The E-RTG 2.0 uses new lithium-ion battery technology and optimised charging technology, ensuring that the diesel generator and tank will no longer be needed in future.
With Full E-RTG, cranes can now travel up to 1,500m on power from the energy-storage system. Previously, the port cranes were only up to 90% electrically driven after switching from diesel to electric mode. For the remaining 10%, they still needed the diesel generator and diesel fuel when changing block or alley and for trips to the maintenance area.
“Working together with a renowned research institute we have found the optimum charging technology after various tests with different batteries and super capacitor systems as part of an international development project,” said Michael Eckle, director of global marketing and innovation, Conductix-Wampfler.
“We were able to harmonise the latest automotive battery technology with the special requirements of stacking cranes in ports. With Full E-RTG, we can now for the first time offer our customers a system solution for the complete electrification of RTGs,” he added.
In addition, Conductix-Wampfler says it wants to further optimise the equipment, including by absorbing 100% of the energy released when lowering the container in the energy-storage system instead of converting it into heat in large braking resistors as in the past.
“There is still more potential for energy efficiency that we would like to successively exploit for our customers,” Mr Eckle concluded.
The Port of Tanjung Pelepas is the first port to use the new Full E-RTG system solution. The container port at the southern tip of Malaysia, one of the 20 largest in the world, is also one of the first to have converted to E-RTGs as part of the framework contract signed in 2011 between Conductix-Wampfler and APM Terminals to convert diesel-powered RTGs.