The T-wire system combines a flexible electrical cable with a current collector trolley that travels along it, supplying electrical power to equipment that needs power while moving.
The cable defines the route
The power line follows the planned operating route. Its multicore design enables a supply configuration suited to the equipment.
The trolley collects power
The trolley travels along the cable. Its collection components engage with the conductive parts of the cable, moving the power collection point along the line.
Equipment operates in motion
A connection between the trolley and the equipment transfers electrical power to the load. The equipment does not have to remain directly beneath the line; the connection geometry is tailored to the application.
Operating principle animation
The cable cross-section, power collection and interaction of system components. Technical animation without audio · 2 min 24 sec.
Three-phase power in motion
T-wire is also being developed to supply three-phase alternating current to moving equipment. A multicore cable and a matching current collector trolley provide a connection for three-phase equipment and drives.
The concept covers single-phase and three-phase configurations. The number of conductors, voltage, current and protection arrangements are selected for the equipment and operating conditions. Target installation parameters require validation through testing.
A flexible cable without tensioning
The T-wire cable does not require tensioning like a conventional contact wire. The flexible line can follow the equipment route without a conventional tensioning arrangement.
Mounting, support spacing and route geometry remain part of the installation design. Removing the need to tension the cable does not remove the requirements for supporting and guiding it.
A fully insulated cable — safety by design
The system is based on a fully insulated cable designed to shield conductive parts and reduce accidental contact with them. Power is collected through the dedicated trolley mechanism.
Safety of the complete installation also depends on suitable electrical protection, control systems, communication safeguards and component condition monitoring. It must be verified for the specific configuration and operating environment; insulation alone does not replace these measures.
A route that can form a network
The system includes planned components for connecting cable sections into a wider power network. Their geometry and control are tailored to trolley movements and operating requirements.
Crossings
Allow power lines to intersect and trolleys to pass through the crossing point. The design requires coordination of movement, mechanical guidance and electrical connections.
Turnouts
Direct a trolley onto a selected branch of the network. A controlled route component changes the guidance path to suit the equipment’s task.
Sidings
An additional section connected to the main line can provide space for trolleys to pass, wait, park or undergo servicing. Sidings and turnouts enable coordinated movement of multiple loads.
Functional diagrams — they do not show mechanical construction or phase connections.
The completed model and achieved TRL 5 relate to the core T-wire technology. Network configurations, transitions through route components and protective systems require further testing and integration in a complete demonstration installation.
Let’s configure the system for your route
Tell us about the equipment, power supply, route length and layout, and operating environment. These details provide a starting point for discussing a T-wire configuration.
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