System solutions for trolley, hoist and slewing gear movement

The prerequisite for smooth movement of a crane is the safe operation of the different drive axes. This and more is made possible using system solutions from KEB Automation.

The performance features and dimensions of cranes are as relevant as they are impressive in use. For example, the world’s largest crane, which can lift around 5,000 tonnes at its peak, is almost three times the size of the Statue of Liberty in New York, with a height of up to 250 metres. The diverse range of movements that cranes must perform reliably places high demands on the installed drive technology, as well as the integrated control system.

“We offer the right automation solution for many of a crane’s central motion functions. Typically, our frequency inverters such as the COMBIVERT F6 and S6 are used in the slewing and hoisting gear, as well as in the drive of the trolley,” says Frank Weber, application engineer at KEB Automation. “Our solutions are available for different cranes – from tower cranes and luffing cranes to gantry and bridge cranes.”

On closer look at the function of, for example, a trolley travelling along the girder, the requirements that this places on the drive solution quickly become clear: dynamic travel behaviour and the exact approach of positions at different speeds are essential tasks that the drive controllers from KEB need to perform in this case. Here, solutions without encoders are possible using modern ASCL (asynchronous sensorless closed loop) technology, which is integrated in the drive controllers such as the COMBIVERT F6 (from 7.5kW) or the COMBIVERT S6 servo drive (from 0.75 to 7.5kW). ASCL enables the traversing of travel and positioning profiles.

The hoist of a crane also needs a drive that controls highly dynamic movements as well as ensuring a good level of power and precision. KEB offers drive controllers suitable for this purpose and which also have an integrated safety function. Different speed profiles are permanently required in active crane operation and can be realised in a wide range via the COMBIVERT F6 and S6. In addition, adapted functions and libraries are available for the respective drive tasks. This also applies to the crane’s slewing gear, which requires smooth execution of slewing motions in particular.

However, as well as the control of precise movements, fast and simple connection, particularly in remote locations or on construction sites, also play an important role in KEB’s crane solutions. Isa Ethem Demirkol, application engineer at KEB Automation explains: “With our C6 Router solution, we enable secure and practical remote access to the relevant equipment. Users therefore keep the functional parameters of the drive controllers, the control system or a visualisation environment under control at all times. Due to flexible interfaces, existing machines can also be easily retrofitted.”