This Master's thesis focuses on an automated logistics system intended for the transportation of wooden pallets loaded with material. The system is divided into a ground floor and a storey. The ground floor is used for receiving the pallets into the warehouse and their dispatching out of it, while the storey is used for the transportation of pallets from the warehouse to the production lines, and from the production lines back to the warehouse.
The system comprises multiple transport lines used for the transportation of pallets from their starting location to their final location. The lines include chain-driven and roller conveyors, turn and lifting tables, and pallet aligners. Pallets are moved by independent automated transverse trolleys, while three automated lift stackers carry them from and to the warehouse and stack them on the transport lines. Each pallet within the system is identified by a unique bar code, and prior to its entry into the system its dimensions are also automatically checked, as they are an important piece of information used in the continuation of their transportation.
Two SIMATIC S7-1516F programmable logic controllers are in charge of monitoring, processing and calculating the transport system data, while the same task on mobile units is executed by SIMOTION D425 controllers. The automated transportation system is monitored and controlled through mobile touch screen operating panels.
The thesis presents the design of the electrical part of the project, which includes the realization of the electrical plan, as well as the design of the user interface developed in the TIA Portal program.
The automated logistic system is a great advantage for the company. It enables faster and more accurate transportation and warehousing, thus enhancing the productivity. The results obtained in this thesis confirmed that the system is reliable and can be successfully used in everyday automated processing.
|
