Travel time analysis and dimension optimisation design of double-ended compact storage system

Abstract

Considering the storage increasing demand of ‘multi-variety, small-batch' characteristic goods, we developed a new type of compact warehouse a three-dimensional double-ended compact storage system. Compared with the traditional three-dimensional automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) and existing three-dimensional compact AS/RS model, the storage system we designed exhibits excellent characteristics such as high density, high throughput efficiency, and more flexible configuration. There are three key points in our work listed as follows. Firstly, we establish the continuous travel time model under specific operating conditions in this new three-dimensional compact warehouse. Secondly, the three-dimensional size of the storage rack is optimised. The optimal three-dimensional proportion of the storage rack is obtained based on the model’s optimal solution. Finally, numerical examples are given to analyse the influence of the I/O port layouts and related parameters on the system throughput efficiency. According to the optimisation results of the system model, a more reasonable rack dimension can be designed, which can provide an effective reference for the construction of a three-dimensional double-ended compact warehouse.