Durable systems for maximum uptime
A lifetime solution
| Flywheels are an ideal energy storage system (ESS) to hybridize lifting devices of any description. The long life and high cycle tolerance mean that the flywheel ESS will last the lifetime of the unit, thus removing ESS replacement costs normally associated with battery and ultra-capacitor systems. In addition the minimal maintenance required ensures maximum uptime for full unit productivity. |  |
Harvesting energy with a flywheel ESS
The following table shows the opportunity for potential energy harvest utilizing a flywheel ESS. The example used is for a rubber tyred gantry (RTG) crane but also works for other lifting devices.
Gravitational energy resource (kWh) and power (kW) required to harvest the energy for an RTG with a hoist operating speed of 25 meters per minute
| Lift mass | Power | 1 over 3 | 1 over 4 | 1 over 5 | 1 over 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 tonnes | 204 kW | 1.7 kWh | 2.1 kWh | 2.5 kWh | 2.9 kWh |
| 40 tonnes | 164 kW | 1.3 kWh | 1.7 kWh | 2.0 kWh | 2.3 kWh |
| 30 tonnes | 123 kW | 1.0 kWh | 1.2 kWh | 1.5 kWh | 1.7 kWh |
| 20 tonnes | 82 kW | 0.7 kWh | 0.8 kWh | 1.0 kWh | 1.1 kWh |
| Lift height | 12.3 m | 15.2 m | 18.1 m | 21.0 m |
For each kWh of energy harvested approximately 250 g of CO2 is abated by not consuming 0.34 liters of diesel fuel on the subsequent lift. As an example, for a 1 over 6, 50 tonne RTG this is equivalent to 750 g per lift. Assuming 100 lifts per day this is equivalent to approximately 27 tonnes of CO2 per year. The amount of diesel saved is approximately 37,000 liters.
System configuration
As we can see from the schematic below, the introduction of a flywheel ESS does not impact the overall architecture of the lifting device in any way. Designed to plug into a DC rail and with configurable voltage, our systems are just as effective as a retrofit to an existing lifting device or as part of a new design.
Example system schematic for an RTG fitted with a flywheel ESS
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