New control system concept for motorized festoon systems and motorized cable reels

Integration of the control system logic into the overriding PLC / high flexibility in the selection of frequency converter

Weil am Rhein, in September 2008. Conductix-Wampfler has developed a new control system logic for its  cable trolleys and  motorized cable reels in which the overriding PLC (programmable logic controller) of the overall unit, such as an STS container crane or an RTG is integrated. The new control system concept is thus manufacturer-independent and can be integrated in all control systems that are regularly available in the core crane market.

“We are already developing the product for the future, orienting ourselves towards market requirements", says Markus Brogsitter, Product Manager for motorized cable reels at Conductix-Wampfler. Active market observation in the approach to the development of the new control system concept has shown that in particular the flexibility in the selection of the frequency converter and other control system components are becoming increasingly more important. "In order to provide our international customers with the highest degree of flexibility and to achieve further important benefits, we have decided to integrate our control systems directly into the present PLC of the overall unit of the client", adds Brogsitter.


Improvements / Customer Benefits

In addition to the high flexibility in the manufacturer and technology selection, the significant advantage of the new control system lies in the direct parameterization of the  motorized festoon systems and cable reels via the PLC of the overall unit. The use of various safety elements also guarantees a high degree of operational safety and simplifies the error analysis. Further technical improvements can be implemented during this development for the control of the conduction vehicles and motorized cable reels themselves. Thus, for example, the crane speed at 300 m/min for a motor-driven cable reel with end feed or the intersection of the feed with a center feed of a motor-driven cable reel at 150 m/min. A further argument, certainly not to be neglected concerns the minimized costs over the entire product life cycle.


Development of market and technology leadership

With this renewed important developmental step, Conductix-Wampfler is both underlining its market leadership and setting new standards. Festoon systems and motorized cable reels from Conductix-Wampfler are used worldwide in  cranes and transport systems, including ports,  container handling systems,  steel plants and in opencast pits.