AGV Charging Management System with Dynamic Threshold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated guided vehicles, continuous power supply is necessary for battery charging stations, leading to high power consumption during peak times and potential interruptions due to battery voltage fluctuations, especially in assembly production lines where vehicles circulate between picking and assembly stations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a battery charging management system that dynamically adjusts the charging needlessness threshold voltage based on peak and off-peak times, using a charge/discharge monitor and communication system to control charging operations, and employing a DC power supply with a charging control part to manage charging current and voltage, thereby optimizing battery charging and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous power supply is maintained for battery charging station, then charging operations can be performed at any time, but power consumption increases during peak times
Solution Approach 1:
The charging management system dynamically adjusts the charging threshold voltage based on time of day (peak vs off-peak periods). During off-peak periods, the threshold is set higher to encourage charging, while during peak periods, the threshold is lowered to reduce charging demand, thereby adapting system behavior to temporal variations in power availability and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the charging threshold voltage parameter according to time of day. During off-peak hours, a higher threshold (e.g., 25V) is used to maximize charging, while during peak hours, a lower threshold (e.g., 20V) is applied to minimize charging operations, directly modifying the operational parameter to balance reliability and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If battery charging is performed frequently, then battery voltage stability is maintained, but power consumption and operational interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic charging cycles based on time of day, performing more aggressive charging during off-peak periods when power is cheaper and more abundant, and reducing charging frequency during peak periods. This periodic approach maintains voltage stability over time while optimizing the distribution of charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging during off-peak hours before peak demand periods occur, storing energy in the battery when power is abundant and cheap. This advance charging reduces the need for frequent charging during peak times, maintaining voltage stability while minimizing time lost to charging operations during critical periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively suppresses power consumption during peak times by utilizing the battery's storage capacity and minimizing charging operations, while preventing abnormal interruptions by monitoring and managing battery voltage thresholds, thus ensuring continuous vehicle operation and reduced costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the battery's storage capacity
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery charging management system for an automated guided vehicle that travels in an unpiloted manner by using a battery as a driving power source and performs a charging operation for the battery using a battery charger provided in a charging station, comprises a charge/discharge monitoring part that monitors a charge/discharge amount of the battery, a charging needlessness threshold voltage setting part that sets a charging needlessness threshold voltage for the battery, and a charging control part that performs the charging operation for the battery using the battery charger when it is determined that a voltage of the battery of the automated guided vehicle arriving at the charging station is lower than the charging needlessness threshold voltage set by the charging needlessness threshold voltage setting part. The charging needlessness threshold voltage setting part is configured to lower the charging needlessness threshold voltage during a particularly set time period.