JP2022120790A - Electric drive type mobile crane - Google Patents

Abstract

To equip a mobile crane with an alternative drive device that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional internal combustion engines.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a mobile crane with a drivable lower traveling body, a superstructure supported swivelably on the lower traveling body, and an electric motor for driving the mobile crane. The superstructure comprises a boom system having a boom swingable about a horizontal axis and a superstructure ballast comprising at least one ballast laminate. The ballast laminate comprises one or more ballast elements especially formed as a ballast plate. Electrical energy to drive the electric motor can be provided by at least one energy generation module that can be attached to the ballast laminate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The invention relates to a mobile crane according to the preamble of claim 1 .

Mobile cranes typically have an undercarriage and a superstructure pivotably supported on the undercarriage and having a boom and superstructure ballast. The supply of energy required by mobile cranes, for example to drive the crane or to operate individual crane functions, is typically provided via one or more internal combustion engines. As a rule, they are typically diesel engines arranged in the framework of the superstructure.

Due to the environmental and health concerns of conventional internal combustion engines, the use of alternative, more environmentally friendly drive methods would be desirable.

One challenge leading to the search for alternative drive configurations is that the diesel engine as the classic and proven drive configuration here has many advantages that cannot be easily achieved by alternative drives. Diesel fuel, for example, has a high energy density, is in a liquid state during normal storage under normal environmental conditions, and has only minor non-volatility. Storage does not require any of the special temperatures or other complex conditions provided in the normal field of use. Under extreme conditions (especially at low temperatures) suitable methods for safe operation are known, tried and tested. Fuel is also easier to store and the technology for this is mature. Equally easy to transport, for example in pipes and hoses, pumps can be used. These aspects naturally apply to other internal combustion engines, and gasoline engines surpass the items listed.

However, the classical internal combustion engine as a crane drive also has many more drawbacks in addition to the environmental aspects already addressed. For example, combustion drives require complex and space-intensive systems for emissions control. Media for emissions control are also demanding, in part, with respect to storage and supply. Since engine components can become very hot during operation, additional precautions must be taken in explosive areas. If the internal combustion engine takes in special gases, further measures must be taken in order to be able to stop the internal combustion engine again.

Electric motor drive is an environmentally friendly alternative to the classic internal combustion engine. However, the energy sources that can be used to generate the power required by electric motors have substantially lower energy densities than fuels for internal combustion engines, requiring additional measures to control safety risks. requires space and weight intensive storage with

Against this background, the object underlying the present invention is to equip a mobile crane of the first-named type with an alternative drive that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a device having the features of claim 1 . Advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the dependent claims and from the following description.

Thus, according to the invention, the superstructure comprises a drivable undercarriage, a superstructure pivotally supported on the undercarriage, and an electric motor for driving a mobile crane, the superstructure having a horizontal A mobile crane, for example a crawler crane with a support, is proposed which comprises a boom system with a boom pivotable about an axis and two superstructure ballast elements with at least one ballast stack. A ballast stack comprises one or more ballast elements, in particular formed as ballast plates. According to the invention, electrical energy for driving the electric motor can be supplied by at least one energy generating module that can be attached to the ballast stack.

The integration according to the invention of the energy generating module in the superstructure ballast allows its weight to be used simultaneously as ballast, thereby creating space and weight related synergies. Furthermore, especially in the area of superstructure ballast, there is often enough space that can be taken up by the energy generating modules without compromising crane motion. Particularly in large mobile cranes, very high ballast stacks are used with their height and therefore their weight adapted to the respective crane configuration. Accordingly, the ballast stack or stacks of the superstructure ballast are generally not confined in at least one direction (particularly in their height, but often also rearwardly and/or forwardly). Furthermore, existing and mature connection and fastening systems of ballast elements can be used for the fastening of energy generating modules.

Thus, the advantages of the mobile crane's electric drive can be used without having to accept the drawbacks resulting from storage and fixing. An electric drive with an electric motor and an energy generating module according to the invention can be provided instead of or in addition to drive via a classical internal combustion engine.

An electric motor is responsible for driving the mobile crane. This includes the drive of the entire mobile crane via the running gear of the undercarriage (especially the crawler chassis or wheeled chassis) and/or the adjustment of the boom system, the actuation of the hoist winch, the generator located downstream. can be associated with the operation or drive of individual or all crane functions, such as the supply of electricity for crane control via A hydraulic system for hydraulically controlling the actuators may be provided for controlling each or all of the aforementioned functions using a hydraulic system, in particular an electric motor serving to drive one or more hydraulic pumps.

However, the energy provided by the energy generation module can also be used for the direct electric drive of individual or multiple crane functions, in addition to the energy supply of the electric motor.

Since the height of the ballast stack in the superstructure ballast is limited by the height of the total center of gravity of the ballast stack, it is advantageous to mount the energy generating module on top of the ballast stack. However, different types of attachments are also conceivable, depending on the crane configuration. For example, the energy generating modules can be fastened to the side ballast stacks, eg via hook connections or below the baseplate/ballast mounts carrying the ballast elements.

The term "module" is used below as an abbreviation for the name of the energy generation module and/or the tank module. Furthermore, the feature that a module can be attached to a ballast stack should always be understood in the following as well, so that modules can also be attached to different modules (thus attached to a ballast stack) The module can be considered part of the ballast stack).

In a possible embodiment it is provided that the ballast stack and/or the energy generation module are arranged laterally outside the outer contour of the boom system, seen from the rear side of the superstructure. This is because the boom system can only swing (i.e. can only move along one degree of freedom) (with respect to the pivotable superstructure), specifically in the vertical luffing plane, so the ballast stack and its It means that the attached energy generating module is located outside the range of travel of the boom system. Movement of the boom system or crane functions is not thereby impaired.

The superstructure ballast preferably comprises two ballast laminations located on either side of the outer contour of the boom system. At least one respective energy generating module is preferably attachable to both ballast laminations. There may be a single energy generating module attached to one of the two ballast laminations. It is equally possible to attach an energy generating module to each ballast stack. They can be associated with respective electric motors or electric motors or can be supplied together with electric motors or electric motors. Likewise, it is possible to keep one of the energy generating modules available as an alternative energy source in case of malfunction or failure of another energy generating module. Additionally, the weight of the superstructure ballast is more evenly distributed when modules are attached to each of the ballast stacks.

In a further possible embodiment, the energy generation module is preferably provided with a fuel cell having a fuel tank, in particular a hydrogen tank, for supplying the fuel cell with fuel, in particular hydrogen. Here, of course, it can be a stack of interconnected fuel cells. In addition to hydrogen, other fuels such as methane, butane, or natural gas can also be used.

The fuel tank can be co-located with the fuel cell within the same energy generating module. However, it is equally possible (and) to provide a fuel tank within an energy generation module that also serves as a fuel cell supply for a different energy generation module. A further possibility is to house the fuel tank in a separate tank module, which can likewise be attached to the ballast stack or energy generation module.

In the latter two cases, corresponding tank lines must be provided to connect the different modules. It is advantageous here if the modules connected by tank lines are arranged next to each other or are directly connected to each other. Modules can be stacked on top of each other, for example. Thereby it is not necessary to provide elongated hoses or the like, but rather the modules can have corresponding tank connections on the housing which can be connected to each other directly or by means of short connecting pieces. In particular, for hydrogen storage, storage should occur as close as possible to the fuel cell to minimize safety hazards. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a tank connection outside the module containing the fuel so that the fuel can be easily refilled. All modules containing fuel are also alternatively designed to be replaceable with replenished modules.

In a further possible embodiment, a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery (e.g. an accumulator), can store the energy generated by the energy generating module and/or by means of which the electric motor can be supplied with energy. may be provided. The battery is preferably arranged together with energy generating means or electricity generating means provided for energy generation in the energy generating module. The batteries can equally be placed in different energy-producing modules or in separate battery modules that can be attached to the ballast stacks or energy-producing modules.

The battery may for example be charged by energy generating means, for example a fuel cell provided in an energy generating module. Alternatively or additionally, it may be externally chargeable and a corresponding charging connector may be provided on the energy generating module or battery module so that a charging cable can be connected.

Batteries are used, for example, for lighting, sensor operation, control, air conditioning or cooling, etc., to maintain power for fuel cell cooling, or to cover the energy requirements of mobile cranes when idling. , can be used as a short-term energy storage device for the time lag after switching off the fuel cell.

Alternatively or additionally, the battery can also double the operation of crane functions such as those described above during the supply of the electric motor by the energy generation module. Fuel cells therefore typically have a specific storage time, usually in the range of seconds. When the crane operator enters a control command to control the crane or the crane actuators, the energization by the battery during this set-up time has already started the movement and the fuel cell is switched in (summing connection) or activated. You may make it take over completely after time.

In a further possible embodiment it is provided that the energy generation module comprises an internal combustion engine and a generator for generating energy for an electric motor that can be driven by the internal combustion engine. It may be a single energy generating module or there may be two or more energy generating modules with different modes of operation. For example, one energy production module may comprise a fuel cell and another energy production module may comprise an internal combustion engine with a generator. Preferably, a fuel tank is provided for supplying fuel (especially hydrogen, diesel or gasoline) to the internal combustion engine.

The fuel tank is preferably co-located with the internal combustion engine within the energy generation module. The fuel tanks can equally be located in different energy generation modules or separate tank modules that can be attached to the ballast stack or energy generation modules. In the latter two cases, corresponding tank lines must be provided to connect the different modules, and what has been said above applies equally to fuel tanks for fuel cells.

In a further possible embodiment it is provided that the energy generation module and/or the tank module and/or the battery module have connection means for releasable connection to the ballast element and/or different modules. The module may be positionable at the top of the ballast stack or within the ballast stack (eg, at the bottom or to the right of the center). The connecting means may comprise protrusions and recesses that engage ballast elements on the module mounting. The connecting means may also be lockable or separate locking means may be provided to reversibly lock the module to the ballast element.

A further possible embodiment provides that all modules and all ballast elements have the same connection means and can be stacked on top of each other in any desired order. This results in a modular design for the ballast elements and modules, for example so that they can be arranged flexibly according to the modular principle. Alternatively or additionally, the battery element and module may have the same footprint, such as a rectangular footprint. A ballast stack combined with one or more modules always has the same lateral dimensions so that only its height (and its weight) varies depending on the placement of the ballast elements and modules.

The ballast element may have a design or shape according to DE 202008006356, the disclosure of which is expressly referred to herein.

In a further possible embodiment it is provided that the energy generation module and/or the battery module are connected or connectable to the electric motor via an electric line. Furthermore, depending on the interconnection of the modules, for example if the batteries that can be charged by the fuel cells of the energy generating modules are arranged in separate battery modules, the individual modules are connectably connected to each other by electrical lines. can do.

In a further possible embodiment it is provided that the electrical line comprises a power cable connectable to the energy supply connection of the superstructure and/or the respective module. It may be retractable or storable in the module or superstructure after removal of the respective module, eg the energy generating module. The ballast elements can be provided with special guides or holding elements, such as hooks, so that the power cables can be laid in the proper order so that they do not get in the way.

Alternatively or additionally, the electrical lines may be arranged at or within ballast elements arranged between the respective module and the superstructure. This electrical line can thus be integrated in the ballast element, for example, so that all ballast elements have a line section extending outside or within the ballast element. By connecting the ballast elements, the line sections are preferably conductively connected to each other via special electrical contacts which can be provided on the connection means, establishing a conductive connection or electrical line between the module and the superstructure. be. The lines of the bottommost ballast element are then preferably connected directly to the superstructure or to electronics provided in the superstructure or to the electric motor. In addition, the module has corresponding contacts for connecting its line section to the line section of the next ballast element.

Alternatively, wireless energy transfer, in particular inductive energy transfer, can also be considered between individual segments, for example between the energy generating module and the nearest ballast element and between individual ballast elements. Accordingly, modules and individual (or all) ballast elements may have corresponding transmit/receive elements (eg, antennas or coils) for energy transfer. This keeps the distance to be bridged short and maximizes efficiency.

In a further possible embodiment, the energy generation module comprises a power generation unit (e.g. fuel cell or generator) for powering the electric motor, a control unit for controlling/regulating the power supply of the electric motor, Preferably provided is an energy storage connected to the power generation unit (e.g. a battery or respective fuel tanks for the internal combustion engine and for the fuel cell) and air conditioning for cooling, heating and/or ventilation. be. Additionally, devices for dehumidification and/or extraction of gases such as sulfur may be provided. All these units are integrated into a single module. It only needs to be attached to the ballast stack and the corresponding lines connected (in the simplest case just the power cable). The energy supply of the mobile crane can thus be configured and optionally changed in an uncomplicated way.

In a further possible embodiment, a hydraulic circuit with a hydraulic pump drivable by an electric motor may be provided. Travel drives and/or crane actuators are controllable via hydraulic circuits. Typically used hydraulic drives can thereby continue to be used, for example in crawler cranes. A conversion of the mobile crane may not be necessary especially if the electric motor is not integrated in the superstructure, but rather can be fastened to the superstructure as a drive module. Only connecting lines are laid accordingly to provide the necessary connections. The electric motor can also serve only to drive the hydraulic pump, or even provide direct power supply for one or more crane functions.

In a further possible embodiment, it is provided that the electric motor is arranged within the frame structure of the superstructure or, in particular, externally in a drive module releasably connectable to the superstructure.

In a further possible embodiment, at least two electric motors for driving the mobile crane are provided so that energy can be supplied from a common and/or each separate energy generation module, the electric motors It is preferably configured to drive the mobile crane together or to drive the mobile crane by one of the electric motors, another electric motor being able to act as a replacement motor (backup). may

In a further possible embodiment it is provided that the boom system comprises a derrick boom and/or a guy frame that can swing in the luffing plane of the boom. Particularly in smaller mobile cranes, the boom can therefore be pivotably gaining via a gaining frame (A-frame) pivotally supported about a horizontal pivot axis in the superstructure. . Alternatively, particularly in larger mobile cranes, the boom can be gained by a derrick boom supported swingably about a horizontal swing axis in the superstructure and an A-frame can also be provided. As a result, all these components of the boom system move within a common luffing plane. The energy generating module is preferably located completely outside the travel area of the boom system and is arranged so that it cannot collide with the boom system in its travel.

In a further possible embodiment, the energy generating module and/or the ballast element have container dimensions and are preferably configured to be releasably connectable to each other by means of container connecting elements. The container dimensions are at least the length of the standard container, but preferably the footprint or base dimension of the standard container. The weight of a ballast plate with a footprint of the same vessel size can be fixed via its height. Modules and ballast plates have the same connections as standard commercial vessels, so they can be transported together. Moreover, they are proven and robust connection means so that the assembly or desired configuration of ballast elements and modules can be done quickly and easily. The modules can have full standard container dimensions in terms of length, width and height.

The module cannot slide due to the container connection between the ballast element and the module. Safety-relevant behavior regarding load breakage and rapid release of large amounts of energy is even more important. The module is also held firmly in place in this case. The vessel connecting element is preferably a torsion lock connector so that the ballast element and the module can be locked together.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention result from the embodiments described below with reference to the drawings.

1 is a general perspective view of one embodiment of a mobile crane according to the invention; FIG. Figure 2 is a rear view of the mobile crane of Figure 1; 1 is a perspective view of the superstructure ballast of the mobile crane according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a superstructure and superstructure ballast according to a second embodiment; 1 is a schematic diagram of an energy generation module according to a first embodiment; FIG. Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an energy generation module according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 1 shows an overall perspective view of one embodiment of a mobile crane 10 according to the invention. The mobile crane 10 has an undercarriage 12 having two crawler chassis 13 and a single superstructure 14 supported on the undercarriage 12 for pivoting about a vertical axis and including a boom system and superstructure ballast 20 . Prepare.

The boom system comprises a boom 16 (here a main boom with an adjustable flyboom) articulated and swingably (or lubricated) connected to a superstructure 14, a derrick boom 17 and a Gaining is performed via a gaining frame (A frame 18). Derrick booms 17, preferably A-frames 18, are likewise supported in superstructure 14 so that each can swing about a horizontal axis and can swing within the same undulating surface. The boom system components are partially adjustably connected via a comprehensive gaining system in the plane of the boom. Further, at least boom 16 and derrick boom 17 are pullable elements. This means that the undulating surfaces of these elements are held free over their entire width from other components of mobile crane 10 .

FIG. 2 is a rear view, ie, a view of the mobile crane 10 from the rear side. The superstructure ballast 20 is located in the aft region or aft of the superstructure 14 and comprises a plurality of plate-like ballast elements or ballast plates 2 located on the sides of the luffing plane of the boom system and each having a rectangular footprint. It comprises two ballast stacks 22,23. The ballast laminations 22, 23 are here arranged so that they lie completely outside the movement area of the boom system components. This can be readily recognized in the rear view of FIG. 2, where the A-frame 18 of the derrick boom 17 and the boom 16 have substantially the same width and therefore have a generally constant overall width. Here, the minimum distance of the ballast stacks 22, 23 is greater than this overall width. In other words, the A-frame 18, derrick boom 17 and boom 16 are free to move without colliding with the ballast stacks 22,23. The ballast laminations 22, 23 therefore do not interfere with the movement of the boom system.

The ballast stacks 22 , 23 are arranged on ballast mounts connected to the rearwardly projecting frame structure of the superstructure 14 . In addition, a number of crane actuators such as hoisting winches and/or gaining winches are arranged on the superstructure 14 . In the embodiment of Figure 1, the derrick boom 17 is additionally connected to a derrick ballast 21 separate from the superstructure 14, but this is not critical to the invention.

Since the boom system always has only one degree of freedom, the height of the stacked ballast plates 24 is less relevant. In any case, that space must be kept free by the pivoting of the superstructure 14 with the boom system, and the pivoting movement is always with the boom system.

The mobile crane 10 is driven according to the invention via at least one electric motor supplied with energy or power by the energy generation module 30 . The energy generating modules 30 are stacked on or attached to the stacked ballast plates 24, preferably as terminations of the ballast stacks 22,23. The energy generating module 30 therefore acts as a normal ballast weight, ie it is part of the superstructure ballast 20 and therefore its spatial extent or height is not critical. This also applies to weights that function as ballast weights and are required anyway as counterweights. The energy generating module 30 can also be naturally introduced under the ballast plate 24 or in between the ballast stacks 22,23. This reduces the distance from the steel structure of the superstructure 14 in which the electric motor is housed. However, the overall center of gravity of the superstructure ballast 20, and thus the overall center of gravity of the mobile crane 10, would be higher thereby.

Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of a superstructure ballast 20, having two lateral ballast laminations 22, 23, in which an energy generating module 30 is provided, one of each module 30 is positioned on one of the ballast stacks 22,23. One or more electric motors are arranged in the frame structure of the superstructure 14 in the embodiment shown here and are connected to respective modules 30 via electrical lines, not shown, such as power cables. The path the electrical energy has to cover on the line is very short due to the placement of the energy generating modules 30 . This can be done very simply for each module 30 , for example via a power cable running over the plug-in connection between the energy generating module 30 and the steel structure of the superstructure 14 . Line loss is small. Depending on space requirements, power cables can be stored within the energy generation module 30 or within a steel structure during transportation. Alternatively, they can be shipped separately.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 4, in which the electric motor or motors are not arranged in the frame structure of the superstructure 14, but the drive module can be laterally fastened outside the superstructure 14. Located within 31. The drive module 31 may also include secondary components of the electric motor, such as cooling.

The ballast plate 24 has a footprint with standard vessel dimensions in all the embodiments shown. The energy generating modules 30 have the same footprint and are preferably sized with corresponding heights that fully comply with standard container dimensions. This allows the energy generation module 30 to be transported with commercial containers. The height of the ballast plates 24 can be sized such that a certain number of ballast elements 24 stacked on top of each other produces the height of the energy generating module 30 .

All ballast plates 24 and energy generating modules 30 preferably have standardized vessel connector means or connection means so that they can be connected and locked together in a known manner. This allows the ballast stacks 22, 23 to be simply and quickly configured with a certain number of ballast elements 24 and modules 30 and with a certain arrangement (energy generating module 30 at the top, bottom or middle of the ballast stack 22, 23). ). The energy generating module 30 and the ballast plate 24 cannot slide due to the connecting means. This connection means is a torsion lock container customarily used in particular with standard containers and is therefore securely fastened to the ballast stacks 22,23.

Two different embodiments of the energy generation module 30 are shown in Figures 5 and 6, showing their internal structure schematically. The energy generation module 30 according to FIG. 5 comprises power generation means 32 by means of which power can be generated and made available to the electric motor. The power generation means may be a fuel cell (or one or more stacks of fuel cells) that produces power by supplying a fuel such as hydrogen. Alternatively, the power generation means 32 may comprise an internal combustion engine with a generator connected downstream.

In addition to the power generating means 32 , a battery 34 is preferably provided which can be charged via a charging connector on the housing of the energy generating module 30 . The battery 34 can, in particular, store the energy produced by the power generation means 32 and supply the electric motor as needed (e.g. during the build-up time of the fuel cell or its after switching off). However, the connection between the power generating means 32 and the battery 34 is not absolutely necessary.

The energy generation module 30 further comprises a control unit 36, by means of which it is possible to control and/or regulate the supply of the energy generated by the power generation means 32 and/or stored in the battery 34 to the electric motor. . Here, power electronics can be provided. All of these components are combined together within the energy generation module 30 . The supply of the power generation means 32 (comprising the respective fuel in the case of fuel cells and in the case of internal combustion engines) is arranged outside the energy generating module 30, not shown here, and to the ballast stacks 22, 23 or Via a tank that can be located in a tank module located therein.

The tank module preferably has the same dimensions and connection means as the energy generation module 30 . Ideally, the energy generation module 30 and the tank module are directly connected to each other or located adjacent to each other to avoid lengthening and obstructing their respective fuel lines. Accordingly, tank connectors corresponding to the vessel covers of the modules 30 can be provided, which connectors can be interconnected directly or via short line pieces.

Two modules 30 on one ballast stack 22, 23 each are also conceivable. In this case, one module 30 can be designed as an energy generation module and one module 30 as a fuel storage module. In this case, both are connected via corresponding lines.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a tank 38 for supplying power generation means 32 is likewise integrated within the energy generation module 30 . However, one or more tank modules may be provided to increase the available fuel or total fuel capacity as well.

Alternatively, the controls or power electronics for controlling/regulating the power supply of the electric motors can also be housed in separate control modules that can equally be attached to the ballast stacks 22,23. Similarly, the batteries 34 (or additional batteries) can be placed in separate battery modules.

However, the energy storage/battery 34, the energy generation module 30, and optionally secondary elements such as fuel cell cooling via fans, temperature control, dehumidification, units for sulfur extraction, etc. All essential components are contained within a single housing/container. The total energy generation module 30 can be thought of as a power supply means that acts as a power source for an unlimited lifetime at a defined maximum level.

The mobile crane 10 according to the invention preferably has at least one energy generation module 30 with a fuel cell and can also be equipped with either an internal combustion engine with a fuel cell and/or a generator. An energy generation module 30 may be provided. Advantageously, at least two electric motors are provided. Redundancy therefore exists and, in principle, emergency operations can be maintained.

The module housing (ie, energy generation module 30, tank module, and/or battery module) can be a standard container. Due to the free height it is also possible to arrange several modules one above the other.

In the classical drive of mobile cranes via internal combustion engines, permanently provided power is almost always not required at all. Internal combustion engines run most of the time in idle mode. In the solution according to the invention using an energy generating module 30 with fuel cells, the fuel cell or at least a plurality of interconnected fuel cells can be switched off when not needed. There is substantial energy saving potential here.

Controller 36 can take over power management. A short-term energy storage device (eg, battery 34 or separate battery module) can also be integrated into this power management. The energy requirements of mobile crane 10 during idling, such as delays for fuel cell cooling, lighting, sensor operation, controls, air conditioning, etc., can be considered in this regard. Short-term energy storage would also be conceivable, allowing direct control of the crane functions (without bypassing the electric motor).

A fuel cell has a start-up time. Typically this amounts to several seconds (eg about 5 seconds). If the crane operator has entered a demand for the crane actuators, the movement can already start at this point. This may optionally be from a summation circuit of electrical energy from fuel cells already in operation and short-term energy storage.

Mobile cranes may be available or configurable with different drive schemes. The selectable modes of operation can be conventional and/or electric. The energy generating module 30 (and other possible modules) can be attached to the ballast stacks 22, 23 without problems, as can electrical connections to electric motors.

The water produced during use of fuel cells is completely pure. Therefore, it is conceivable to vaporize at the deployment site. This can also be done on the floor of the deployment site. The function of the mobile crane 10 is similar to that known with conventional drives. In particular, there are no cables connecting the mobile crane 10 to the main power supply at the deployment site.

The tank for each fuel is preferably cylindrical to better withstand pressures, typically several hundred bars (eg about 700 bars).

- Observation or Estimation of Possible Space Requirements for Fuel in Fuel Cells -
Assume that the energy contained in the diesel tank is unity. Storing this energy in a battery would require about 25 times more space (volume). For hydrogen, approximately 16 times more space must be provided. The energy generation module 30 may be a 20 foot vessel with internal dimensions of 5.898 x 2.352 x ^2.390 m3 = 33.1 m. However, in a cylindrical tank housed in such a container, only about 22 m ³ can be used, corresponding to a maximum of 22,000 liters of diesel fuel, ie 22,000 liters/16=1,377 liters. Three modules are therefore also conceivable, one of which forms the energy generation module 30 and two of which form the tank module.

Rapid refueling would also be possible via a full tank module change if the tank modules were mounted or installed on top of the ballast stacks 22,23. Connections can be designed using components that are already known and tested.

10 mobile crane 12 undercarriage 14 superstructure 16 boom 17 derrick boom 18 guy frame 20 superstructure ballast 21 derrick ballast 22 ballast laminate 23 ballast laminate 24 ballast element 30 energy generation module 31 drive module 32 power generation unit 34 battery 36 control unit 38 tank

Claims (15)

a drivable undercarriage (12);
a superstructure (14) pivotably supported on the undercarriage (12);
an electric motor for driving a mobile crane (10);
The superstructure (14) is
a boom (16) pivotable about a horizontal axis;
a superstructure ballast (20) having at least one ballast stack (22, 23) of one or more ballast elements (24);
A mobile crane (10), characterized in that electrical energy for driving said electric motors can be supplied by at least one energy generating module (30) attachable to said ballast stacks (22, 23). at least one of said ballast stacks (22, 23) and said energy generating module (30) is positioned laterally outside the outer contour of the boom system when viewed from the rear side of said superstructure;
2. According to claim 1, characterized in that said superstructure ballast (20) preferably comprises two said ballast laminations (22, 23) arranged on both laterally outer sides of the outer contour of said boom system. A mobile crane (10) as described. said energy generation module (30) comprising a fuel cell;
a fuel cell tank (38) is preferably provided to supply fuel, in particular hydrogen, to said fuel cell;
Claim characterized in that said fuel cell tank (38) is arranged in the same or another energy generating module (30) or in a tank module attachable to said ballast stack (22, 23). 3. A mobile crane (10) according to claim 1 or 2. a battery (34), in particular a rechargeable battery, is provided by means capable of supplying as energy the energy generated by the energy generating module and/or the electric motor;
4. Any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the battery (34) is preferably arranged in the same or another energy generating module or in a battery module that can be attached to the ballast stack. A mobile crane (10) according to claim 1. the energy generating module,
an internal combustion engine;
a generator drivable by the internal combustion engine to produce energy for the electric motor;
CHARACTERIZED IN THAT A FUEL TANK (38) FOR FUELING THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE IS PREFERENTLY LOCATED IN THE SAME OR A DIFFERENT ENERGY GENERATING MODULE OR IN A TANK MODULE ATTACHABLE TO THE BALLAST laminations. A mobile crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein At least one of the energy generation module (30), the tank module and the battery module has connection elements for releasable connection to at least one of said ballast element (24) and another module, preferably said ballast 6. A mobile crane (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is positionable on top of the stack (22, 23) or in the ballast stack (22, 23). all modules and all ballast elements (24) have the same connection means,
7. A mobile crane (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that it satisfies at least one of the fact that they can be stacked in any desired order with respect to each other and that they have the same footprint. 8. Any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the energy generation module (30) and the battery module (34) is or is connectable to the electric motor via an electrical line. A mobile crane (10) as described. said electrical lines comprise power cables connectable to at least one of said superstructure (14) and energy supply connections of respective modules (30);
Said electrical lines are arranged on or in said ballast elements (24) arranged between each module (30) and said superstructure (14), the lines of individual said ballast elements (24) Mobile crane (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the parts are preferably conductively connectable to each other by electrical contacts. said energy generation module (30)
a power generation unit (32) for supplying power to the electric motor;
a control unit (36) for controlling or regulating the power supply of the electric motor;
preferably an energy accumulator (34, 38) connected to said power generation unit (32);
A mobile crane (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an air conditioning system for at least one of cooling, heating and ventilation. Mobile crane (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a hydraulic circuit is provided with a hydraulic pump drivable by said electric motor. Said electric motor is arranged in a frame structure of said superstructure (14) or outside said superstructure (14), in particular in a drive module (31) releasably connectable to said superstructure (14). A mobile crane (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least two electric motors driving said mobile crane (10) are provided so as to be able to supply energy from a common and/or each separate energy generation module (30);
the two electric motors preferably drive the mobile crane (10) together,
or arranged to drive the mobile crane (10) by one of the two electric motors, the other electric motor acting as a replacement motor. A mobile crane (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. a boom system comprising at least one of a derrick boom (17) and a guiding frame (18) swingable in a luffing plane of said boom (16);
14. The energy generating module (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the energy generating module (30) is preferably arranged so as to be completely outside the swinging area of the boom system. mobile crane (10). at least one of the energy generating module (30) and the ballast element (24) having vessel dimensions;
Mobile crane (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that they are releasably connectable to each other, preferably by vessel connecting elements, in particular torsion lock connectors.

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