Energy supply system on shipyard crane: Functionally reliable despite typhoon storms

• What was needed: Roller energy chains in steel guide trough, chainflex® cable, tension/push force detection i.Sense EC.P
• Requirements: High corrosion resistance due to aggressive environmental conditions (rain, wind, salt water)
• Industry: Shipbuilding
• Success for the customer: on-site consultation, installation and acceptance of the energy chain systems, regular testing

Waigaoquiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd (SWS) trade show was faced with the task of finding a suitable solution for supplying power and data to the gigantic lifting elements for three shipyard cranes. Due to the special location, the expectations and performance requirements for a solution were particularly high. The huge harbour facility, which is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, directly opposite the Changxingdao port area, is subject to weather influences such as rain, as well as mostly uninterrupted lashing winds and the influence of salt water. These extreme influences are accompanied by a two-month rainy season every year, which harbours an additional risk of corrosion and poses a particular challenge for the energy supply solution. In order to avoid system downtimes, the aggressive environmental conditions had to be countered with a particularly functionally safe and reliable solution.

After energy chain systems from igus® were installed on over 180 metres of travel in 2001, they have been running trouble-free ever since, something that even a typhoon a few years ago could not change. The energy and data supply to the shipyard cranes and the 32 tonne material crane is provided by low-friction roller energy chains in igus ® steel guide troughs. The chains are designed for high cable loads and long travel distances, even at high
speeds."chainflex®" cables are used in the energy chains. Thanks to their highly wear-resistant TPE outer sheath, they can withstand even extreme conditions. The cables are resistant to UV radiation, corrosion caused by coolants, lubricants and bio-oil and can withstand temperatures from -35°C to +100°C. Our
 system for push/pull force detection (iSense EC.P) was also installed in this large system. Also known as the "Push/Pull Detection System" (Push/Pull Force Detection System), it monitors the displacement force of the energy chain online in order to prevent damage to the system and failures due to preventive maintenance or remote intervention.