Overhead Travelling Crane With Onboard Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running cranes require permanent electrical connections via power lines or energy chains along the crane track for continuous operation, which is cumbersome and costly to install and maintain.
Innovation Solution
Integration of energy storage systems, such as rechargeable batteries, connected to the crane's drives and a charging station that can be powered by solar modules or the public power supply, allowing the crane to operate independently of external power sources and eliminating the need for permanent connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent electrical connections via power lines or energy chains are used along the crane track, then continuous operation is enabled, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply system from the stationary infrastructure (removing power lines and energy chains from the crane track) and relocates it to the moving crane itself through onboard energy storage devices. This allows the crane to operate independently without permanent electrical connections along the track.
Solution Approach 2:
The crane becomes self-sufficient by carrying its own energy storage devices (batteries, capacitors, or fuel cells) that provide power directly to the drive system. The crane services itself energetically without requiring external power infrastructure, eliminating the need for permanent electrical connections.
2Device complexity
If energy storage devices are integrated into the running crane, then permanent power supply connections are eliminated, but crane weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage devices serve multiple functions: they provide power during operation, can be recharged at charging stations, and may incorporate regenerative braking systems that recover energy during deceleration. This multi-functionality justifies the weight addition by providing both power supply and energy recovery capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows flexibility in selecting different energy storage technologies (batteries, capacitors, fuel cells) with varying weight-to-energy-ratios. The system can be optimized by choosing appropriate energy density parameters based on specific application requirements, balancing weight against operational duration and power needs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If charging stations with solar modules are used, then renewable energy can be utilized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station integrates multiple energy sources (solar modules and grid connection) and energy storage devices into a single hybrid system. This merging allows the crane to charge from renewable solar energy when available, supplementing with grid power when needed, while the shared energy storage infrastructure reduces overall system complexity compared to separate systems.
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
Enables the running crane to operate without permanent power supply connections, reducing installation complexity and allowing for the use of renewable energy sources like solar power, enhancing mobility and reducing operational downtime.
Implementation Method 1
the running crane (1) has an energy storage (11) which is connected to the drives (21, 22, 23) to provide energy to the drives (21, 22, 23)
Implementation Method 2
a charging station (13) is provided, which is approached by the running crane (1) so that the energy store (11) can take on energy from the charging station (13) if necessary when the running crane (1) is in the station (13), wherein the charging station (13) refers to energy from an external power source comprising a solar module (14)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an overhead travelling crane (1) having a horizontally extending crane girder (2), which can be displaced in a railbound manner along a craneway, and having a crane trolley (9), which can be displaced along the crane girder (2) and carries lifting gear (16) for raising and lowering a load, wherein the lifting gear (16) has a suspension means formed as a cable or chain and the overhead travelling crane (1) has electric drives for movements of the overhead travelling crane (1). To provide an improved overhead travelling crane, according to the invention the overhead travelling crane (1) has an energy store (11) connected to the drives to supply the drives with energy.