Project Number:
00-16
Research Project:
Design and Optimization of a Conceptual Automated Yard Using Overhead Grid Rail System
P.I. Name & Address:
Elias Kosmatopoulos
Center For Advanced Transportation Technologies
Dept. of Electrical Engineering - Systems
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2562
Tel: (213) 740-4473
Fax: (213) 740-4418
Email: ikosmato@rcf.usc.edu
Project Objective:
The objective of this proposal is the design and optimization of a conceptual automated container yard which is equipped with overhead Grid RAIL (GRAIL) units for handling the containers. The proposed research will perform productivity analysis of such an automated container yard concept and will come up with techniques for optimizing the total yard productivity.
Project Abstract:
Booming world trade, scarcity of land for yard expansion in many ports, and deployment of new massive megaships have magnified the need for finding better ways of performing container terminal operations. High-density, automated container terminals are currently considered as a candidate to improve the performance of container terminals. The overhead Grid RAIL (GRAIL) system is such a candidate, offering the advantages of high storage density, fast loading/unloading, flexibility and reliability and no interference between manual and automated operations. Moreover, contrary to other automated container concepts, the simplicity of GRAIL operations makes it possible to develop optimal or nearly optimal dispatching algorithms.
The purpose of this study is the design and optimization of an automated container yard which is equipped with a GRAIL system (consisting by a number of GRAIL units) for storage and retrieval of containers in the yard. Algorithms will be developed for the optimal choice of the GRAIL system parameters (number of GRAIL units and number of shuttles) as well as for the optimal dispatching schedules.
Task Descriptions:
1. Development of a software package for simulating GRAIL System operations
2. Solution to subproblem 1
3. Solution to subproblem 2
4. Simulation studies
Milestones, Dates:
Final report by 7/31/01
Yearly Budget:
$19,821
Total Budget:
$19,821
Student Involvement:
1 Graduate Research Assistant, 9 months @ 25% Effort
Relationship to Other Research Projects:
Part of goods movement and international trade focus area
Project is coordinated with 99-14, 99-20 and 99-23, all of which address port technology.
Technology Transfer Activities:
Project report will be posted on METRANS website and distributed to industry.
Potential Benefits of the Project:
Reduced delays in ports
Economic development of ports
TRB Keywords:
Intermodal Terminals, Container Handling, Shipment of Goods
Primary Subject:
Intermodal Facilities - Design and Constriction Principles and Technologies specifically relevant to modal connection points
Goals:
Economic Growth and Trade
Enabling Research:
Computer, Information and Communication, Tools for Modeling and Design
Modal Orientation:
Maritime
