What does your crane application need; a busbar or energy chain?

Vishaka Upreti | 3 May 2021

The performance and reliability of a crane is directly dependent on how power reaches the system. There are various power supply options available and each option has certain parameters and requirements to be considered. This can mean that selecting the best type of system to implement can be complicated. Here we look at 2 possible options; Busbar and energy chains.  

Busbar

Busbars have historically been  popular power supplies for cranes. However, busbar systems do have some shortcomings. One of the main problems is that busbars requires downtime for maintenance as they require frequent inspections. This is not only inconvenient but expensive!

Busbars are also limited in the type of energy they can supply. On a busbar system, each conductor requires its own conductor bar and collector. To add additional conductors should they be required, extra conductor bars must be installed on the hanger brackets. There is usually issues with space restrictions, so this is sometimes not a feasible option. This limits busbars usability. Another potential set back for the busbar system is should there be a requirement for additional hoses or other cable types. These have to have a separate system. This is important to consider when looking at intelligent plastics; Industry 4.0 and again whether the logistics of additional external cables are feasible.  

Further difficulties with busbars continue with the exposure of bare loaded conductors to the surrounding environment. This then becomes a health and safety concern, Something many companies simply cannot have, especially when dealing in hazardous or explosive environments. Busbars are not suited to these environments and can become a costly choice if dust or debris are in the air. Problems such as corrosion, which is likely in applications installed near seawater occurs causing devastation for the system.

e-chains®

igus e-chains are uncomplicated. They are constructed of parallel side links that connect with crossbars along the top and bottom of the chain. As a plastics specialist, we have specific designs and materials available which suit various types of motion and environmental applications. Unlike steel systems, plastic energy chains are designed to resist abrasion and corrosion. The igus e-chains are lighter than steel and are 100% maintenance-free. Our e-chains can carry all types of cables and hoses in a single system,. These include power, data, fiber optic, media, and hydraulics. Our chainflex cables are designed with jacketed multi-conductor cables for continuous flexing applications. We are so confident in our products that we offer 36-month guarantees on our e-chains and cables. 

With the e-chains systems, it Is also easy to change the cables if required. These are secured to the chains with strain relief clamps, which are installed at each end. If the cables need to either be replaced or upgraded, the existing cables can be released from the ends and used to pull in a new cable. 

The tribologically optimised polymers that the e-chains are manufactured in, allow them to remain stable, even when subjected to high loads, high temperatures and adverse weather, showcasing the primary reason the energy chain is more suited to crane applications than the busbar.