In container ports, where efficiency and sustainability are increasingly important, Epic Power's DC/DC converters offer an innovative solution for free-running gantry or RTG cranes. These cranes are often powered by diesel generators and can benefit significantly from energy storage via supercapacitors (supercaps). Combined with a bi-directional DC/DC converter, braking energy is utilized much more efficiently.
When containers are lowered, the hoist motor acts as a generator: it releases braking energy that is normally dissipated through resistors. By temporarily storing this energy in supercap banks, it can later be reused when lifting containers. This not only lowers fuel consumption, but also reduces CO₂ emissions as well as increasing the dynamics of the crane. The lifting movements become faster, without a heavier generator.
In this, Epic Power's DC/DC converter is the heart of the system. It controls the power flows between the supercaps and the drive electronics, supporting voltages up to 900 Vdc. The converter is robust and suitable for the high power peaks common in RTG applications.
Practical data show that such a system can provide up to 40-50% energy savings on hoisting movements, with fuel savings of up to 20%. The combination of energy reuse and peak shaving makes this solution both sustainable and economically attractive.
Epic Power offers modular and customer-specific systems for this, which can be easily adapted to available space, crane type and power profile. A scalable and future-proof upgrade for every modern terminal.
