Germany keeps crane control real

Showcasing Emotron’s VFX variable speed drives, the simulator consists of a crab carriage riding on a 20-metre long rail, allowing simulation of riding and hoisting.

Emotron has almost 20 years’ experience of crane operation in the steel industry, shipping and ports, among other areas.The company claims that the main benefits of using variable speed drives for crane control are “shorter cycle times, reduced maintenance and higher levels of safety”.

Available in the power range 0.75 – 1,500 kW, Emotron VFX variable speed drives include an integrated shaft power monitor and a patented load curve protection that protect cranes from damage and minimises downtimes.

The manufacturer claims the system is easy to install and use, with no PC needed. Parameters can be set to the units of the operator’s choice, for example ton/h or m/s.The operator can also switch between local and remote control by pressing a button on the control panel.

The manufacturer asserts that the variable speed also allows for rapid starts without the motor speed falling or the crane moving jerkily, while direct torque control and pre-magnetisation of the motor ensure that the motor has sufficient power when the mechanical brakes are released.