Finnish crane manufacturer Konecranes recently rolled out what they claim to be the first hybrid reach stacker for container handling in the world which features a diesel/electric driveline.
The SMV 4531 TB5 HLT crane has a lifting capacity of 45 tonnes
and comes with an electrified hydraulic lifting system as well as a
super capacitor based energy storage.
Konecranes believes its newest offering will
cut fuel consumption and emissions while offering improved
performance in terms of acceleration and lifting response.
Estimated fuel consumption for the crane is said to be 10 litres
per hour during normal handling of fully loaded containers,
significantly less than conventional reach stackers.
According to Konecranes, this can be achieved through the
electrification of energy flows across the driveline, the hydraulic
lifting system and the energy storage system.
Konecranes Lift Trucks Technical Director Anders Nilsson
explains that dedicated electric motors in the reach stacker which
can be operated in regenerative mode powers propulsion and
lifting.
“The energy generated from braking and load lowering is
recovered and stored for later re-use which means a reduction in
diesel fuel consumption and environmental impact,” he says.
“Meanwhile, productivity is increased in terms of quicker
response and higher acceleration.”
The new reach stacker is still undergoing field testing at Port
of Helsingborg, a port situated at the narrowest point of the sound
between Sweden and Denmark.
Konecranes has not released information on the arrival of the
reach stackers in Australia.