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

• What was needed: Roller energy chains in steel guide troughs, chainflex cables, i.Sense EC.P push/pull force detection
• 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) 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 dock, which is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, directly opposite the Changxingdao port area, is subject to weathering effects such as rain, as well as mostly uninterrupted lashing winds and the influence of salt water. These extreme effects are accompanied by a two-month rainy season every year, which harbours an additional risk of corrosion and poses a particular challenge for the solution of an energy supply system. In order to avoid system downtime, the aggressive environmental conditions had to be countered with a particularly functionally safe and reliable solution.

In 2001, igus energy chain systems were installed on a travel of over 180m and have been running smoothly ever since. Not even a typhoon prevented their reliable operation. The shipyard cranes and the 32t material crane are supplied with energy and data via low-friction rol e-chains in igus guide troughs made of steel. The chains are designed for high cable loads and long travels, even at high speeds.
The energy chains contain chainflex cables. Thanks to their highly wear-resistant TPE outer jacket, they can withstand even extreme conditions. The cables are resistant to UV radiation, corrosion caused by coolants, lubricants and organic oil, and withstand temperatures from -35°C to +100°C. Our
 system for push/pull force detection (iSense EC.P) was installed in this large facility as well. Also known as the "PPDS" (Push/Pull Force Detection System), it monitors the energy chains' displacement forces online to prevent damage to the system, failures due to preventive maintenance or remote intervention.