Sun worshipper

The Spanish company Idom, which was in charge of building the moving dome structure of the telescope, chose to use drag chains from Kabelschlepp Metool.

The remarkable features of this application are not only the dimensions and rotations which have to support the drag chains. Due to the unusual location of the telescope on a volcano at an altitude of 3,000m, maximum operating reliability with minimum maintenance effort also had to be ensured.

The task was to implement the entire project from the first design draft to final commissioning onsite. Important requirements such as simple installation, suitable transport dimensions and easy-maintenance functions were already taken into account during the design of the individual components and assemblies.

To ensure reliable energy supply to the individual consuming units, two separate drag chain systems are used in the gigantic telescope: two steel drag chains cover the vertical axis (azimuth) with a 420° angle of rotation. Another drag chain system with several individual carriers supplies the revolving sun-blocking panels in the roof area along the horizontal axis (altitude) with energy, data and coolant. The angle of rotation here is approximately 105°.

Steel drag chains with individual aluminium stays ensure optimum guidance for the large, heavy hoses and power cables. In addition, steel drag chains are not affected by the wildly fluctuating temperatures in this environment, providing maximum service life and reliable functionality.

Tsubaki Kabelschlepp installed the entire azimuth system in Germany in advance and subjected it to comprehensive testing. The experts pre-assembled all components and coordinated transport planning to make shipping to Hawaii and the subsequent installation process as efficient as possible.

All drag chains were installed on site by local specialist contractors under Tsubaki Kabelschlepp’s supervision. After joint acceptance by the project partners, the solution is now ready for operation – the solar telescope on Hawaii is scheduled to start operation in 2019.

Kabelschlepp Metool www.kabelschlepp.co.uk