Hierarchical route choice control for baggage handling systems

Abstract

Abstract-We propose a hierarchical control framework for state-of-the-art baggage handling systems where the luggage is transported by fast destination coded vehicles (DCVs). In this control framework switch controllers provide position instructions for each switch in the network. A collection of switch controllers is then supervised by a network controller that mainly takes care of the route choice instructions for DCVs. The route choice control problem is problem is a nonlinear, mixed integer optimization problem, with high computational requirements, which makes it intractable in practice. Therefore, we present an alternative approach for reducing the complexity of the computations by approximating the nonlinear optimization problem and rewriting it as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem for which solvers are available that allow us to efficiently compute the global optimal solution. The solution of the MILP problem is then used in computing optimal switch control actions. For a benchmark case study we compare the hierarchical control with centralized switch control. The results indicate that the proposed hierarchical control offers a balanced trade-off between optimality and computational efficiency.

Simulation Model for the Estimation of Energy Consumption of the Baggage Handling System in the Landside Area of the Airport

“…On the other hand, articles have been developed on the day-today management of the system. These are aimed at balancing lanes in terms of performance through the routing of baggage [18][19][20].…”

Generic planning and control of automated material handling systems

“…Furthermore, they develop decentralized control rules for merge and divert switches, where each switch has its own controller. In another study [11], they pay attention to hierarchical control for route choice. To this end, they design a control architecture with three levels of hierarchy: network controller, switch controller, and DCV controller.…”

A generic material flow control model applied in two industrial sectors

“…In Baggage Handling, Tar ˇau et al [27] address hierarchical control for route choice. To this end, they design a control architecture with three levels of hierarchy: network controller, switch controller, and DCV controller.…”

“…In the same study, they examine multi-agent systems, but find them hard to implement due to the extensive communication required between the agents. In general, Tar ˇau et al [26,27] focus on BHSs, and only on routing by controlling switches within BHSs, but they do not consider the storage operation.…”