Electric rope winch for safety-critical industrial applications. Reference project: Weser Hydroelectric Power Plant in Bremen.

Table of contents

1. Introduction: Electric Rope Winches for Safety-Critical Industrial Applications
2. Challenge: Electric rope winch for extreme loads and fast response times
3. The Solution: Synchronized Electric Rope Winches from PLANETA
4. Electric Rope Winches in Hydraulic Engineering: Special Design Requirements
5. Added Value for Industry and Plant Engineering: Electric Rope Winches as a System Solution
6. Conclusion: Electric rope winch “Made in Germany” for the most demanding applications

In industrial plants, plant engineering, and mechanical engineering, electric rope winches are used wherever heavy loads must be moved precisely, reliably, and safely. Customized electric wire rope winch solutions are indispensable, especially in safety-critical applications—such as in the energy generation or hydraulic engineering sectors.

Challenge: Electric rope winch for extreme loads and fast response times

At the Weser hydroelectric power plant, there must be 64-metric-ton flood gates that are closed within 60 seconds in the event of an emergency to prevent the reservoir from running dry.

This requirement places high demands on an electric rope winch:

• High capacity in the case of a compact design
• Precise control and synchronization
• Maximum operational reliability, even under adverse environmental conditions
• Consistent reliability during emergency operations

Standard solutions are not sufficient here—what is needed is an electric rope winch designed specifically for this project.

The Solution: Synchronized Electric Rope Winches from PLANETA

For this project, PLANETA developed a high-performance electric rope winch system consisting of four electric rope winches of the type PHW 315, each with 132 kW of drive power.

For each flood barrier, two electric rope winches are working in synchronized mode, connected via a continuous cable system. This ensures even force distribution and controlled movement of the heavy load.

Technical Specifications for Electric Rope Winches:

• Capacity: 16 metric tons per electric rope winch
• Lifting speed: 40 m/min
• Lifting height: 15 m
• Control: Frequency converter, synchronized

This design not only meets the required closing time but also offers a high degree of operational reliability and precision.

Electric Rope Winches in Hydraulic Engineering: Special Design Requirements

A unique aspect of this project was the use of rope pulleys underwater. electric rope winches in hydraulic engineering there must be extreme conditions—such as moisture, corrosion, and fluctuating loads.

PLANETA provided support in the case of the client early on in the following areas:

• Selection of Appropriate Materials and Components
• Design of Electric Rope Winches for Underwater Use
• Installation Planning and Assembly

This is precisely where the benefit of a custom-designed electric rope winch over standardized solutions.

Added Value for Industry and Plant Engineering: Electric Rope Winches as a System Solution

PLANETA not only supplied the electric rope winches, but also provided comprehensive support for the project:

• Technical Consulting and System Design
• Assistance in the Case of Installation and Commissioning
• Long-term support as a maintenance and service partner

For operators of industrial facilities, this means:

• high system availability
• reduced downtime
• lower life-cycle costs
• long-term investment security

Conclusion: Electric rope winch “Made in Germany” for the most demanding applications

The Weser Hydroelectric Power Plant reference project impressively demonstrates how a custom-designed electric rope winch can make an important contribution to the safety and reliability of industrial facilities.

For customers in the industrial, plant engineering, and mechanical engineering sectors, PLANETA offers:

• Custom-designed electric rope winches instead of standard products
• Extensive expertise in the case of safety-critical applications
• Durable solutions “Made in Germany”
• Collaborative support throughout the entire life cycle

When heavy loads, quick response times, and maximum safety are required, the electric rope winch from PLANETA is the right solution.