216. Optimal Locations for Switching Between Conventional and Automated Tractors: Placing Transfer Hubs for Electrified Road Freight Logistics
Invited abstract in session TD-1: Hub location and service network design, stream Mobility, Transportation, and Traffic.
Thursday, 14:30-16:00Room: Audimax
Authors (first author is the speaker)
| 1. | Fabian Bussieweke
|
| Technical University of Munich | |
| 2. | Tobias Herbst
|
| Technical University of Munich | |
| 3. | Markus Lienkamp
|
| Technical University of Munich |
Abstract
In transportation and logistics, hub-and-spoke structures are commonly used to enhance system efficiency through capacity sharing. For full-truckload logistics, a hub structure can be advantageous since it facilitates the early adoption of autonomous driving technologies in road freight logistics. Driverless operation of trucks (SAE level 4) on highways is close to market readiness, allowing the automation of monotonous highway segments while leaving complex urban legs for human operators. With this approach, the current driver shortage in long-haul transportation can be addressed. This transfer hub system requires hubs near the highways where trailers can be exchanged between conventional and automated tractors.
When combining automation with the ongoing electrification of the logistics sector, hubs are an ideal choice for placing charging infrastructure. Since grid connection power is a major cost driver of charging infrastructure, the number and location of these hubs plays a pivotal role for the efficiency of the system.
To determine optimal hub locations for the transfer hub system, a mixed integer linear program formulation of the multiple allocation hub location problem is proposed. This formulation includes constraints regarding allowed detours, truck range, and grid connection at the locations. With the objective to find economically optimal hub locations, the problem is solved for Germany as a case study based on traffic flow data. To evaluate the effectiveness of the model, a comparison with the planned charging infrastructure locations for long-haul trucking (“Deutschlandnetz”) is carried out. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis for different battery capacities is conducted.
Keywords
- Logistics
- Mixed-Integer Programming
- Transportation
Status: accepted
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