FEATURE Automated Warehousing
Driving innovation on the warehouse fl oor
Wayne Turtill, Product Manager – Drives, Servos and LVS at Mitsubishi Electric, explains what to look for when selecting variable speed drives for futureproof stacker cranes
T
o improve throughput and space utilisation, warehouses use stacker cranes for the automated retrieval and storage of goods. While operating at high speed, these devices eff ectively locate, pick, transport and unload cargo. Variable speed drives (VSDs) play a key role in determining their correct and eff ective operations. The fi rst features that businesses should look for when specifying VSDs for stacker cranes is accuracy and repeatability. These are achieved by diff erent types of control that work together to precisely position loading platforms, forks and trolleys.
Position awareness
Using a variable speed drive that allows users to create operation patterns based on key parameters, such as frequency as well as s-curve acceleration and deceleration time, is a good starting point to deliver advanced position accuracy. Moreover, a drive that can support closed-loop and dual feedback control via encoders as well as laser sensors, can enhance both tracking and spatial accuracy. Stacker cranes with VSDs that incorporate these controls can shorten the time required to get to a defi ned location and avoid unnecessary adjustments to fi ne-tune their positioning. Another key function that can help
warehouses realise high-speed and accurate operations is anti-sway control, which minimises swinging once the stacker crane has reached its destination. In eff ect, since the device remains stable, loading and unloading can occur quickly while positional accuracy is improved. By choosing a VSD that can
interpret laser distance measurements, stacker cranes can also adapt to their environments and operational changes. For example, obstacles between the crane and the laser refl ector can be detected, with an advanced VSD able to fl ag the anomaly and initiate an emergency stop. Additional sensor-based functionalities that can contribute to system safety include detection of crane overspeed,
10 May 2021 | Automation
position deviation or close proximity to the refl ector.
Small yet mighty and smart While delivering next-level performance is essential for VSDs in stacker crane applications, their overall footprint also needs to be kept to a minimum. Maximising storage space in warehouses is a must and therefore compact drives that can control multiple motors simultaneously are preferred. They can also help minimise capital expenditure while enhancing the overall synchronicity of the system. A further aspect that needs to be considered when specifying VSDs is the ease of installation and use. Mitsubishi Electric’s FR-A800 AWH, for instance, was specifi cally developed to provide a turnkey system for automated warehouse applications.
The drive contains dedicated algorithms
and programs for stacker cranes, so that end users simply need to insert the key variables and parameters that apply to their intended system. Based on this input, the VSD will then determine the best process automatically and adjust the settings accordingly. For example, users can benefi t from the VSD’s automatic creation of operation patterns without the need to spend time developing specifi c controller codes. As a result, businesses can streamline drive installation as well as modifi cations to support changes in the application. In eff ect, setup times can be cut from days to only a few hours. The FR-A800 Plus also supports secure
remote monitoring via a free app for laptops and mobile devices, fast-tracking troubleshooting and maintenance activities. Finally, the innovative drive was designed with a durable substrate coating and conductive plates to off er a rugged solution that prevents dust from entering its circuits. This maximises the VSD service life and resistance to warehouse environmental conditions. This state-of-the-art VSD can help
warehouses benefi t from accurate, repeatable and easy-to-use stacker crane systems, which can address current and future challenges in the sector by off ering advanced capabilities that contribute to the overall competitiveness of a business.
gb3a.mitsubishielectric.com CONTACT:
Mitsubishi Electric
automationmagazine.co.uk
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