What is an electric anchor windlass?
The power source of the electric anchor windlass is the electric motor. Through the variable speed small gear transmission of the gearbox, the small gear drives the large gear to rotate the load shaft. There is a sprocket/Gypsy/chain wheel on the load shaft, and the engagement and disengagement of the large gear and the small gear are controlled by the clutch to control the rotation of the sprocket. The electric anchor windlass can be equipped with warping drums/heads as needed. In anchor handling operations, when the clutch is disengaged, the main shaft and warping drum/head rotate while the sprocket does not, which can be used for anchoring cargo and mooring. When the clutch is engaged, the warping drum/head and sprocket rotate simultaneously, which can be used for anchor lifting or deep water anchoring. There is a band brake on the sprocket to brake it and control the speed of chain loosening.
Overview
What is an electric anchor windlass?
The electric anchor windlass can be divided into DC and AC according to its electrical system. The former can implement step-less speed regulation, while the latter is a graded speed regulation. Currently, due to the installation of AC power stations on most ships, many AC anchor machines are used. Small windlass (such as anchor chain diameter below 26mm) usually uses a dual-speed electric motor, which automatically switches from high speed to low speed when overloaded. Larger power anchor machines all use a three-speed electric motor with a speed ratio of 1:2:4, rated at medium speed (load and anchor speed). Usually, when lifting an anchor, high-speed gear is used at the beginning. When the load increases to overload, it automatically switches from high-speed gear to medium-speed gear. After the anchor is unearthed, it can switch to high-speed gear. When the anchor leaves the water surface and retracts into the anchor chain tube, low-speed gear is used.
The advantages of the electric windlass are simple installation and convenient use. However, when a high-power electric anchor is started, it has a significant impact on the power grid. Therefore, when setting up an electric anchor, the capacity of the power station should be considered. When necessary, limit the use of other equipment when using the anchor.
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Images of Electric Anchor Windlass
