V-Belt Drive - Advantages and Disadvantages

These types of belt drive suitable for high-power transmission to short length. They are normally made from fabric and rubber. The angle of V-belt usually between 30° to 40°. To increase power output, several V-belt may operate side by side so that load equally divided between them.

If one belt in multiple V-belt drives fails, the entire set of the belt should be replaced at the same time to avoid uneven velocity due to different tension on the belt.
Read: Difference between Flat Belt Drive And V-Belt Drive

• High power transmission capacity because V-grooves provide excellent grip.
• The functioning of the belt and the pulley is smooth and quiet.
• The V-belt drive provides compactness due to the small distance between the centers of the pulleys.
• Slip between the belt and the pulley is negligible.
• The axis can be horizontal, vertical or inclined.
• They can dampen vibration.

• The V-belt drive cannot be used for long distances due to greater weight per unit of length.
• They are not applicable to the synchronous machines because they are not free from creep.
• The centrifugal tension prevents the use of belts at speeds below 5 m/s and above 50 m/s.
• The construction of pulleys for v-belts is more complicated than the flat belt.

Read:
Flat Belt Drive - types, advantage and disadvantage
Causes of belt failure and Power loss