Project Background: The Power Heart of East Africa’s “Water Tower”
Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. Its rich hydropower resources are becoming a stable electricity supply. Recently, HSCRANE delivered an 80/20 ton double girder overhead crane. The crane serves a newly built hydropower station maintenance workshop.
This power station is an important local infrastructure project. The maintenance workshop handles installation and maintenance of generator rotors and stators. These components have extremely high value. They also require precise lifting operations. Crane reliability directly affects the safety of the entire power plant.
Core Challenges: High Altitude and Precision Lifting
During project planning. HSCRANE engineers identified three main technical challenges:
- High altitude environment:The project site is located above 2000 meters elevation. Thin air reduces motor cooling efficiency. It also affects electrical insulation performance.
- Asymmetric lifting: Generator components have irregular shapes. Their center of gravity is offset. This requires excellent crane stability and precise synchronous control.
- Long-distance logistics: Ethiopia is a landlocked country. Equipment must pass through Djibouti port. It then travels long distances by road. This requires strong packaging and corrosion protection.
Customized HSCRANE Double Girder Overhead Crane Solution
To address these challenges. HSCRANE engineers designed a customized QD type heavy-duty double girder overhead crane.
Main Product Specifications:
- Equipment model: QD type general double girder overhead crane
- Rated lifting capacity: Main hook 80 tons / Auxiliary hook 20 tons
- Span: 22. 5 meters
- Lifting height: 18 meters. Suitable for deep maintenance pits
- Working class: A5 according to ISO standard
- Ambient temperature: -10°C to +45°C
- Electrical configuration: Full Siemens variable frequency control system. ABB dedicated motors are used
- Safety devices: Overload limiter. Audible and visual alarm. Infrared anti-collision sensors. Emergency stop system
Key Technical Highlights of the Double Girder Overhead Crane
- High-altitude reinforced design: All drive motors were upgraded. Special electrical contacts resist low-voltage breakdown. This ensures stable operation in plateau environments.
- Micro-motion control technology: A full variable frequency control system is used. Lifting speed can reach 0. 1 m/min. This ultra-low speed enables millimeter-level positioning. It prevents mechanical collision during rotor installation.
- Dual-hook coordinated control:The 80 ton main hook handles heavy lifting. The 20 ton auxiliary hook assists rotation. PLC logic ensures synchronized operation. This greatly improves maintenance efficiency.
- Corrosion protection and long-distance packaging: Steel structures receive Sa2. 5 shot blasting. Four layers of epoxy zinc-rich coating are applied. All electrical cabinets use vacuum moisture-proof aluminum packaging.
Installation and Service Across Mountains and Seas
HSCRANE provides complete service throughout the project process:
- Optimized logistics: The 22. 5 meter main girder was designed in sections. This solved transportation limitations while maintaining structural strength.
- On-site guidance:HSCRANE sent two experienced engineers. They worked with the local construction team. Installation and commissioning were completed within 15 days.
- Technical and practical training:Bilingual operation manuals were prepared. They were written in English and Chinese. A three-day on-site training program was provided.
Customer Feedback and Industry Impact
The crane performed perfectly during the first generator installation ceremony. The client’s chief engineer commented:
“The HSCRANE crane operates extremely smoothly. Its precise control impressed our entire team. It gives us full confidence during generator component installation. ”
The success of this project marks an important step for HSCRANE. It strengthens our presence in African power infrastructure. HSCRANE not only delivered a crane. We also supported Africa’s transition toward clean energy.
As a leading crane manufacturer in China. HSCRANE follows a “one project, one solution” philosophy. From Southeast Asian rainforests to African highlands. We provide durable, intelligent, and efficient cranes. These include overhead cranes. Gantry cranes. Jib cranes and launching gantries.
