Generator system drives crane diesel savings at Felixstowe 04 April 2012

Installation of Control Techniques' RIS.GA system for diesel saving on 12 rubber tyre gantry cranes (RTGs) at the Port of Felixstowe has led to a confirmed 25% reduction in fuel use per crane.

Diesel generators onboard the RTGs and mobile harbour cranes usually run at constant speed to power the crane drive system and auxiliaries. But RIS.GA is designed to manage the diesel generator, allowing its speed to be reduced during stand-by, while maintaining essential power for auxiliary and safety equipment.

The 12 RTGs fitted are rated at 40 tonnes under the spreader, have a hoist speed of 50m/min, a trolley speed of 70m/min, a gantry speed of 140m/min and each is fitted with a 670kVA diesel generator.

Control Techniques was already quoting the Port of Felixstowe authorities for drive retrofits, and was able to present a convincing case for installing its drive management system, estimating a return on investment of two to three years.

Analysis of the RTG oil samples indicates that periods of idling have not been a problem and that savings have been very substantial, varying with duty up to around 30%, though generally averaging at 25%.

The RIS.GA software, pre-loaded onto a 37kVA Unidrive SP ac drive, is set to allow the diesel generators to run on for a minute before initiating run down to tick-over speed. At tick-over, the diesel generators produce 300V, which is boosted by the drive with RIS.GA up to the 415V required for operation of the auxiliary equipment. When required, the diesel generator will run up to operational speed in 5 seconds.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Control Techniques Drives Ltd

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.