Intelligent supply of autonomous vehicles with electrical energy

In principle, batteries are one way of supplying autonomous vehicles with energy. However, they are relatively expensive and heavy. They also have to be charged or replaced manually. An attractive alternative could be an automatic charging process in defined areas by automatically contacting the vehicle with a charging contact.

Conductor rail MultiLine 0831

Conductix-Wampfler charging contacts have proven themselves in practice many times over for the automatic recharging of electric vehicles. Charging can also take place at waiting positions in the process sequence. This means that downtimes can be used sensibly. In most cases, direct charging is made possible by a stationary charger with which the vehicle automatically makes contact in a predefined area. This reduces the weight of the vehicle and thus saves energy. A direct voltage of 24 or 48 volts is transmitted. However, signals or data (e.g. CAN bus) can also be exchanged between the vehicle and the charging station via optional pilot contacts.

Modular design enables flexibility

Conductix-Wampfler charging contacts for shuttles and AGVs

The modular design of current collectors and the base plate of the solutions developed by Conductix-Wampfler makes it possible to cover different charging currents from 20 to 600 amperes as well as mechanical tolerances at low cost. This means that even supercaps or larger lithium-ion batteries with higher charging currents can be charged reliably and safely. The extremely compact installation space is in line with the trend that the autonomous vehicles or service robots to be supplied are becoming ever smaller, faster and lighter.

As reliable contacting and a long service life are of fundamental importance to the operator of a system, the Conductix-Wampfler charging contacts have a metal ramp. This ensures that the current collector does not come into contact with the plastic insulation when driving up the side. This reduces abrasion and wear. It also prevents plastic particles from impairing current and signal transmission - especially at low voltages.

Conductor rail and charger for satellites in pallet warehouse

In pallet warehouses, shuttles can be supplied via the proven MultiLine 0831 conductor rail from Conductix-Wampfler; satellites are recharged via 20 A charging contacts from Conductix-Wampfler.

Conductix-Wampfler's loading contacts are used in robot-based pallet storage systems with high storage densities, for example in the beverage industry. The pallet shuttles are supplied via the MultiLine 0831 conductor rail from Conductix-Wampfler. The pallets are picked up by satellites and can therefore be stored several deep - with a high throughput at the same time. The satellite is always recharged via a 20 A charging contact from Conductix-Wampfler when it has docked on the shuttle - its "mother ship", so to speak - regardless of whether it is loaded with a pallet or on an empty run.

Simon Dülffer

About Conductix-Wampfler

With its own companies and a number of partner companies, the Delachaux Group is represented in many industrialized countries. Conductix-Wampfler's core competence lies in the development, production, consulting and installation of solutions that provide answers to all questions relating to energy and data transmission for mobile consumers. Its customers include crane construction companies, manufacturers of personnel transportation systems, suppliers of storage and conveyor technology, the automotive industry and mechanical engineering companies. The company unites all the technologies commonly used today for energy and data transmission, such as festoon systems, conductor rails, energy guiding chains, spring cable reels, motorized cable reels, slip ring assemblies and non-contact energy supply systems, under one roof.