Delft University of Technology
Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering Transport Technology
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)
