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
516
Engineering Understanding Maximum Power in Circuit: Comparing Load and Circuit Approaches
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
High School How to Calculate Power and Torque for a 15kg Load at 15 RPM?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Calculating Three Phase Power Load: Help & Homework Statement
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Engineering Calculating Power Distribution in Circuit
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K