RTG automation first for Vahle

News 28 Nov 2017 by WCN Editorial

German power systems specialist Vahle is ready to deliver conductor bar and SMG (slotted microwave guide) systems for supplying power and data to support automated and remote control RTG cranes at HPH’s terminal in Laem Chabang, Thailand – enabling automated cranes to operate without fibre optic cable.

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Describing the project Vahle said: “In the first step, 10 new RTGs are equipped with a 2+2 VAHLE electrification system. 8 RTGs will have a telescopic arm, 2 RTGS will have two. A control software developed by Vahle enables the cranes to enter the system automatically and to couple and uncouple in an extremely short time without a need for manual intervention. The Vahle components are completely integrated in the e-house of the RTG – the result of a successful collaboration with crane manufacturer ZPMC in Shanghai.

“For the power supply, almost 2.5km of the 4-pole Vahle U35 conductor system were installed, in addition to about 1.3km of SMGX data communication in a total of 5 double aisles. Environmental conditions like dust, humidity or temperature do not play a role. Other wireless communication in the port area does not affect transmission and vice versa.”

Vahle notes that the data transmission rate of the SMG+ system is “is up to 100Mbit/s” and is “industry compatible”, transmitting video signals as well as other data like e-stop signals. 100 Mbit/s is lower than the data throughput of fibre optic cable, but “fulfills the prerequisites for complete automation, which is now implemented step by step”, Vahle stated. The cranes will “move autonomously, however the crane operator is able to monitor them at all times with a video signal. Joystick commands are only necessary for gripping the container.”

For HPH, ERTGs have financial and environmental benefits, including lower maintenance and fuel consumption. The ERTGs will operate on mains power 95% of the time, with a small genset to move between rows when required. Vahle said HPH will convert its whole Laem Chanbang terminal to ERTG operations in three stages, stating with the 10 new machines, progressing to 43RTGs when the third phase is complete sometime around 2020.

The project also signifies the level of commitment ZPMC, together with its partners including Vahle and the customer HPH, is making to terminal automation. WorldCargo News understands the conductor bar and SMG+ system at Nantong is a permanent installation. Nantong is ZPMC’s main base for RTG manufacturing, and the power and data system will be used to test and commission automated RTGs before they are delivered.