CRONIMET already committed last year to the net zero target by 2050 and also joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in 2023. An important building block on the way to this goal is the changeover of the machine fleet to environmentally friendly, electrically powered material handlers. Currently, CRONIMET Ferroleg. GmbH in Karlsruhe has nine material handlers in operation, which are used to return around 140,000 tons of stainless steel scrap and other alloyed scrap to the raw materials cycle every year. The Solmec EXP 5020ZE is the second fully electrically operating excavator in Karlsruhe. It can be used in sorting mode for up to ten hours before its battery needs to be recharged.
“I am pleased that we are driving forward the electrification of the machine fleet with the new material handler at the site of the largest subsidiary of the CRONIMET Group. We are currently planning to replace the old diesel-powered material handlers with new, environmentally friendly models at all European sites of the CRONIMET Group. I am very happy to have Team Technics at my side as a competence center for the procurement of the machines,” says Marijo Zeljko, CEO of the European locations of the CRONIMET Group.
“With the Solmec material handler, we are relying on innovative and robust technology. It can be used cable-free, completely flexible, and is characterized by high reliability,” says Marco Merico, who is responsible in Team Technics for technical consulting in the procurement of CRONIMET Group machines in Europe.
By using the Solmec EXP 5020ZE, approximately 30 tons of CO2 can be saved per year compared to using a diesel-powered machine. The material handler has a 40 kW electric motor with a rotation speed of 2,300 rpm and a maximum rotation torque of 300 Nm. In its rear there are two lead-acid battery packs of 930A at 120V each, which can be exchanged for other batteries if necessary, so that the machine is basically able to work through without major delays. The battery packs are charged at two external chargers, of which each is fitted with a 63A CEE plug system and can thus be connected to conventional power sockets.
An energy recovery system increases the operating time of the Solmec EXP 5020ZE by recovering energy through brake regeneration when the slewing system brakes and storing it in the main battery. Likewise, the machine has a system to support the passive loads of the machine. It consists of the hydraulic cylinders directly connected to a hydropneumatic accumulator that guarantees an additional hydraulic power and speed.
BVG Baumaschinen GmbH from Dachwig in Thuringia, Germany will be the future contact for CRONIMET regarding the Solmec EXP 5020ZE. As the only general importer for Solmec in Germany, BVG has carried out the handover to CRONIMET and will in future take care of all maintenance and service work as well as necessary repairs on the new material handler at CRONIMET Ferroleg. GmbH in Karlsruhe.
