O.J. Gietelink
De robottrailer: hoe en waarom?
Literature survey,
Report 99.3.TT.5158A, Transport Engineering and Logistics.
In the near future the flow of transport of containers will increase
significantly, especially in between container terminals and distribution
centres. One of the possible concepts for improving this Inter Terminal
Transport is the robot trailer. This vehicle should combine the
characteristics of two other transport systems, now in use for handling
containers. These are the Automatic Guided Vehicle and the Multi Trailer
System. This synergy of functions would result in substantial logistic,
economic and environmental advantages. Therefore the robot trailer can
handle the Inter Terminal Transport in a very cost-effective way, especially
for the medium range. The costs of acquisition and maintenance are primarely
determined by the drive and must be low for the robot trailer to compete
with other transport modalities.
In this report the engines and transmissions are evaluated, most suiting the
requirements of the robot trailer drive. Special interest is devoted to the
mechatronical aspects, such as the system control characteristics. Also the
concepts of power splitting and regenerative braking are discussed. In
conclusion the alternatives for the robot trailer drive are compared and
evaluated by the requirements. A drive incorporating the Infinitely Variable
Transmission, developed by Torotrak Ltd, shows considerable benefits.
Reports on Transport Engineering and Logistics (in Dutch)
Modified: 2007.01.03;
logistics@3mE.tudelft.nl
, TU Delft
/ 3mE
/ TT
/ LT.