Quick recharging for AGVs

In preparation for its Tuas automated mega port, PSA Singapore is utilising Stäubli’s automatic rapid charging solution ‘QCC’ as an automated connection device (ACD) for its 100% battery powered AGVs (automated guided vehicles) at Pasir Panjang Terminal.

With its automated connector for high power charging systems, QCC makes it possible to transfer high levels of power, which ensures fast recharging of energy storage devices such as Li-ion batteries and super capacitors. QCC offers high efficiency and low maintenance requirements. The amount of stored energy required is reduced due to quick recharging stops, which enables the vehicle to better serve its purpose – transport of the weight of goods, not the weight of batteries.

Several hundred kW of charging power allow four to five hours of continuous operation with less than 20 minutes charging time.

QCC system adaptions

In close co-operation with the PSA engineering team the final adaptions on the functionalities of the QCC system have been implemented.

To keep up high availability for the operating AGV fleet, quick battery pack replacement has been implemented to allow battery maintenance to be carried out off-board the AGV. The connection and disconnection to the power supply has to be handled quickly, safely and easily without any human intervention with the support of the Stäubli Multi Connect System (MCS) that combines different energy sources and connects in one single movement as the perfect fit for such automatic and quick operations.

The AGVs at Pasir Panjang Terminal have a carrying capacity of 65t and a cruising speed of 25 km/h. With electrical drive, they are more energy efficient, require less maintenance and have a positive effect on reducing CO2 emissions for port operations.