The German gear and transmission powerhouse and global market leader held its five-yearly symposium at Augsburg headquarters on 10-11 May. Part of the MAN Group, RENK used the occasion and venue to showcase not only its latest €55 million state-of-the-art production and test facility, but also as the platform to present to its customers and other stakeholders, the advances that have been made in its product range.
Titled “Propulsion Experts Meet at RENK” this year’s theme was “Innovative Trends in Marine Drive Trains” with nearly two hundred participants from twenty-nine countries located around the world. They heard selected speakers give lectures on a variety of relevant subjects, who then fielded questions afterwards.
Among high-profile topics covered were the USA’s Littoral Combat Ship program, the Italian Navy’s newbuilding strategy and Lürssen Yacht’s experience building megayachts – most noticeably the world’s largest: AZZAM. An outline of the Columbian Navy and its vessel procurement up to 2030 added an exotic touch.
Of particular interest to the large VIP section was the RENK AED© which stands for Advanced Electric Drive. This manages to combine high-speed electric motors with a reduction gear unit and is an attracttive alternative to direct-drive electric systems due its compact volume, lighter weight and quieter noise operational levels.
The testing section is the largest and most advanced of its type in Europe and though officially opened at the start of this year, it is so sophisticated that the final finishing touches were still being done to some parts as the organizers pointed out. However when it is commissioned soon, the multifunctional facility will be able to test prototypes or special equipment be they for the shipbuilding, automobile or industrial customers.
It is so large and comprehensive, the array of hi-tech hardware and software is available for external propulsion systems or components producers to perform their own test in addition to those carried out by RENK on its products.
Test Bed Manager Christian Bechtel explains “The unique characteristic of this multifunctional facility is that we literally have a lot to offer in the four assets of oil, water, electrics and perfect mechanics. All of these features benefit our customers when they thoroughly test their propulsion systems and components before installing them. It is one of the few worldwide to allow customers to personally experience testing in close proximity while protected from potential hazards.”
