Načrtovanje avtomatiziranih regalnih skladiščnih sistemov z uporabo simulacijskega postopka
The design of automated storage and retrieval systems using a simulation modeling approach

english
slovenian

2004

volume 50, issue 11

Univerza v Ljubljani, Fakulteta za strojništvo

A simulation model of a single and a multi-shuttle automated storage and retrieval systems is presented in this paper. The main object of the presented research was to determine the efficiency of multi-shuttle systems versus single-shuttle systems, which represents the main share and support in the design process of automated storage and retrieval systems. An improvement of the throughput capacity of the transport unit load is possible with the use of multi- versus single-shuttle systems. Single-shuttle systems are frequently used in engineering practice, and they are based on the dual command cycle, while multi-shuttle systems are based on the quadruple and sextuple command cycles. The main problem is how to incorporate an appropriate control policy so that the condition of minimal empty travel of the storage and retrieval machine will be fulfilled. A special heuristics method, "Strategy x", that sequences storage and retrieval requests in order to minimize the average travel time has been used for this purpose. Discrete event simulations were used to evaluate the heuristics performances within multi-shuttle systems. The results of simulation analyses showed significant improvements in the throughput capacity for multi-shuttle systems in comparison with single-shuttle systems.

16.09.2009