From rotation to fun: e-chain circular module in the PowerSplash water ride

Load cable, signal cable and pneumatic hose safely routed in the turnout

The "Power Splash" launch coaster races through the water at 100 km/h and a drop height of 45 metres at the Walibi theme park in Belgium. To ensure that the passengers can get on and off safely, the developers of the water ride from Mack Rides installed a rotary switch, which placed special demands on the energy supply. igus® provided the right solution with a rotary module.

Mack Rides Pulsar coaster at Walibi Belgium with riders in a fast turn.

What was needed: Guiding device for the load cable, signal cable and pneumatic hose under the turnout
Requirements: Movement of the cable by +/- 180 degrees, suitable for high loads, long service life, minimum installation and maintenance effort
Industry: Amusement rides
Success for the customer: A modular igus® rotating energy supply, consisting of two vertical e-chains® and a guide device, moves the many cables reliably in both directions. The system is robust and space-saving, is designed by our engineering specialists, delivered ready for connection and installed by us on request.

Problem

The designers at Mack Rides have equipped the PowerSplash with a turnout as a station element between the station building and the roller coaster area. Passengers can comfortably board and alight via this, while the next boat starts its journey on the actual rail on the other side. A suitable energy supply was needed for the many load cables, signal cables and pneumatic hoses. It must be able to rotate the cable 180° in both directions. The rotating platform has a diameter of 12.4 metres, is 4.9 metres high and, together with the two boats, weighs an impressive 40 to 59 tonnes.

Solution

The engineering team at igus® provided the perfect solution: a modular rotary energy supply system consisting of a double energy chain in a guide rail, positioned on its side. It ensures that the pivoting movement and movements of the disc are implemented and that the cable is guided safely and without damage. Specially shaped chain supports can be used to compensate for height offsets that occur during operation. To save time, costs and effort, the designers of the Power Splash opted for a pre-assembled readychain® system, which our engineering team installed directly under the turntable.

Ready-to-connect energy chain systems such as the rotary module are designed, assembled, installed and tested at igus® in Cologne - so the customer receives a system with a guarantee from a single source.

Roller coaster with a blue track beside the water at the amusement park.

The PowerSplash is a launch coaster in which the boat is propelled forwards and backwards with over 2000 hp until it reaches a drop height of 45 metres and 100 km/h.

Rear view of a blue Mack Rides ride with red seats, likely a water attraction.

A turnout serves as a station element. While the passengers on one boat change, the second boat turns into the actual rollercoaster track.

Mechanical assembly for an amusement ride with a blue guide rail and cable carrier.

Mounted compactly under the rotary platform: a rotary module with two energy chains from igus® provides reliable guidance for the many cables and hoses.