Articles
The world's largest transportable Ferris wheels have been fitted with the latest control and drive technology to ensure the safety of passengers.
The 750-ton, 80-meter tall steel “R80XL” wheel was developed by Swiss company Bussink Design and built by Munich-based company Maurer German Wheels. The 74 m wide wheel rotates two to four times per hour and can carry up to 16 passengers in each of its 27 gondolas.
Mobile, extra large Ferris wheels are not designed for use in fairs because they take three to four weeks to construct and disassemble. Instead, the giant rides are intended to be used as temporary tourist attractions in different locations, such as cities, around the world.
The first R80XL Ferris wheel has been in use in Mexico since Summer 2013, while the second is nearing completion in Munich
Safety is the top priority in the huge ride. There are two backup power systems to handle power outages, including an emergency generator. But it can also use gravity itself. The high quality bearings it uses ensure that its centre of gravity always rolls downward until the last cabin is empty, so that all of the passengers can be evacuated even if there is no electricity.
Safety is also ensured by two redundant Simatic S7-300F controls from Siemens that are certified to be failsafe. All of the switching technology is distributed in two redundant containers at separate locations. The controls operate the drive motors as well as the gondola infrastructure, which includes the lighting, the air conditioning, and the power doors.
The drives consist of eight electric motors with rubber tires that rotate the big wheel by pressing on various parts of its exterior. Automatic setting systems continually adjust the pressure that is exerted on the wheel to ensure it is always at an optimal level. Each motor is equipped with a frequency converter that optimally adjusts the rotational speed in order to reduce wear and tear.
The motors' condition is also continually monitored. The converters allow the braking energy to be fed back into the local grid. Because all of the drive system components are coordinated with one another, the wheel can be operated in a way that optimizes efficiency and keeps wear to a minimum.
The entry of the passengers is also automated. All of the gondolas provide the operator with information on their status through a robust industrial wireless LAN connection. On the basis of ticket sales, the operator also knows how many passengers are waiting to get on the Ferris wheel. The passengers are automatically allowed into the gondolas in such a way that the weight is always optimally distributed around the wheel.