Hybrid Battery System Reduces Pollutant Emissions from Crane Systems

September 2019. Conductix-Wampfler is now responsible for the supply of a total of 15 hybrid battery systems for RTG cranes. The battery systems for three container terminals are to be delivered until the end of September. In addition, Conductix-Wampfler has received an order to retrofit an electrified E-RTG crane to a zero emission Full-Electric RTG crane (FE-RTG) by utilizing a battery pack.

Hybrid-RTG offers flexibility with full efficiency

The Conductix-Wampfler hybrid battery system delivers the energy that is required for all crane movements. "A battery system can provide the amount of energy that is required for either around 20 container movements or an idling period of approx. 2 to 4 hours ", explains Daniel Thomas, Manager Global E-RTG Projects with Conductix-Wampfler. Alongside the battery system with Li-ion-battery packs, the cranes are also equipped with a small diesel generator. Once the batteries reach low capacity, the generator starts up to recharge the battery packs, running with optimum efficiency at the ideal continuous speed. In addition, all regenerative energy resulting from the container movements is entirely fed back; this typically occurs while containers are lowered. Structural changes in the container port are not necessary to use the hybrid battery system.

Hybrid battery system decreases diesel consumption

"In comparison to the conventional drive, a hybrid battery system can save up to 60 percent in fuel which also reduces the pollutant emissions considerably", says Thomas, naming one of the main advantages. The generator automatically activates during the running operation so that the working process is not interrupted. The efficiency and flexible application of the crane is maintained, because it can operate independently of a connection to grid power and without any need to stop for charging.

Long-standing experience from successful retrofit projects

Cranes equipped with a FE-RTG battery pack by Conductix-Wampfler operate completely emission-free. No diesel generator is required on the crane to switch between the electrified container aisles. "We are pleased that our zero emission solutions have performed so well", Gunther Schäffer, Senior Manager Global E-RTG Projects, is satisfied with another order for the retrofitting of an E-RTG crane with a complete exchange of the existing "ECO Drive System". Both the hybrid battery system as well as the FE-RTG battery packs can not only be installed in new RTG cranes, but also in ones already in use. "Here, Conductix-Wampfler is able to draw upon a long-standing experience in successfully concluded retrofitting projects", Schäffer explains. As investments in conversions can generally be written off in very short time, due to fuel savings as well as lower maintenance costs, Thomas and Schäffer each see a market-changing trend with an increasing demand for battery solutions.