drive-chain

[Designstudie] drive-chain 2.0

Extreme dynamics and longest travels with wear-free drive
The world's first energy chain system with its own drive, now virtually wear-free with a linear motor. For long distances of 1,000 metres and more with extreme dynamics and long running times. For ASC (Automated Stacking Cranes) cranes of the next generation. The lower mass enables higher acceleration and speed, and the drive-chain 2.0 also offers a significantly longer service life compared to standard energy chain systems.

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Tech up

Virtually wear-free linear drive for even less friction over very long travel distances
Drive force does not have to come from the powered system (e.g. crane), because the e-chain system has own drive
Two drive concepts (linear drive & friction wheel drive)
Significantly higher operation times because there is almost no stress caused push/pull force
For ASC (Automated Stacking Cranes) next generation cranes
Higher acceleration & speed possible due to lower mass

Cost down

Significantly longer service life compared to standard energy chain systems
Shorter cable lengths, due to central feed, resulting in lower cable costs when purchasing

Proof

Tested in the laboratory

Sustainability

4 - 6t less moving mass on the crane, thus less energy consumption

Cable drum crane on rails with cable system for power supply.

Before

Variant with motorised cable reel. Approximately 4-6 tonnes in weight, which must be carried permanently and costs drive force.

After

Variant with igus® drive-chain. e-chain system® with its own drive force. Higher speeds and longer travel distances possible.

Coal handling plant with a stacker and guided energy chain along the conveyor.

Other systems for long travels

Discover different energy chain systems for long travel distances, which can easily move up to 1,000 metres and more at a speed of 10 m/s and a fill weight of 50 kg/m.

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Two blue RTG cranes lift containers at the container port.

Energy chain systems for cranes

Energy chain systems and flexible cables are used in cranes. In more than 10,000 igus® energy chain solutions in harbours, they have been proving their worth for years thanks to their corrosion-resistant, maintenance-free materials and long service lives.

More information

Triple E-class container ships and the requirements for the energy supply systems of STS cranes

Challenge: Cranes for triple E-class container ships
Requirements for the availability and reliability of the cranes
Comparison of energy and signal supply systems (festoons, busbar system and energy chain)
Technological outlook: Rollers e-chain®

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Whitepaper with a container ship and open pages about Triple-E ships and energy efficiency.

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Successful application stories in the crane industry

Yellow overhead crane in an industrial hall.

Fifty per cent more storage space

A particularly space-saving solution has been developed for the energy supply of a fully automatic crane system, which has proven itself under the highest loads and in continuous operation - and which today creates 50 per cent more storage space.

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A grab crane unloads bulk cargo at the port.

Reliable despite continuous operation

A roller energy chain is in use at one of the largest transhipment harbours for bulk goods in Western Europe. Despite continuous operation and a travel distance of over 100 metres, it works without incident on the huge ship-to-shore crane.

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Collage of port cranes, container handling and heavy-lift technology in the harbour.

...and other success stories

Discover in this selection of application examples sorted by crane type how our energy chain and chainflex® cables are used in the crane industry for different requirements.

Discover further success stories