ABB ASTAT Crane Motion Control

ABB ASTAT Crane Motion Control

Compact, robust and reliable

ASTAT is designed to meet the demands of space conscious crane  designers - a control  panel for a 1.5 MW  hoist is only 1.6 m  high and 1.5 m wide. Component design makes it possible for cranes to operate  effectively at high  temperatures and in  aggressive environments. High quality components, safety features and diagnostic programs make for a long, reliable operating life.

ASTAT® is a highly developed,  wellproven system for speed controlled heavy duty motors in industrial cranes.  Designed for even the toughest environments ASTAT brings reliable, cost effective crane control into the computer age.  Using leading edge computer technology, ASTAT now combines advanced control features with comprehensive information and data distribution to enhance  performance at all levels. ASTAT is made specially for high  utilisation, designed with higher grade components and larger margins than  normal industrial drives.

• Robust, well proven thyristor control 

• Compact, low loss, integrated design 

• Comprehensive operator information  simply displayed 

• Fully digital system means no drift in  parameter settings 

• PC spread-sheet applications for  engineering and equipment  management 

• Data communications link for  monitoring, maintenance and  high level automation 

• Rapid installation and commissioning 

• Option packages for advanced functions

ASTAT is by far the most economical way to control EOT cranes or other installations due to its high quality design,  excellent controllability and optimisation for low total  installation costs. ASTAT is:

More efficient and reliable

ASTAT operates reliably even at 70 % of nominal line voltage so it is suitable for locations with a weak power supply. It is made for many years service in tough environments even at +70° C/160° F. ASTAT is unique as a totally digital motion control system without drift in settings over this extended temperature range - starting with a Scandinavian winter!

Effective to install

ASTAT uses less space for electrical installation and is lighter than other control equipment. It needs less ancillary equipment with basic integrated functions like PTC-relays. ASTAT imposes less than 0.5 % reduction in voltage for internal power losses and needs less air conditioning. In most cases it needs no air conditioning at all. It is not sensitive to type or length of motor cables. The control cables can be laid together with power and lighting cables without risk of interference.

Easier and cheaper to run

ASTAT has first class torque response and there is no reduction in torque compared with a motor connected direct on line. The driver gets a very obedient motion controller! As a closed loop speed controlled drive, ASTAT gives speed control independent of load from zero speed and minimises wear of brakes and contactors. For hoists and similar applications the lowering energy is recovered and fed to the mains.

Made for automation in tough environments

ASTAT has communication links for integration in overall automation systems. Transducers such as pulse encoders and laser transmitters can be connected to ASTAT as is, without additional interfaces.  In this way your crane is already prepared for total automation when you  install a stand-alone ASTAT.

Easier to maintain

The simple system is rapidly and easily understood. The built-in fault diagnosis is simple and direct and will speed up emergency repairs. It can also be linked to higher level monitoring system with more extended functions to permit maintenance scheduling.

Cost effective control for  industrial crane motors

ASTAT is a well established system of crane motor control using phase control thyristors. It includes all the usual functions for crane control such as joystick handling, limit switch logic with slow down and stop, automatic brake application approaching zero speed and closed loop speed control.  

Using a newly developed torque and current  regulator, supporting the inherently stable voltage control, ASTAT optimises motor control giving  improved crane response and longer component life by controlled smooth handling.

Lower energy wastage, longer component life, lower stress on drives and operators mean that ASTAT gives you higher availability and better control.

Rapidly installed and commissioned

ASTAT is designed for rapid, trouble-free installation. The modular nature of the system makes adaptation to the crane structure a simple task, with less  demanding requirements for the electrical room and lower costs for air conditioning of vital components. Electric power and control signals are easily  connected with minimal cabling.

Commissioning ASTAT is just as easy. The majority of parameters are preset before delivery, leaving only a few parameters for manual setting on site. A special commissioning mode allows rapid on-site testing of the mechanical shaft train and the main electrical circuits. A standard PC is used for setting local operating parameters and commissioning via dialogue boxes.