Device for connecting a ship to a shore side supply network

Abstract

Device 1 for connecting a ship 11 to a shore-based supply network 5, wherein a shore-based coupling unit 2 can be connected to the shore-based supply network 2, the coupling unit 2 having a chassis 6 on which a first cable reel 14 for a shore-based connection line 4 for connection to the supply network 5 is arranged. A vertically adjustable work platform 12 is arranged on the chassis (6), which carries a second cable reel 17 with a ship-side connection line 19.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for connecting a ship to a shore-based supply network according to the features of claim 1.

[0002] Providing ships with shore power contributes to emission reduction. Suitable interfaces and shore power facilities are required to connect ships to a land-based power grid.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of further developing the state of the art with regard to suitable energy transmission devices for watercraft, specifically for the shore power supply of ships, and of demonstrating a corresponding device for connecting a ship to a shore-side supply network.

[0004] This problem is solved in a device with the features of claim 1.

[0005] The dependent claims relate to advantageous further developments of the invention.

[0006] The device according to the invention serves to connect a ship to a shore-based power supply network, wherein the device comprises a shore-based coupling unit that is connected to the shore-based power supply network. The device according to the invention relates to the shore-based part of the connection. The device is located on land. It is assumed that suitable couplings are available on the ship side to supply the ship with shore power and to enable coupling with the device according to the invention.

[0007] The coupling unit according to the invention has a chassis, on which a first cable reel for a shore-side connection to the supply network is arranged. A vertically adjustable work platform is also arranged on the chassis. The work platform carries a second cable reel with a ship-side connection.

[0008] The chassis serves to move the device close to the ship. For this purpose, the chassis can be rail-guided. It is particularly suitable for use without rails. The chassis is positioned so that the ship-side connection cable is located in front of a connection point on the ship to which the connection cable is to be connected. This connection point may be at different heights due to the ship's load or the tidal range. The device according to the invention has means for adjusting to the respective height of the connection point, in the form of a vertically adjustable work platform. The ship-side connection cable, which is located on the second cable reel, is raised to the desired position, e.g., 5 m above the height of a quay wall.A free end of the connecting cable is lowered until a plug at the end of the cable is at the appropriate height to be manually connected to the ship. If the height of the ship's connection point changes, for example due to loading or tidal range, the connecting cable can be actively adjusted by changing its free length or by raising or lowering the work platform.

[0009] The device's coupling unit serves to establish a connection to the shore-based power supply network and bridge the distance between the shore connection point and the device's position. Any unused length of the connecting cable is stored on the first cable reel. The shore-based connection cable is significantly longer than the ship-side connection cable, which, for example, only serves to compensate for a difference in elevation. Therefore, the cable reels are of different sizes. There are two separate cable reels, each independently driven and controlled by a motor. The electrical connection between the first and second cable reels is made via electrical connectors, specifically one or more connecting cables for transmitting power or data.The connecting cable is arranged and dimensioned so that height compensation between the first, lower cable drum and the movable second cable drum is always possible. At least one of the connecting cables can be arranged in an energy supply chain for this purpose.

[0010] The device according to the invention is used as follows: The device is connected to a shore-side connection point and then moved to a target point along the length of a quay wall. During this process, the shore-side connection cable is unwound from the first cable reel. When the target point is reached, i.e., when the second cable reel is positioned opposite the connection point to the ship, the work platform is raised and the second cable reel is brought to the desired height. The ship-side connection cable is unwound from the second cable reel until a connector at the end can be connected to the ship. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the first cable reel is offset by 90° relative to the axis of rotation of the second cable reel when viewed from above.The different orientations simplify the winding of the connecting cables, which preferably run lengthwise along the quay towards the shore connection point, while the connecting cable to the ship generally runs perpendicular to the shore connection cable. The cable reels are therefore preferably offset from each other by 90°.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting cable between the first cable drum and the second cable drum is arranged in an energy chain, one end of which can be moved vertically together with the work platform. The energy chain protects the connecting cable even under harsh conditions. Preferably, the energy chain is located protected between the two cable drums.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the ship-side connection cable has a plug at its free end, which is arranged to hang downwards before being handed over to a ship. The free end with the plug is guided, in particular, by a cable guide located on the work platform. This guide can be a roller block. The cable guide is, in particular, movable transversely to the work platform in order to move the free end with the plug closer to the ship being supplied, so that the plug can be reached by the operating personnel on board. After the connection to the ship has been established, the extendable cable guide can be retracted slightly to prevent a collision with the ship, for example, due to rolling movements of the ship's hull. A safety distance to the ship's hull is always maintained.

[0013] Preferably, the movable cable guide is arranged at the outer end of a horizontally movable arm of a sliding device. This arm can be of fixed length or telescopic. The sliding device for moving the arm is preferably located below the second cable drum. It is raised and lowered together with the work platform, so that the sliding device is always positioned at a defined, close distance to the second cable drum.

[0014] The cable routing can, for example, be designed as a deflection at the outer end of the arm, with the connecting cable coming diagonally from the cable reel and hanging downwards. The arm can be extended and retracted towards the ship's hull, i.e., in particular transversely to the chassis and especially transversely to the direction of travel of the chassis, thereby moving the free end of the connecting cable with the plug towards the ship's hull. When the connection to the ship is terminated, the arm can be retracted again to save space.

[0015] In this context, it is important that the second cable reel, or the free end of the plug, is always positioned at a height that ensures a mechanically stress-free connection to the ship's coupling, even at the maximum height of the ship-side connection point. Simultaneously, it must be extendable enough to compensate for tidal fluctuations or varying load heights. Rolling movements of the ship can also be compensated for by the connecting cable. The connecting cable is sufficiently flexible and long.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the cable drums are each arranged in a first and second enclosure to protect them from weather and tampering.

[0017] The second enclosure can have a flap on its side facing the ship. The horizontally movable arm can be configured so that it engages with the at least one flap to open it. In the simplest case, the horizontally movable arm pushes the flap open. If the arm is located in the lower part of the enclosure, and particularly below the cable reel, the ship-side connection cable with the downward-hanging plug is always in contact with the outer end of the arm or the cable guide located there. The cable is routed downwards or laterally downwards out of the second enclosure. The flap is therefore preferably hinged to the enclosure above the sliding mechanism, so that only its lower end is moved outwards to open it.If the flap is slightly angled in the open position, sufficient protection for the components inside the second enclosure can be achieved even in precipitation. In this case, opening the enclosure by sliding the arm only creates a downward opening below the flap. The flap acts as an upward shield, primarily for protection against the elements or falling debris.

[0018] The enclosure is preferably vertically movable relative to the chassis, together with the work platform. It is located on the work platform. When shore power is connected, the work platform and enclosure are raised; only in this case is the overall height increased.

[0019] Work platforms can bear heavy loads, especially when lifted using a scissor mechanism. Scissor lift work platforms are based on robust and proven technology that can be combined with various chassis. The chassis can be rail-guided or rail-free. The chassis drive is typically electric to avoid emissions. Hydraulic or mechanical drives are also possible.

[0020] The enclosures are preferably arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal direction of the chassis, defining a gap between them. The energy chain can be arranged in this gap. This gap or area between the two enclosures can be protected by a top cover or a cover running lengthwise along the side of the device. The entire device is thus protected from tampering and the elements in the lowered position, since all current-carrying components, in particular the cable reels and the connecting cable between the cable reels, are enclosed.

[0021] The invention is explained below with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1: a device 1 next to a ship; Figure 2: the device of the Figure 1 in a side view; Figure 3 the device of Figures 1 and 2With the work platform lowered, the device is shown in the side view and in Figure 4. Figure 3 in a frontal view.

[0022] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a device 1 with a shore-side coupling unit 2. The coupling unit 2 comprises a shore-side connection cable 3 with an end plug 4 for connecting the shore-side connection cable 3 to a shore-side supply network 5. In the side view according to Figure 1, the device 1 is shown with a shore-side coupling unit 2. The coupling unit 2 includes a shore-side connection cable 3 with an end plug 4 for connecting the shore-side connection cable 3 to a shore-side Figure 2 The land-side connection cable 3 with the plug 4 is shown in a transport position on the land-side coupling unit 2. The land-side coupling unit 2 serves for the electrical connection of the device 1 to the land side. It is located on a chassis 6, which is movable on a quay 7 or on the top of a quay wall or port facility. The chassis 6 can be rail-guided or rail-free. From the illustration of the Figure 1It becomes clear that it can proceed particularly in the longitudinal direction of quay 7 along mooring facilities (bollards) 9. Figure 1 The quay shows 7 distance elements 10, in particular yielding fenders, against which a schematically indicated hull of a ship 11 rests.

[0023] The chassis 6 carries the land-side coupling unit 2 with the land-side supply line 3 and a vertically adjustable work platform 12. The work platform 12 can only be adjusted vertically. It is a scissor lift work platform, in which the lifting system 13 beneath the work platform 12 is a scissor mechanism. The lifting system can be hydraulically or electromechanically driven.

[0024] The landside coupling unit 2 and the working platform 12 are oriented longitudinally 16 ( Figure 2) of the chassis 6, in particular arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel. The onshore coupling unit 2 has a first cable reel 14 for the onshore connection cable 3. A pivot axis 15 of the first cable reel 14 runs transversely to the longitudinal direction 16 of the chassis 6. The free end of the onshore connection cable 3 with the plug 4 is located in the plane of the image. Figure 2 at the right rear end of the chassis 6. It is held in a transport holder 8. To connect to the shore-side power supply network 5, the plug 4 is removed from the transport holder.

[0025] The work platform 12 with the lifting system 13 is located at the front end. A cable reel 17 is located on the work platform 12. The cable reel 17 has a pivot axis 18 which, viewed from above, is offset by 90° from the pivot axis 15 of the first cable reel 14. The pivot axis 18 of the second cable reel 17 points longitudinally 16 to the chassis 6. The second cable reel 17 carries a ship-side connection cable 19. It is electrically connected to the first, shore-side connection cable 4 via a connecting cable 20 in an energy chain 21. The term connection cable or connecting cable also encompasses an arrangement of several connection or supply cables, which can be used in particular for energy transmission, but also for data transmission. They can also be control cables. Several connectors can be connected simultaneously, both on the shore and ship sides.

[0026] The energy chain 21 is protected between the first cable drum 14 and the second cable drum 17. The two cable drums 14, 17 are arranged in enclosures 22, 23. The second enclosure 23 is raised and lowered together with the work platform 12. As a result, the enclosures 22, 23 are in the initial position as shown in the Figures 3 and 4 The device shown is preferably of substantially the same height. In its initial position, i.e., when not in use, the device according to the invention has a low overall height of preferably less than 4.20 m and a length of 6 m to 10 m. Preferably, the length in the longitudinal direction 16 of the chassis 6 does not exceed 8 m. A width measured transversely to the direction of travel is preferably at most 3 m.

[0027] The land-side connection line 3 has a length of 20 m to 50 m, in particular a length of 30 m to 40 m. The ship-side connection line 19 is shorter and has a length of less than 20 m, in particular less than 10 m.

[0028] Due to its compact design and narrow width of at most 3 m, the device 1 can be positioned very close to the waterside edge of quay 7. The horizontal distance A1 from the waterside edge of quay wall 24 to the central longitudinal plane 25 of the device 1 is at most 2.5 m.

[0029] The spacer element 10 or fender typically has a width of 1 m to 1.5 m, so that approximately 1.75 m to 2.25 m of the ship-side connecting line 19 must be bridged between the housing 23 or the second cable drum 17 arranged there and the ship hull 2.

[0030] The Figure 1Figure 18 shows that the shore-side connection cable 19 has a downward-hanging plug 27 at its free end 26. The free end 26 is guided over a cable guide 28 located on the work platform 12. This guide may be a roller deflection mechanism. The cable guide 28 is movable relative to the work platform 12 to move the free end 26 with the plug 27 towards the ship 11. The cable guide 18 is moved horizontally. For this purpose, a horizontally movable arm 29 of a sliding device 30 is arranged below the cable drum 17. The sliding device 30 extends or retracts the arm 29 horizontally towards the ship 11. This allows the plug 27 to be moved closer to the ship 11 and accessible to operating personnel on board the ship 11. Furthermore, lowering the plug 27 can compensate for differences in height on the ship.A vertical height H1 is, for example, 5 m between an upper transfer point 31 of the ship 11 and a lower transfer point 32 of the ship 11. In both cases, it can also be one and the same transfer point 31, 32, which is merely arranged at different heights due to the tidal range or the load of the ship 11. The plug 27 at the free end 26 can be adjusted accordingly. In this embodiment, a tidal range of 5 m can be bridged if the plug 27 on the ship-side connection line 19 is raised to a height of 5 m.

[0031] The Figures 3 and 4Figure 1 shows the device in the retracted position of the work platform 12, or with the lifting system 13 retracted. The lifting system 13 is so compact that it fits below the loading platform 12, so that the housing 23 of the work platform 12 does not protrude above the housing 22 of the land-side coupling unit 2. The energy chain 21, shown schematically, is located between the two housings 22 and 23. It is protected from above by a cover 33. The cover 33 serves to protect against the elements and also against falling objects.

[0032] The Figure 4The device 1 is shown in a front view looking towards the second cable drum 17. The ship-side connection cable 19 with the plug 26 was pulled from the cable guide 28 into the housing 23, so that a flap 34 closes an opening of the housing 23 facing the ship 11. The flap 34 is hinged at its upper end so that the lower end can be swung outwards. Figure 1 This illustrates that the flap 34 is pushed open, i.e., pivoted, by the guide 28 at the outer end 35 of the arm 29. In this way, the flap 34 protects the arm 29 from the elements and from falling objects from above. When not in use, the flap 34 is closed. Reference symbol:

[0033] 1 - Device 2 - Coupling unit of 2 3 - Shore-side connection cable of 2 4 - Plug on 3 5 - Shore-side supply network 6 - Chassis of 1 7 - Quay 8 - Transport mount for 4 9 - Mooring device on 7 10 - Spacer (fender) 11 - Ship 12 - Work platform 13 - Lifting system of 12 14 - First cable reel on 2 15 - Pivot axis of 14 16 - Longitudinal direction of 6 17 - Second cable reel on 12 18 - Pivot axis of 17 19 - Ship-side connection cable 20 - Connecting cable 21 - Energy chain for 20 22 - Enclosure of 2 23 - Enclosure of 17 24 - Quay wall of 7 25 - Central longitudinal plane of 6 26 - End of 19 27 -Plug at 26 28 -Cable routing at 35 29 -Horizontally movable arm of 30 30 -Sliding device 31 -Ship-side transfer point 32 -Ship-side transfer point 33 -Cover for 21 34 -Flap 35 -End of 29 A1 - horizontal distance between 24 and 25 H1 - height

Claims

1. Device (1) for connecting a ship (11) to a shore-based supply network (5), wherein a shore-based coupling unit (2) can be connected to the shore-based supply network (5), wherein the coupling unit (2) has a chassis (6) on which a first cable drum (14) for a shore-based connection cable (4) for connection to the supply network (5) is arranged, characterized by the fact that a work platform (12) which can be moved vertically is arranged on the chassis (6) and which carries a second cable drum (17) with a ship-side connection cable (19).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that a rotation axis (15) of the first cable drum (14) is arranged at 90° to the rotation axis (18) of the second cable drum (17).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thata connecting cable (21) between the first cable drum (14) and the second cable drum (17) is arranged in an energy supply chain (20), one end of which can be moved vertically together with the work platform (12).

4. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the ship-side connection cable (19) has a plug (27) at its free end (26) which is arranged to hang downwards before being handed over to a ship (11), wherein the free end (26) is guided over a cable guide (28) arranged on the work platform (12), wherein the cable guide (28) is movable transversely to the work platform (12) in order to move the free end (26) with the plug (27) in the direction of a ship (11) to be connected.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the guide (28) is arranged at an outer end (35) of a horizontally movable arm (29) of a sliding device (30), 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the sliding device (30) is arranged at a height below the second cable drum (17).

7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that the second cable drum (17) is arranged in a second housing (23), wherein the housing (23) has a flap (24) on its side facing a ship (11), wherein the horizontally movable arm (29) engages with the flap (24) to open the flap (24).

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the first cable drum (14) is arranged in a first housing (22) on the chassis (6).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the second enclosure (23) on the work platform (12) is vertically displaceable relative to the first enclosure (22) on the chassis (6).

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