Bond Graph Modelling and Energy Flow Analysis of a Reach Stacker

This study focuses on the global energy flow analysis along the three main energy lines of an off-highway vehicle used on port areas called a reach stacker. In order to characterize the energy consumption of the power train and the actuation system, a model of the machine has been established using the bond graph methodology. This language is suitable for representing multi domains energy transfers and allows the determination of the needed energy for an actuator to perform a given task. The simulation results are then compared with measurements carried out on a real reach stacker. Those data help to identify several parameters like friction coefficients and efficiencies. The energy flow analysis also gives detailed information on the main energy losses sources which prefigures coming evolutions.