Container-Handling Vehicle Power Control Under Limited Grid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in managing power consumption, particularly during periods of lower power availability, which can lead to overloading of the power supply and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a power monitoring device to track available power and communicate signals to a control system, which adjusts the operation of container-handling vehicles and charging stations to reduce power consumption during periods of lower power availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the automated storage and retrieval system operates at full capacity, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases leading to power supply overload
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of container-handling vehicles and charging stations based on real-time power availability signals. When power availability drops below threshold levels, the control system modifies vehicle operations and charging station functionality to reduce power consumption, thereby preventing power supply overload while maintaining optimal productivity when power is abundant
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes operational parameters of container-handling vehicles and charging stations in response to power availability conditions. By modifying operation modes based on power threshold signals, the system adapts power consumption levels to match available power supply capacity
2Power
If the power supply capacity is increased to handle peak demand, then power availability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A power monitoring device continuously monitors power availability and communicates threshold-exceedance signals to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt its power consumption in real-time, eliminating the need for oversized power supply infrastructure that would be required to handle peak demand without dynamic adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The automated storage and retrieval system self-regulates its power consumption by responding to power availability signals. The control system automatically modifies vehicle and charging station operations when power thresholds are exceeded, enabling the system to serve itself during power constraints without external intervention or expensive infrastructure upgrades
Data Source
AI summary
Power management system for a container-handling vehicle, with a rechargeable power source, for handling storage containers in an automated storage/retrieval system includes a charging station for recharging the rechargeable power source of the container-handling vehicle, a power supply for delivering power to the storage system, a power monitoring device coupled to the power supply, and a control system for controlling the operation of the automated storage/retrieval system. The power monitoring device monitors available power from the power source entering the automated storage/retrieval system and communicate a signal to the control system indicative of the available power. The control system is responsive to that signal and manages power consumption through modifying the operation of the container-handling vehicle and/or the charging station to reduce power consumption of the respective container-handling vehicle and/or the charging station in the event that the signal indicates that the available power has dropped below a threshold level.