Indoor crane main power and data supply, proven and alternative systems

Theo Diehl | 9. April 2020

In the case of indoor cranes, the main power supply is usually provided via busbar systems and data transmission via wireless data systems. A drum solution (motor-driven or spring balancer) is generally used for large or harbour crane systems. Information on the drum solution can be found in the article entitled:  Crane Main Power and Data Supply

System description: busbar system

When using busbar systems, the cables are guided from the distribution to the busbar connection and clamped to the busbar system. On the opposite side, the busbar pantograph is again clamped onto the cable

Each individual cable core or control core must be clamped, which causes installation time and can cause clamping errors. The installation of the busbar systems themselves is quick and easy

The pantograph is mounted on the crane. To prevent loss of contact, it is advisable to use a double sliding contact.

The wireless data transmission system will also be installed. Depending on the system, the installation requirements vary.

In the installation of the e-chain, the two clamps at the feed point and on the moving end are omitted; data transmission is integrated safely and easily into the system by means of fibre optic cable transmission.

Regarding the dynamic parameters, a busbar solution is equal to an energy chain solution. Both systems can safely meet the requirements of an indoor crane.

Benefit for the energy chain customer

The great benefit of the e-chain – for the user of the crane – compared to the conductor rail solution lies in the functional reliability of the data transmission and the amount of data that can be processed.  In addition, the energy chain offers much greater flexibility with regard to the choice of cable/core cross section.  If it is necessary to add a cable to the existing system, this is easily possible with the e-chain, whereas the busbar system is not suitable for a core/cable retrofit.

On our website, you will find more examples and solutions for cable guidance in indoor crane applications and our brochure is available for download, free of charge.

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