The igus e-loop energy supply series (which is stated to increase safety and also reduce both procurement and installation time) has been expanded to suit static applications, including shore power supplies
Shore power allows the provision of electrical power to ships at berth, allowing the vessels main and auxiliary engines to be shut down. Stricter guidelines are now forcing ports to implement more environmentally friendly technologies and practices, and the use of igus e-loop series helps reduce air pollution and noise as well as saving engine hours whilst alongside. igus says it developed the e-loop as an alternative to the service loop – a product with no defined bend radius and which, in the worst case scenarios, can break. Another drawback to the service loop is that when it is serviced or repaired the complete system must be replaced since the cables are sealed into the system.
Justin Leonard, a UK Director of igus, observes: "The e-loop multi-axis energy supply system combines the advantages of a polymer energy chain with a high-strength rope. The rope absorbs the tensile forces inside the chain and transmits them to the mounting brackets. This means that the cables remain completely free of strain. Due to its success, we recently expanded this e-loop series to include a new version with crossbars across every second link” igus says that this lightweight and cost-effective solution withstands vibrations and shocks and is specifically developed for static applications such as shore power, enabling energy to be supplied from the mast to the power container.
Igus claims that its e-loop readychain system, harnessed by the company and tested with a Megger VLF Sinus 34kV, has been found to save users almost 90% on procurement and 68% on assembly time. In addition, igus provides a guarantee of up to 36 months depending on the configuration of the e-loop, and when the machine and system reaches the end of its service life, igus can take it back and recycle it. The company now offers its energy chains with special connectors and cables as fully tested readychains. The e-loop is also available with rollers and handle modules so that it can be easily moved at quay facilities.
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