Reliable energy supply system for mobile assembly hall at rocket launch site

• What was needed: Energy chain E4/4 designed as an energy tube and as a heavy-duty version, chainflex cables
• Requirements: The chain solution must work reliably over a long travel of almost 50m at high speeds, with strong temperature fluctuations and an extremely high level of dust during rocket launches.
• Industry: Aerospace
• Success for the customer: The E4/4 energy chain is designed as a tube and provides optimum protection for the cables. It is ideal for long travels and high loads. The chainflex cables in the e-chain have been developed specifically for chain applications and feature a long service life.

The Alcântara site in Brazil, directly on the Atlantic coast, is only 240km south of the equator and therefore a perfect launch site. The rockets can reach orbit faster and need less fuel. This saves costs and makes it possible to carry heavy loads.
To safely move the assembly hall that releases the launch site for the rocket and to ensure a smooth rocket launch, a suitable energy supply system and cables were required. The demands on the system are high as it involves a 49.8m long travel with a travel speed of 0.08m/s and an acceleration of 3.0m/s2. The push-pull force amounts to 3,508N. In addition, the system is exposed to strong temperature fluctuations, which can range between -2 and + 40°C on site, as well as a high level of dust when the rockets are launched.

Today, the heavy-duty version of the E4/4 series energy chain is used as the energy supply system at the rocket launch site. For additional protection, the e-chain is completely closed, i.e. designed as an energy pipe (type 8840). This provides the cable with additional protection against external influences such as the high levels of dust generated during rocket launches. Special roller chain links make the E4/4 a true specialist for long travels. This specification is rounded off by its long service life and ease of maintenance, should a cable need to be replaced.
The cables themselves, which are inserted into the chain, are highly flexible chainflex cables such as the motor cable CF300.UL.D, which is intended for very high loads. The chainflex products combine technical advantages with economic aspects as they offer a guaranteed service life at a favourable price. The cables for moving applications are specially designed for use in energy chains.