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Development AGV type pallet with trajectories registration system by repetitive movements with operating autonomy and energy sustainability

Abstract

The equipment called AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) are presents on industrial processes and logistical procedures. The main difference between them is the application and also the specifications of the products used. The use of pallet trucks in the manufacturing process can bring several advantages, such as elimination of mats pallet carriers, reduction of the physical space dedicated to the transport, cost reduction in the final organization of production line and among others. Compared to conventional methods with human driving, the AGVs present also advantages such as: accuracy and safety in processes, eliminating repetitive strain injuries and reduction operating costs compared to conventional industrial transport processes. However, like any electric equipment requires a power source, depends on battery autonomy and do not present a satisfactory level of energy efficiency. In Brazil, the AGVs have high acquisition prices since there is no companies with local production lines, it is only possible to acquire a unit by making an special order or some of the imported options, increasing cost, time and complexity. Citisystems aims to evaluate the technical feasibility of developing an electric AGV, pallet truck type with low cost, which does not require external navigation software and provides operating autonomy and energy sustainability provided by a recharged battery from a kinetic energy regeneration system from other equipment by the manufacturing process using frequency converters to control electric motors and during braking these movements provide the withdrawal of kinetic energy of the system, by converting in the electricity and dissipating it, usually in the form of heat by electrical resistance. The proposed innovation, points to two important scientific and technical challenges: the AGV orientation guidance without external navigation system, to simplified handling and the regenerated energy stored solution that could make possible to keep the flow of energy to the pallet truck battery through rapid and rhythmic loads, even with the machine in operation, providing autonomy and sustainability in operation. The proposed methodology aims to first identify and implement the most appropriate method to be implemented as the AGV guidance system, using as system characteristics: acquisition low cost and maintenance and ease of use and installation. Vision systems techniques will be the focus of this part of the project in order to generate a trajectories learning system, which will be independent of an external navigation system and that have the capability to assimilate and proper react with route changes to modifications in the workplace. For the energy utilization of process equipment and subsequent charging the AGV's battery, the proposed methodology provides the study of temporary storage techniques, super capacitors, and control electrical current flow to transfer the energy stored in the super capacitor to the AGV battery, in a safe form and acceptable for battery charging standards adopted. This study will be developed a small temporary storage power station, which will also be the AGV supply point, it will automatically move to be supplied in idle times of working. The main results expected of the research will indicate the possibilities of use of learning by repeating systems with the use of AGV coupled to the vision system to ensure the operation and equipment orientation, as well as the physical conception of the controller system and software development used in this system allow the charge change quickly and cadenced between super capacitors to be used in AGV and energy regeneration system. (AU)

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VEICULO: TITULO (DATA)
VEICULO: TITULO (DATA)