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Case study: Autonomous warehouse robot

High efficiency converters help maximize run-time

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Customer’s challenge

Recent improvements in sensors and software allow autonomous robots to identify and avoid human workers or other obstacles and to travel to their destination by the shortest route, rather than being limited to defined robot pathways. These nimble robots are required to carry parts or finished goods 24/7 as a key contributor to the SMART factory, providing faster delivery and lower costs. This manufacturer of robots was looking to maximize time between recharges without impacting other performance factors. The key goals were:

  • Maximize range between charges by reducing conversion losses
  • Free up space for larger batteries and sensors by reducing size and weight
inspection UAV image

The Vicor solution

The power for the robot came from a 48V battery stack, which powered the motor drive directly. The power supply was required to convert the battery input to three rails of 6V and one of 12V to power the sensors, navigation interfaces and CPU. The solution was based on four arrays of Vicor PRM and VTM converters, one array for each output. Key benefits were:

Key benefits

Key benefits

High-power density to enable smaller form factor and lower weight

Small footprint, low profile (6.7mm)

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Lowest losses achieved by high efficiency conversion (>92.7%)

Lightweight

Lightweight

電力供給ネットワーク(PDN)

Four PRM/VTM converter combinations provided the isolation and regulation for each output. The ability to parallel converters accommodated the output powers required (6V at 60W and 12V at 600W). Output rail power sequencing was easily achieved though configuration of the PRMs. To analyze this power chain go to the Vicor Whiteboard online tool.

Learn more about the modular approach power.

Vicor power delivery network for autonomous warehouse robots

PRM 昇降圧レギュレータ


非絶縁 レギュレータ


入力電圧: 48V (36 – 75V)


出力電圧: 48V (5 – 55V)


出力電流: 最大600W


ピーク効率: 最大98%


22.0 x 16.5 x 6.73mm 他


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VTM カレントマルチプライヤ


絶縁 電圧変換比固定


入力電圧: 0 – 60V


出力電圧: 0 – 55V


出力電流: 最大115A


ピーク効率: 最大97%


22.83 x 8.52 x 4.9mm 他


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