As the LEITNER DirectDrive has few parts and a low rotational speed, it ensures that systems are exposed to less wear and tear, have a lower risk of malfunction and are highly reliable.
The Hochwurzen 10-passenger gondola lift in the ski resort of Schladming provides an excellent example of how ropeways should be configured in the future. The installation works using the LEITNER DirectDrive, has a rated power of 780 kilowatts and features an impressive range of benefits in comparison to conventional systems. For example, it consumes approximately 5% less energy, amounting to savings of around 131,040 kw/h of electricity. At an electricity price of 10 cents/kilowatt hour, expenditure on electricity is reduced by 13,104 euros a season.
The engine oil volumes required for a conventional planetary gearbox are not required here. In the case of a planetary gearbox like the LP300, approximately 350 liters of oil are required, which has to be changed after 6000 operating hours. In winter-only operation, with around 1500 operating hours per season, the total amount of oil saved after 20 years adds up to 1750 liters. In addition to the cost saving, this also represents a significant contribution towards environmental protection.
Furthermore, the smoother operation reduces noise emissions at stations by around 15 dB in comparison to conventional drive mechanisms. This is advantageous to both passengers and residents alike.
As the LEITNER DirectDrive has few parts and a low rotational speed, it ensures that systems are exposed to less wear and tear, have a lower risk of malfunction and are highly reliable.
The Hochwurzen 10-passenger gondola lift in the ski resort of Schladming provides an excellent example of how ropeways should be configured in the future. The installation works using the LEITNER DirectDrive, has a rated power of 780 kilowatts and features an impressive range of benefits in comparison to conventional systems. For example, it consumes approximately 5% less energy, amounting to savings of around 131,040 kw/h of electricity. At an electricity price of 10 cents/kilowatt hour, expenditure on electricity is reduced by 13,104 euros a season.
The engine oil volumes required for a conventional planetary gearbox are not required here. In the case of a planetary gearbox like the LP300, approximately 350 liters of oil are required, which has to be changed after 6000 operating hours. In winter-only operation, with around 1500 operating hours per season, the total amount of oil saved after 20 years adds up to 1750 liters. In addition to the cost saving, this also represents a significant contribution towards environmental protection.
Furthermore, the smoother operation reduces noise emissions at stations by around 15 dB in comparison to conventional drive mechanisms. This is advantageous to both passengers and residents alike.
The perfect coordination between the engine and the frequency inverter ensures a high overall efficiency and a drive motor that runs gently and efficiently at all power levels. The operation of LeitDrive is extremely silent and eco-friendly, and thus offers ropeway operators a cost-efficient and redundant drive solution.
Thanks to its modular design, nominal capacities from 250 kW to several MW are possible. Easy access to components ensures ease of maintenance and servicing.
By using waste heat from liquid cooling for heating or hot water generation, meaningful energy-efficient synergies can be achieved.
LEITNER drive system
The basis for a safe ropeway ride is a reliable and powerful drive system. Depending on project-specific requirements, the LEITNER drive system is set up at the bottom or top station, configured as an overhead or underground drive and used as a drive or drive-tension station. The LEITNER DirectDrive is unique in the world. This gearless drive system stands out from the crowd due to its almost noiseless operation and extremely low maintenance requirements. The braking system of the LEITNER drive system has been designed to provide the highest possible degree of safety.
Variants of the driving system
The Overhead Drive
Drive technologies
The drive system consists of an electric motor, a 4-step planetary gearbox, two braking systems and a diesel-hydraulic emergency drive system. The 4-step planetary gearbox impresses with its low maintenance requirements and ensures low power losses with an efficiency of 95 %. The drive frame of the overhead drive is movable and can easily compensate for possible elongations of the carrying-hauling rope – quickly and with little effort.
The precise control dynamics of the newest converter generation provide optimal kinematics of haulage rope drives and station conveyors. Ride comfort is increased through a jolt-free, smooth start and stop by intelligent LEITNER software modules. Frequency converters with active-infeed technology increase the availability of installations.
Ropeway systems
LEITNER drive system in use
