Background to the modernization of chanrossa detachable chairlift

Built in 1994, the Chanrossa detachable chairlift in Courchevel is a key facility for the ski area. After 30 years in operation, the equipment needed to be modernized to guarantee its reliability and the long-term availability of strategic parts. The main problem was the obsolescence of certain spare parts.

In order to keep the cost of operating the new electrical cabinet under control, the decision was made to opt for a retrofit solution, enabling the company to retain some existing equipment while integrating modern, high-performance devices. Our mission: to renovate the installation before it goes into operation for the winter period.

Our technical Scope in industrial automation and electricity

The project mobilized our teams to provide a complete service in industrial electricity and industrial automation:

• Electrical studies:
  • Input and creation of a new electrical diagram integrating the replaced equipment, as well as the existing elements retained.
• Automation studies :
  • Complete rewriting of functional and safety software in accordance with the Software Quality Plan, guaranteeing a service that complies with the most demanding standards.
• Replacement of certain equipment
  • Installation of SIEMENS S7-1500F safety PLCs, with a three-level architecture:
    • Normal operation: operation in nominal mode.
    • Emergency mode: control via a dedicated PLC and an emergency motor, ensuring ergonomics and ease of use.
    • Ultimate mode: relay control, guaranteeing minimum availability in the event of a major failure.
  • Modification of electrical cabinets and rewiring on site after removal of old equipment.
  • Integration of a new drive to control a DC motor.
• Installation and additional equipment:
  • Installation of a video surveillance system enabling each station to be supervised from the other.
  • Supply and parameterization of two operating radio controls, facilitating control of the installation from outside the control room and the boarding and alighting areas.
• On-site commissioning:
  • Checking connections, testing safety functions, functional tests and load tests.
• Close collaboration with the prime contractor to validate each stage, followed by official acceptance by the relevant authorities (STRMTG).

Conclusion to this sucessful retrofit

This retrofit project extended the service life of the Chanrossa chairlift, while improving its reliability and ergonomics. Despite the tight schedule, our teams rose to the challenge thanks to their expertise and adaptability. Our warmest thanks go to our customer S3V for his confidence, and to all the partners involved in the success of this project.

Highlight of the Chanrossa detachable chairlift modernization project

• Adaptability and expertise: an ergonomic, cost-effective retrofit solution.
• Short deadlines: project carried out under demanding conditions to meet the tight schedule.
• State-of-the-art technologies :
  • SIEMENS S7-1500F safety PLCs.
  • Three operating modes to optimize management of operations and evacuations: normal, emergency, relay.

Thanks to this modernization, the Chanrossa detachable chairlift is now ready to welcome skiers in complete safety for many seasons to come.

TO FIND OUT MORE

To find out more about our achievements and our skills, we invite you to read several articles on our website.

Mountain market: https://www.iesa-group.com/en/markets/ropeways/

Improving HMI views, particularly for mountain operators: https://www.iesa-group.com/en/technological-focus-iesa-innovates-to-improve-its-customers-hmis/

Our RM Eco Energie software platform: https://www.iesa-group.com/en/save-money-with-rm-eco-energies/

Our immersive eco-driving awareness tool: https://www.iesa-group.com/en/virtual-reality-at-the-service-of-eco-driving/