Acceptance testing of the Fellberg II 6-seater chairlift: ROTEC tests the modern cable car technology in Steinach, Thuringia.
In the Silbersattel ski area on the Fellberg mountain in Thuringia, the new Fellbergbahn II cable car project represents a pioneering project.
The city of Steinach built and operated the facility, while the Doppelmayr Group is responsible for the cable car technology.
ROTEC accompanied the acceptance of the 6-seater chairlift as an independent expert body.
Of particular note is the fact that Germany’s first autonomous mountain station has been implemented in Steinach. The AURO-CLD system, also known as Autonomous Ropeway Operation, is used. This opens up new technical possibilities, but also increases the demands on safety and control.
Structured acceptance procedure
The acceptance of the Fellbergbahn II cable car followed a clearly defined procedure. First, ROTEC experts Dirk Moll and Marcus Liebscher reviewed all relevant planning documents during the construction phase.
Before putting it into operation, they checked all functions of the cable car. These included the stations, the control system, the safety devices, and the machine room.
Meanwhile, they tested the system’s operation under realistic conditions. This allowed them to identify any potential deviations early on. At the same time, ROTEC ensured that all systems were working together as intended.
Rescue exercise as an integral part of the acceptance process
A key part of the acceptance process is the rescue exercise. This exercise was conducted by the experts together with the mountain rescue service.
The process of rescuing a person was realistically simulated. This ensures that in an emergency, all those involved can act quickly, in a coordinated manner, and safely.
The rescue drill is therefore an indispensable part of every acceptance test. It makes a significant contribution to the operational safety of the cable car.
Rope testing with ROPESYS before operational release
Before the official commissioning, the experts also carried out an initial rope test. The ROPESYS rope testing device was used for this purpose.
This technique made it possible to record both the internal and external condition of the new conveyor rope.
This test generates reliable measurement data. At the same time, it serves as a reference for future tests. This increases safety throughout the entire life cycle of the system.
Expert opinion and official approval
After completing all tests, Dirk Moll and Marcus Liebscher prepared a comprehensive report. In it, they documented all the acceptance test results. ROTEC then submitted this report to the relevant authority.
Based on this, the authorities granted approval for the facility. Only then could the Fellbergbahn II cable car officially begin operation.
Future-oriented cable car technology in Thuringia
With the acceptance of the Fellbergbahn II cable car, ROTEC is supporting a project of high technical significance. The combination of an autonomous mountain station, modern cable car technology, and structured acceptance testing demonstrates how cable car systems are evolving.
ROTEC makes a crucial contribution to the safety and reliability of such systems through independent testing, clear processes and sound expertise.
ROTEC – we make ropes safe.
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