A gantry crane is a type of bridge crane with a bridge supported on ground tracks by outriggers on both sides. It primarily consists of a main girder, outriggers, a trolley traveling mechanism, and a trolley (including its running mechanism and hoisting mechanism). The main girder is the key load-bearing structure. The trolley can move laterally on the main girder, lifting cargo via the hoisting mechanism. The trolley traveling mechanism enables the gantry crane to move longitudinally along the ground tracks. These three modes of movement allow it to operate within a large three-dimensional space. Container gantry cranes and electromagnetic gantry cranes may also have a slewing mechanism. All mechanisms of a gantry crane are powered by electricity or hydraulics and electrically controlled to ensure the equipment functions safely and reliably.
The power supply of gantry crane is generally three-phase four-wire system, industrial standard power supply is 380V, 50HZ. If the total power of the whole equipment exceeds 500KW, it is recommended to use 10KV high voltage power supply. The power supply form of gantry crane is mainly determined by five factors: working environment, operating distance and range, load requirements, trolley operating speed, cost factors, etc.
Outdoor or Indoor: When operating outdoors, consider weather factors such as rain, snow, wind, and sand. Conductor rail power supply and elevated power supply offer superior rainproof, dustproof, and corrosion-resistant properties, making them suitable for outdoor use. Cable reel power supply and trailing cable power supply are more appropriate for indoor environments.
Explosion-proof requirements: In locations with flammable or explosive gases, such as chemical warehouses, select power supply methods with strong explosion-proof capabilities, like explosion-proof cable reel systems.
Short-Distance Operation: For gantry cranes with limited travel distance and working range—such as those in small workshops—cable reel power supply or trailing cable power supply suffices, offering lower costs.
Long-Distance Operation: In large ports and cargo yards where gantry cranes traverse extended distances, overhead busbar power supply or elevated power supply systems are more suitable, ensuring stable power delivery over long distances.
Light-load equipment: Gantry cranes with light loads have low current and voltage requirements, and cable reel power supply and towline power supply methods can meet these requirements.
Heavy-load equipment: Gantry cranes used to lift large and heavy objects, such as those used for loading and unloading containers at ports, have heavy loads and require a power supply method capable of withstanding high current and voltage. Busbar power supply is a preferred option.
Fast gantry cranes require a power supply method that can quickly adapt to their movement. Busbar and overhead power supply are relatively suitable because they are less susceptible to cable drag and entanglement.
Slow gantry cranes: Slow gantry cranes can consider using a towline or cable drum power supply. Although towline power supply may cause cable wear, it can reduce the risk at slow speeds.
Initial Investment Costs: Cable reel power supply and trailing cable power supply systems have relatively low initial investment costs, while overhead busbar and elevated power supply systems may require higher initial investment, necessitating careful budget consideration.
Maintenance Costs: Trailing cable power supply systems may require frequent cable replacement due to constant friction, resulting in higher maintenance costs. Overhead busbar power supply systems are relatively simple to maintain, with costs primarily incurred through periodic inspections and cleaning.
