Crane Energy Supply Module for Low-Emission Hybrid Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Combustion engine-powered cranes emit pollutants, noise, and rely on non-renewable fuels, posing health and environmental risks and increasing operational costs.

Innovation Solution

An energy supply module comprising an energy storage, charger, mechanical, and electrical interfaces to power cranes electrically, reducing emissions and noise, and allowing hybrid operation with combustion engines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If combustion engine is used to power the crane, then the crane can operate with high power output, but it emits pollutants and noise that harm the environment and workers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepollutant emissions and noiseVSAvoidcrane power output

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The power system is segmented into multiple independent power sources: an energy storage device (battery) for emission-free operation and a combustion engine for high-power backup. This segmentation allows the crane to operate in different modes depending on power requirements and environmental constraints, resolving the contradiction between power output and emission reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by switching between different power sources based on situational requirements. When environmental quality is prioritized, the electric motor powered by the energy storage device is used. When high power is needed, the combustion engine is activated, thus dynamically changing the power source parameter to balance power output and emission levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If combustion engine is used to power the crane, then the crane can operate continuously, but it incurs high operational costs due to fuel prices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational costVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between power sources based on operational needs and cost considerations. The energy storage device provides cost-effective operation for standard tasks, while the combustion engine serves as a backup for extended operations, creating a dynamic power management strategy that optimizes both operational cost and duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The energy storage device can be charged during idle periods or when the crane is not in use, utilizing available time resources to replenish energy reserves. This self-service charging approach reduces dependency on continuous fuel consumption and lowers overall operational costs while maintaining continuous operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If combustion engine is used to power the crane, then the crane can operate without external power sources, but it relies on non-renewable resources and reduces sustainability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesustainabilityVSAvoidenergy source type

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The crane is equipped with multi-functionality to use both renewable (energy storage device charged from grid or regenerative braking) and non-renewable (combustion engine) energy sources. This universality allows the system to adapt to different sustainability requirements while maintaining operational flexibility, resolving the contradiction between sustainability and energy source availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Significantly reduces emissions and noise, lowers operational costs, and enhances working conditions by providing a sustainable and flexible power solution for cranes.

Implementation Method 1

an energy storage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

a charger to charge the energy storage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharging process: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP4707215A1An energy supply module, an energy arrangement and a vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 PALFINGER AG

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AI summary

It is provided an energy supply module (100) for supplying electrical energy to a crane (130). The crane is arranged to be mounted on a crane carrier (120). The energy supply module comprises an energy storage (102). The energy supply module further comprises a charger (104) to charge the energy storage. The energy supply module further comprises a mechanical interface (108) to mount the energy supply module to the crane carrier. The energy supply module further comprises an electrical interface (106) to connect the energy supply module with an electric drive unit (140) driving the crane.