To simulate a mining truck-shovel operation using SimEvents in MATLAB, you'll model trucks cycling between an excavator (for loading) and a crusher (for unloading). Here's a brief overview of how to set up this simulation:Components:
- Entity Generator: Creates truck entities periodically. You can define attributes like the number of trucks and their capacity.
- Excavator (Server): Models the loading process. Trucks receive ore material here. Include a queue if trucks might wait.
- Crusher (Server): Models the unloading process. After unloading, trucks need to return to the excavator. Include a queue for waiting trucks, if necessary.
- Loop Mechanism: To cycle trucks between the excavator and crusher. After unloading, trucks are routed back to the excavator.
Steps:
- Generate Trucks: Use the Entity Generator to create trucks with specified attributes.
- Load at Excavator: Trucks go to the Excavator Server where they're loaded. A Queue manages waiting trucks.
- Unload at Crusher: Trucks move to the Crusher Server to unload. Use a Queue for any waiting.
- Return to Excavator: After unloading, trucks are routed back to the excavator to repeat the cycle. This can be done using the "Signal-Based Entity Routing" block to direct trucks back to the start of the process.
Implementation Notes:
- Routing Trucks: Use routing blocks like "Signal-Based Entity Routing" or "Entity Switch" to manage the flow of trucks between the excavator, crusher, and back.
- Shift Duration: Incorporate a mechanism, such as an "Event-Based Timer," to simulate the shift duration and control the simulation's start and end.
This setup allows you to simulate the essential operations of a mining truck-shovel system, focusing on the cyclical movement of trucks between loading and unloading points.
