Why use linear motor technology?
In Denvers case, it was to move luggage faster, reduce maintenance, and resolve political situations. As the distance between an airlines gates to the terminal increases and as each airline attempts to handle more traffic, new ways are needed to move baggage efficiently and quickly, into, out of, and between concourses and gates. Cars powered by linear motors can move luggage faster than traditional belt conveyor systems. One of the newest belt systems, for example, at the new Pittsburgh terminal, has a total speed of 1,000 fpm. The plan at Denver was to have linear- motor propelled cars move luggage at 19 mph, or over 1,600 fpm. Linear-motor-based, baggage-handling systems work. They are an application of the future, said Howard Zollinger, president of Zollinger Associates Inc., a consulting firm for the Oslo Hovedflyplass airport project. They can lower maintenance costs and offer higher system performance over conventional cart-tug and conveyor systems. Properly implemented, the car
