Crane energy recycling promises fuel and emissions savings

VYCON, a leader in the design and manufacture of energy storage flywheel systems, has developed a system called REGEN that significantly reduces the amount of fuel used through a flywheel that stores regenerated energy from the crane AC hoist motor. This is reused during the peak power demand, such as when lifting containers.

Not only does this reduce fuel consumption and provide a return on investment for port operators, it also greatly reduces the emissions produced. Additional benefits to port owners are improved system response and a reduction in machinery maintenance. Crane operators benefit from cleaner air and reduced noise.

Louis Romo, vice president business development at VYCON, said REGEN is groundbreaking in the industry because it can be easily retrofitted on to existing cranes enabling immediate savings, or integrated into new crane manufacturing for a more efficient machine from the start.

Currently, VYCON is testing a system at a terminal in Long Beach, California which has been in operation since May, 2006.

Preliminary fuel savings tests have been able to demonstrate a 20% to 25% reduction in consumption.